Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Jan 03, 2021 01:49pm | #1

   I apologize for not helping with your specific question. But I went through the same arc many years ago. I had a half blind dovetail jig, then a Leigh, and a few other things. I found them finicky and frustrating. I was never happy with the results, or process. I finally threw in the towel and determined to learn hand cut dovetails. Learning was faster and easier than fiddling with those jigs. And a LOT cheaper.

   I wish I had just skipped over those things and got right to the end. I would have saved years, dollars, and a lot of cussing.

2. 
   sclause | Jan 04, 2021 12:13pm | #2

   I watched a YouTube video this weekend that showed Frank Klausz hand cutting dovetails. Other than making the depth of of cut marking he free handed all of the cuts. No dividers, bevel gauges or jigs. He was insanely fast and it fit perfectly. I use the Kats Moses magnetic guide to help get the angles right. So I agree with John_C2,by the time you juggle with all the settings I don't know how effective these jigs are. If you are going to be into more production type work you may need a better jig. I looked at all the issues people were having with the router jigs and decided to go the hand cut route but I am clearly not production oriented.

3. 
   Woodreb | Jan 04, 2021 01:50pm | #3

   I agree on going with hand cut dovetails- I tried a jig once and never picked it up again. Learning to cut dovetails by hand is not that hard. I've also used the Veritas magnetic jig to get the angles correct. Lately, I think the magnetic jig helped to develop enough muscle memory that I don't even use that anymore.

4. 
   dbrown1695 | Jan 04, 2021 02:09pm | #4

   I appreciate the comments but this jig is a Christmas gift from my children I really want to figure this out.

5. 
   elmaduro | Jan 04, 2021 02:46pm | #5

   I have a Leigh and it took me a while to get working right and I've done non-production casework with HB DT's. I read through the directions twice and watched the included DVD and that helped. The setup is time consuming and I ended going through lots of scrap test cuts.

   My only advice is to keep at it and try and figure out what part of the setup is not working for you (maybe try different thickness lumber for the test cuts). Once you get it dialed in, you'll be pleased with the speed and accuracy of the cuts.

6. 
   489tad | Jan 04, 2021 05:49pm | #6

   Long shot here. Is the guide bushing out of round or your not concentric with the bushing and bit?

7. 
   [email protected] | Apr 23, 2021 05:52pm | #7

   I have had the Lee for many years and never understood why the make it so complex;left right up down.I mark the center of the jig and all my pieces,and lay out my dovetail spacing and start cutting.Does not help you but next project should be easier

8. 
   fivebirdscustom | Apr 23, 2021 08:32pm | #8

   Not sure if this is gonna be helpful or not, but he goes into some detail on using this style dovetail jig. https://youtu.be/j06BK3Ts_ME

   My only question would be do you have the correct dovetail bit for your template?

   My wife bought me a knock off Woodcraft dovetail jig fifteen years ago maybe. I've used it two or three times and never had great luck. Maybe one of these days I'll try it again... But, goodness knows I can't get rid of it.

   Good luck!

9. 
   sclause | Apr 26, 2021 12:29pm | #9

   Hand cut Dovetails here. I was getting good results with the Katz Moses magnetic jig until I listened to an old episode of Wood Talk. They basically said "you have got to take the training wheels off". Still a bit "unpolished" but they are getting better. I just like the look of hand cut over a jig. Of course this is also a hobby for me, not a business. For every "I got the jig dialed in" there must be ten "I never got it to work and gave up".

10. 
    ch00ch00man | Apr 26, 2021 05:18pm | #10

    pay no attention to the naysayers here. i have the same jig and absolutely love it. granted i'd never use it to create a piece of fine furniture, but for cabinet work, especially production, it's quick, easy and repeatable.

    i believe, based on your description, your problem is not cutter (bit?) up/down, it's the template in/out setting you need to tune. the instructions are right there on the jig.

    now days i don't use the jig as often as i did in years past. i mostly do fine furniture now that required me to learn to cut dovetails by hand. but whenever i get a job to do a kitchen or a builtin, i reach for the jig and watch the following video to refresh my memory; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOaUtbQVezE&t=541s hope it helps.

11. 
    user-7624188 | Apr 26, 2021 09:12pm | #11

    I can be of assistance. Sharpen up your best dovetail saw and chisels and do it by hand.