Replies

1. 
   BG | Jul 25, 2008 11:13am | #1

   woodwine,
   There was a review a couple/few years ago in FWW, your correct, there is not much difference between the tenon jigs IMHO.

   I bought the 'General' on sale because of price and it could be flipped to run out of either miter...which I have done once in 5 years. I also use it to cut raised panels, so there are some other uses to think about in your selection process.

2. 
   Woodrat1 | Jul 25, 2008 04:13pm | #2

   Woodwine,

   I bought the Delta jig about 7 years ago.
   Used a few times & found it to be a very
   easy to work with. I have not used others -
   so I can't give you a fair comparison.
   But I have no complaints with the Delta.

   FWIW

   Bill-

   http://www.franklinwoodwright.com
1. 
   dougmeyer | Jul 25, 2008 06:02pm | #3

   I had the OLD delta and it was ok. I now have the "new" delta and like it much better then the old. Better fit and finish, better handles and just works better.

   So if it was me I would go with the "new" delta over the old. Can not say about the others but a lot of them look pretty much like a repaint of the old delta.

   Doug

3. 
   BruceS | Jul 25, 2008 07:02pm | #4

   Do a side by side look at the Newer Delta jig and the clone aftermarket jigs !   You will find only cosmetic differences in most of them.  Even down to the label rivet holes.  About the only difference is the handles and paint jobs,  and many of the castings with out a doubt come out of the same foundry.   I settled for a green one rather than the Delta (blue/gray) and saved $30.  because I didn't think the label was worth $30.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

4. 
   nboucher | Jul 25, 2008 07:59pm | #5

   I made my own from scraps recently, based on a design from Chan's Classic Joints with Power Tools. It only took a couple of hours and works perfectly. You can see a diagram here:

   http://books.google.com/books?id=tUIBBzcRKnUC&dq=classic+joints+with+power+tools&pg=PP1&ots=neClLkLNcf&sig=0XWsojkImc8D63ll8iZmhi1KhNo&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA24,M1

   Making your own may allow you to see what you like and don't like and could guide you on buying a commercially made one. I think the Grizzly tenoning jig is the best value out there for this type of jig. You can see it here:

   http://grizzly.com/products/Tenoning-Jig/H7583

5. 
   knuts | Jul 25, 2008 09:57pm | #6

   Or for 50 cents in scrap and a half hour you could've make this RT tenon sled and been done by now. This was in AWW recently with better pics.

    

   
6. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 26, 2008 04:54pm | #7

   I built one years ago from a design in FWW and still have it. I did some shopping around and found what you have already heard about most being clones. I as Bruce, happened to catch the green one on sale and purchased it. It is fine even though I preferred the MDF one I built as I can micro-adjust better and change the position of the runner on the bottom that runs in the miter slot for more versatility. I just made it to do so.

   But.. I sold the green one local as these days I cut my vertical lines on my 18" BS and then take it to the TS to cut the shoulders with an assist of an Incra V27 miter gauge. The MDF is still hanging around as I have literally nothing invested but... The BS method for me proves to be quicker and more accurate for the way I work.

   Good luck..

   Sarge..

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/26/2008 9:56 am ET by SARGEgrinder47

7. 
   bricofleur | Jul 30, 2008 09:36pm | #8

   Hi,

   I own the 34-184 and it works great. The last milling I made with this jig was making an underside beveled table top (11-1/2'' X 11-1/2') at 12 degree and according to me it was the safest method (attached photo).

   I paid $100 at my local tool store and the cost spread over the next 20 years (minimum of it's life expectancy) is only $5 per year of frequent uses. I can afford that !

   If you buy it, get plenty of WD40 to clean it (I think they soke it in heavy thick oil at the factory before wraping)

   Best,

   Serge

   - Learn from yesterday, work today, and enjoy success tomorrow -

   http://www.atelierdubricoleur.org

   
8. 
   Woodmaster1776 | Jul 31, 2008 09:37pm | #9

   I ordered the Delta 184 a couple of years ago and was impressed with the accuracy. I'd thought about building my own, but after using the Delta I don't think I could have duplicated its fine-tuning characteristics.

   Just finished the 48 mortise and tenon joints on Mike Dunbar's Pie Safe from FWW #182. The Delta jig, Powermatic bench top mortiser and a new Woodworker II saw blade and I'm in hog heaven.

   Bob

1. 
   woodnwine | Aug 03, 2008 08:05pm | #10

   To Bob and All that posted,

   Thank you all for your answers.  Based on what I read, I will be picking up the newest Delta jig.

   PS, I'm not sure how to respond to everyone at the same time, who answered, but I hope this is OK.

   Alex