Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Jul 05, 2008 06:46pm | #1

   The Incra jig isn't a dovetail jig per se; it's a general purpose jig that can be used to make dovetails, among other things. Assuming you have a Leigh jig (at least, that's what I get from reading between the lines in from your message), I wouldn't try to use anything other than the sizes "approved" by Leigh (they're listed in the manual)--there's just too much opportunity for things going wrong.

   -Steve

1. 
   waljay | Jul 05, 2008 07:27pm | #2

   Steve:  No, I do not have the Leigh jig.  I just saw an opportunity to buy a set of bits for a dovetail jig and ordered them without researching.  I'd like to buy the Leigh because in all the evaluations, that seems to be the best on out there.  Thanks for your response.

1. 
   [email protected] | Jul 06, 2008 12:10am | #3

   Look into a Woodrat, or "Router Boss".  The rat has been around for years, and the "Boss" is based on the same principles.  Both are fixtures to control the motion of the cutter in three axis, (like a CNC machine), manually, and are extremely versatile in making joints. 

1. 
   daverichards | Jul 10, 2008 06:48pm | #6

   Further to Jigs-n-fixtures comments, the WoodRat and RouterBoss aren't restricted to a single dovetail bit angle since there's no template to follow. The angle of the bit is transfered to the guides for the router so the angle can be anything. You could, if so inclined have custom bits made and pick the angle you like.

   The RouterBoss is slated to be released later this summer or in the early fall. I'm looking forward to seeing it and comparing it to my Rat.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Jul 10, 2008 04:56pm | #4

   My impression is that bit sizes are fairly standard with respect to cut diameter, so your Freud bits are probably OK for most jigs and standard-sized stock. The major difference in jigs is spacing - whether the jig provides fixed spacing (as with the Porter Cable and various others), or is adjustable (Leigh). The guide collet may also vary between jigs, because of the mechanical design of the jig and the dimensions used on the template or guide fingers.

   I think it's helpful to have an overall design strategy in mind when selecting a jig, and then select the appropriate jig accordingly. For example, if I'm making a piece in which variable dovetail spacing is an important design feature, a variable-spaced jig or hand-cut dovetails would be appropriate. For "production" work, such as drawers, quick setup and fixed templates may be a better option. Even with fixed-spacing jigs, you can have some variation by skipping cuts in the desired pattern.

3. 
   dkellernc | Jul 10, 2008 05:08pm | #5

   I have an Incra system.  It's quite a nice set-up that allows you to cut dovetails, finger joints, and just about any other router operation off of measurement templates.

   The Incra "system" is a t-fence set-up that goes on a router table.  The base of the "T" is a linear positioning rack that allows the insertion of plastic, printed templates that have positioning marks on them, and the top of the "T" is the router table fence.  There are about 40 of these templates included with the fence, and in use you just center the successive marks under the cursor to position the through or half-blind dovetail cuts on the workpiece.  It also comes with a standard rule, and once set-up, allows you to precisely position the router fence a certain distance from the center point of the cutter.

   Bottom line is that the Leigh jig will allow faster dovetailing because its dedicated to that task (and potentially, allow you to use larger pieces since you must be able to get the boards onto the router table with the Incra system).  It doesn't, however, have the versatility of the Incra system, which is a general tool with dovetailing as one of the sub-sets.  The Incra system requires a router table (if you don't already have one of these, buy the Incra first, then build the table, since the Incra T-fence must fit onto the table).

   If you already have a router table (or are going to build one anyway), the Incra is cheaper than the Leigh or Porter Cable dovetailing jigs, though potentially limiting if you're going to be doing a lot of large, dove-tailed case work.