Replies

1. 
   Napie | Feb 14, 2007 04:25am | #1

   Looks a lot slower than my bow saw and chisels.

1. 
   Sean2112 | Feb 15, 2007 08:07am | #4

   My Leigh dt jig is great at collecting dust. I don't have to make a living at making my furniture, so hand cutting is a joy ( and good stress management ) Try it.

   Regards,

   Sean

2. 
   citrouille | Feb 14, 2007 04:48pm | #2

   I saw the demo at the same show, I thought the jig was very interesting for the fact that it is not limited in width. The draw back, if I understand correctly, is that it IS limited in wood thickness.
   Very clever design in my opinion.

   C.

3. 
   gmoney | Feb 14, 2007 06:07pm | #3

   i was there too. did not see this jig, but it does look interesting. i like the higher degree dovetails, like the 14 degree this jig uses, but not everyone will feel that way. if i recall correctly 14 degrees will yield a dovetail that's less than a 1:5. i think 1:5 is about 11.5 degrees. most jigs are about 8 degrees. just some points to think about. anyway the chestmate looks reasonably priced. i'd probably try it if i wasn't already trying so many other dovetail techniques right now.

   thanks for the post.

1. 
   alan23 | Feb 16, 2007 01:20am | #5

   The thing I liked about the jig is the fact that you can do any length dovetail or not limited to 24" so this is going to be ideal when I build this blanket chest I've been wanting to do. It has only one limitation it won't do half blind dovetails,but I want it for cases anyway and for 130.00 dollars it's short money.

1. 
   mwenz | Feb 16, 2007 02:08am | #6

   So why not just use a handsaw and a chisel or two?

   That will solve several issues: half blinds, unlimited width, differing spacing, differing widths, different styles or types, various stock widths, lack of router tear-out--not to mention dust and noise--and the list could be expanded.

   Take care, Mike

1. 
   gmoney | Feb 16, 2007 03:05am | #8

   mike, you make some beautiful saws.

1. 
   mwenz | Feb 16, 2007 03:31am | #9

   Thank you for you kind words.

   As a general message to readers of this thread...I am more interested in promoting hand tool use as a viable means of woodworking.

   So in that sense, get a nice vintage saw, a LN or Adria--or one of ours. All of them will cut wood.

   Main thing is a desire for people to discover the freedom handtools can bring to woodworking.

   Take care, Mike

2. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 16, 2007 12:12am | #13

   Mike

   I am sorry to contact you this way, but I don't think my email is working through the site with your profile.  I sent you 2 emails, and haven't gotten a response, and it hasn't worked to contact others that way, either.

   Can you email me at [email protected].  I have a saw question regarding your business.  Thanks,

   Jeff

1. 
   mwenz | Mar 16, 2007 12:40am | #14

   Hi Jeff, I got just the one yesterday and will reply in a few minutes...thank you. Mike

2. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 16, 2007 12:49am | #15

   Oh, boy!!  So sorry, Mike.  I am not trying to rush you.  I just thought you weren't getting the emails.  Take your time, and thanks.

   Jeff

2. 
   gmoney | Feb 16, 2007 03:03am | #7

   i agree $130 is short money and i'll be interested in your experience with the jig. i've tried so many different ways to do dovetails and had fun with most of them. currently i have a blade re-ground to 12 degrees for cutting them. i know this won't be the last method i try. i'm also still squeezing in some hand cut practice when the urge strikes.

4. 
   alan23 | Mar 14, 2007 04:45am | #10

   I just started cutting the tails with this jig when I'm done I'll post the results.

1. 
   philip | Mar 15, 2007 03:07am | #11

   I too would like to see what this jig can do....(only because I would be a morbid onlooker) (,)Philip Marcou

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Mar 15, 2007 06:15pm | #12

   Sir phillip,

   Please don't be morbid.

   I saw a demo of the prazi and it was quite impressive.  I still get a lot of pleasure cutting hand cut DTs, so don't use a gizmo.  Besides, my wife tells me that it's good therapy for this ol' fart.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   alan23 | Mar 21, 2007 02:57am | #16

   I said I would put some feed back out here about the dovetail jig by prazi usa called the chestmate. I just the small sample box from the directions in the manual and the jig works great so I will be using this to make a blanket chest.