I just wanted to tout the Leigh Jig a bit. I am by no means even a good worker yet. I was fortunate enough to be able to buy some nice tools and build a decent garage workshop. recently I used the Leigh Jig to cut some dovetails to make a nice Walnut box for my wife. It turned out really nice and it was made easy with this jig. When you take your time, follow the directions in the manual, make sure all clamps and any others fasteners are tightened down you can really make some nice dovetails. I got the hang off how the cutters feel when they cut nice. By the end of the project most of my cuts were without any major tearout. It helped to make a prototype out of poplar first. When a project goes well, even a simple one, life is good. Now off to the finishing room.
Kenney66
Replies
Congrats on the Leigh. It is a great dovetail jig and as you found out, very easy to use if you follow the directions.
That instruction manual is the very best in the woodworking industry and probably many others. I can think of lots of companies that should be forced to read the leigh jig manual before issing any more of what they consider "instructions."
Have fun!
Tom Hintz
Because there is always more to learn!
I wish I loved mine as much as you guys. I have always had a problem with gaps in opposing corners ( top left- bottom right). I use leigh 8mm bits, a Pat Warner base for my Bosch 1617, PC guide bushings, and I don't move the router from straight ahead while routing the dovetails. Tom, I've read your website many times. I have yet to come across a solution to this problem. Any thoughts?
Mike
Mike,
I've not heard of that kind of gap problem but the fact it occurs at opposing corners suggests a small problem with how square the stock is cut or the initial setup of the jig itself. I have talked to several guys that found that the first piece of wood they used to set the side bumpers must have been a little out of square and that little error was faithfully reproduced in everything afterward.
If the pieces are being held even slightly out of alignment an ill fitting condition or gap is likely to result. I'd start there as it is easy to check and adjust on the Leigh.
If that fails, don't hesitate to contact Leigh by email. They are very responsive and have had the opportunity to talk to lots of users. Chances are they have dealt with most types of problems in the past.
Tom Hintz
Because there is always more to learn!
I agree with the previous writer, its got to be a setup problem. I would do the initial set up again and make sure your stock is flat and square.
Kenney66
Top-left and bottom-rght are produced from the same location on the jig. I'd check the setup. Routing the pins is the most critical. If the board is mounted in the jig such that left side of the board is closer to the back of the jig than the right side (a board that's not dead-flat can produce this too), then the pins will be off at one end.
Ken,
Awhile back, while searching the Net, I saw a fellow's idea about storage of his Leigh Jig. He built a long box where the top lid and the front box panel opened. It was a great storage idea...and kept it from getting damaged and dusty.
See if you can find it doing a search.
Bill
I also built a case for my Leigh to protect it and keep everything together.
See the link below for photos.
http://www.newwoodworker.com/d4case.htmlTom Hintz
Because there is always more to learn!
I just shove mine under my work bench and it shoves all the other stuff out the back if I push HARD enough!shoves ??? Close enough fer English..
Edited 2/23/2006 8:36 pm by WillGeorge
I am by no means even a good worker yet. ???????
Me either and been doin' it fer' years.. I have one.. Bit expensive but! I HAD money till I got it.. Savin' up fer' that Multiple Mortiser thingi!
I just ordered one today from Woodcraft looking forward to using it. I did get a free set of Whiteside Dovetail bits are they any good? Also picked up a PC 7518 and some other tools.
Whiteside Dovetail bits are they any good?YA BET! Whitesides about as good as it gets.. At least for me!
AND they were FREE?
Free!!! but I also dropped $2k in tools and stuff so I better get something for free;)
Kenny,
I have my D-4 Leigh jig still in the box as I get the workshop rearranged and ready for some Spring work...
I was wondering about additional dovetail bits. Presently, Woodcraft has ALL the CMT router bits on sale for 25% OFF, including boxed sets. I saw that CMT makes a 13 piece dovetail cutter set with many different degrees of taper.. Have you, or other readers, used CMT dovetail bits or sets?
The cost, with the discount, is about $160. What do you think?
Bill
you may want to check the Leigh website or your manual to find all the different size cutters you can use. I bought the set from Leigh myself.
Hope it helps
Kenney66
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