I want to cut Box joints and dovetails in trays, drawers, and boxes. I was impressed with the Jointech system until I watched the video on it’s use. I almost wondered if it is more a gimmick than a precision tool. Considering how long they have been in business and the rise in their competition from Incra, I may have the wrong impression.
My choices for the Dovetail joint was the Jointech or the Leigh Jig. Obviously I would have to add another jig for the box joints.
I appreciate the purists, but I have cut both joints by hand and do not desire to do it this way for projects requiring a large number of trays and drawers.
I would like to hear form people who have used one or both of these accessories.
Replies
I've never used the Jointech box making jig but I always thought that making a jig for box joints was one of the simplest jigs to make. Why spend the money when a couple of scrap pieces of wood and dado blade is all you need?
I agree with you about the box joint jig. But it's the dovetails that I need an accessory for. Since I was considering the Jointech, I knew it had both joints covered. I could just as easily make the jig for the router table or the TS.
Leighs D4r makes both joints (dovetail & box) w/ 1 template. Has adjustable fingers and several other templates available. M&T for bookcase shelving (M2) (not for face frames) I also have the incra fence system which can do them but never even tried them though I have seen that the results are good.
trimjim
Edited 3/2/2007 6:17 am ET by jvk
Actuallly, Jointech used to be the maker of all of the Incra stuff. A dis-agreement arose and Jointech quit making their equipment. Jointech holds all the patents. Jointech is still considered the "high end" equipment ... Incra the lower end stuff. They stay in business with considerable less advertisements than Incra. I'm not against Incra ... I've a bunch of their stuff. Just fact, not fiction.
Check out Jointech's "Smartlift Digital" router lift. Pretty cool!!
Barry in WV
I have the Jointech and haved used it for number of years. I actually threw the templates in the back of a drawer and devised my own way of using the jig to cut variably sized and spaced dovetails. As a incremental positioner it works quite well. Beware of any system that instructs you to back cut untill the joint goes flush. This will in effect destroy half the joint integrity that the dovetail is supposed to afford, only leaving the appearance of a dovetail on the exterior with no glue contact on the back side. I back cut slightly and then chisel the back corner of the tails to conform to the shape of the socket which preserves the joint integrity.
Ron
I just saw a demonstration of the Keller jig (much cheaper and easier than the others) and was very impressed. Little learning curve, you get the stuff out fast. I saw dovetails done, but I think they can do box joints also.
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