Replies

1. 
   vwoodshop | Feb 20, 2006 05:09pm | #1

   I dont know the difference between your two jigs, but I have been using the Porter Cable Omnijig for 3 years and it works great. You might want to consider that too.

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 20, 2006 05:31pm | #2

   A quick look at the Vermont-American website shows that the V-A jig makes fixed equal width dovetails--pretty much the lowest on the esthetic pecking order.  Screams machine made, and also puts limitations on drawer dimensions.

   The Leigh jig is adjustable to allow for variable spacing of the dovetails that allow a wider range of effects.  A big step up the pecking order.  Costs more of course. 

   At the top, is hand cutting dovetails, with a saw and chisels.  Takes quite a bit of practice. 

    

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Feb 21, 2006 12:20am | #3

   SteveSchoene said:

   > At the top, is hand cutting dovetails, with a saw and chisels.  Takes quite a bit of > practice.

   Actually, not as much as some might think. Don't let the "mystique" scare you off. Pretty much anyone could be making decent DTs by hand after about a day of practice. Invest in a piece of 1"X6"X6' poplar (for practice) and get ahold of Frank Klaus' video on making drawers, and I'll bet a lot of folks would be surprised how nice a set of DTs they could make. The only "hard" part is learning how to saw to a line, and that's a skill we should all have anyway!

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

3. 
   sailalex | Feb 22, 2006 04:14pm | #4

   If you check the archives you will find a number of threads relating to dovetail jigs. Several have had good use from a Porter Cable. I bought the Akeda jig over the Leigh, both have adjustable spacing. I am very pleased with the Akeda and would highly recommend it for the hobbiest.

4. 
   THintz | Feb 23, 2006 12:25am | #5

   I have been using the Leigh for five years, probably a bit more and love it. It is very well built, does variable through and half-blind dovetails and comes with absolutely the finest instruction manual in the woodworking and most other businesses.

   Cutting dovetails by hand is an admireable skill, but only if you WANT to do it that way. I have tried it, did OK and could get better with practice but I just do not have the interest. I very much enjoy whipping out my Leigh and making snap-together dovetails with my trusty router.

    

    

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

5. 
   Napie | Feb 23, 2006 05:39am | #6

   Learn to make them by hand first, really, it is not that hard.  Learn all of the hand skills like how to flatten and square rough stock by hand, sawing to a line, etc.,  then the power tool methods will make more sense.   

   Then get a Keller DT jig, best on the market, period.