Replies

1. 
   philip_r | Jan 27, 2009 01:02am | #1

   Search the forum as there have been hundreds of posts on the pros/cons of these jigs.

   I have and like the Leigh... but there are others that can accomplish the same task. 

   If you have money to burn or have some reason to cut a bunch of DT's - buy a jig.  If you want to improve your WW skills and aren't getting paid by the hour - cut them by hand.

   youtube and gluetube have a bunch of free vids that walk you through the process.

   Oh, and FWW did a review a few years back.  As I recall, I think the Leigh was the best overall.

1. 
   loghacker | Jan 27, 2009 04:20am | #2

   Thanks. After  sent the request I realized that there were probably messages already posted that answered my question. I reviewed them and found them helpful. I agree that cutting them by hand is the best way to go if I have limited funds and only a few to cut.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 27, 2009 04:45am | #3

   Dovetail jigs seem to be the topic du jour right now.  The first one to start the trend birthed a huge kerfuffle over hand-cut v power. 

   Lostcreek, founder of the "kerfuffle thread" that got kinda crazy, ended up buying a Gifkins jig.  For your entertainment, click here, stick it out 'til the end and you'll some actually useful information. ;-)

   Click here for the thread on small DT jigs.

   Here's one on the PC 4200

   There are others of course.  Happy searching.

    forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   bones | Jan 27, 2009 05:30pm | #4

   I will vote for the one I have (obviously) the Leigh D4r.

   • It's easy
   • Manual is great
   • Web site have videos
   • Variable width DT's
   • other joints i.e. Isoloc (I'm going to do those I swear!)
   • Resale (I looked on E-bay for a long time and they go for close to retail)
   • Finally I used my 10% birthday discount with woodcraft!

   Their's my reasons! 

    

    

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   TomT226 | Jan 29, 2009 08:53pm | #9

   Hey, I tried to use my 10% BD discount, and they told me that I couldn't use it for Leigh jigs, or any other pricey equipment. Says it right there on the card.

   I'm puckered... 

1. 
   bones | Jan 29, 2009 09:19pm | #10

   In the store or on the phone!   When I called to order I asked the girl on the phone and it said no corded power tools.  I said well its not powered and she said ok!  If they say specifically now no to leigh maybe thats because of me. Sorry!Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

1. 
   TomT226 | Jan 30, 2009 02:50am | #11

   Says "Power Tools, FESTOOL, LEIGH Jigs, SawStop, Steel City, and gift certificates."

   You owe me $22.00... ;-) 

1. 
   bones | Jan 30, 2009 02:59am | #12

   Sorry abou that. I guess I'll have to use one of those lines my dad would use on me when I was a boy.  "charge it to the dust and let the rain settle it".  Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

3. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 27, 2009 06:20pm | #5

   As has been mentioned, there are numerous discussions about DT jigs. But, what are Web forums for, if not for rehashing subjects? ;-)

   For many, I think, the Leigh jigs have held the status of the almost-holy grail, DT jig-wise. (Ah, to have that much to spend on a DT jig!)

   Yesterday found me at Woodworker's Supply in Albuquerque, looking for some grain filler with a friend. While there, I got to meet the new Porter Cable OmniJig in person. The Leigh D4r has now been relegated to "Ugly Betty" status.

1. 
   johneel | Jan 27, 2009 11:20pm | #6

   Hi. I just bought and have used the Porter Cable 4212. I got it for $169 on Amazon with a $20 rebate. In my kitchen cabinet project, I'm looking for good, tight dovetails which do not need variable spacing. So this jig works fine.  If I need to do more visually appealing, unusual dovetails I'd probably try to do them by hand. (I've done the FWW "5-minute dovetail practice" that was in the magazine last year.  I need to continue practicing.) But the PC4212 is a good jig.  

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 28, 2009 08:17am | #7

   I agree. I'm happy with my PC4212, as well. The 24" OmniJig, while a beauty, is large and heavy (66#, I believe). As such, it would really require a dedicated spot in a shop with sufficient room for it. The 4212 is dainty, but still robust, by comparison.

4. 
   terrylee86 | Jan 28, 2009 09:44pm | #8

   Like I start all my tool recommendations,  it all depends on how much money you want to spend.  I have the PC4212($139) and use it all the time when I am making a lot of drawers at one time.  I have the Leigh Jig and use that when I am making a few drawers and want a different look.  The PC Omnijig is suppose to be the new sheriff in town, but I have not used it.  I have seen it and have seen the video, but have not tried it.  At $429-16" and $529-24" I will not be buying one.  I you are into variable spaced dovetails and the handcut look, the Omnijig is supposed to be rated higher then the Leigh.  The PC4212 will give you a production dovetail look and a strong drawer box.  If you buy the 4212 by all means get the Whiteside router bit made for that jig, it makes all the difference in the world.