Which Dovetail Jig?

jdmaher | Posted in Jigs, Fixtures, Tips & Tricks on April 5, 2011 06:48am

I want a dovetail jig, but researching what’s available just has me more confused than ever. So, I thought I’d seek some advice.

I’m a just hobbyist (for about 30 years), but getting more ambitous all the time. Mostly, I want to do drawers more quickly / easily than handwork. But also occasional casework.

A few considerations:

Ease of use is important. I’m willing to trade-off flexibility for easy setup and use.
I like the idea of variable spacing. Both for looks and because I usually adapt designs to particular needs and my own aesthetic, Realistically, not an absolute requirement, but very desireable.
I want to do both 1/2″ and 1/4″. 1/4″ is much less frequesnt , but one upcoming project will have 20 small drawers. I definitely don’t want to do this by hand,
I’m not working on big things. I think a 12″should handle most everything I’m planning. If I do a blanket chest, I can do the handwork.
Like everyone else, I lack funds. And I’m just a hobbyist, so spending a fortune is probably not a wise investment.

The research I’ve done seems to lead me to two deifinite possibles, but I don’t really know enough to feel comfortable limiting the choices. Still, here’s the two I’ve taken notice of:

Porter-Cable 4212. Fixed spacing, but relatively inexpensive and easy to use? Maybe the PC 4216 – which comes with the “mini” (1/4″) template.
Leigh Super 12. Variable spacing, with a fixed pin size? (That seems a reasonable compromise.)

Neither of these is exactly “inexpensive”, but they are not ridiculous either.

What do you think of these two? What other ones should I consider?

Thanks for any feedback,

Jim Maher

Replies

RalphBarker | Apr 06, 2011 10:47am | #1
DT jigs

I use the PC 4216 (4212 with the mini template), and like it. The one drawback is that the fixed spacing imposes restrictions on stock width (the "recommended" width increments mentioned in the manual), especially for through DTs on boxes. I find the bit-depth gauge and the alignment lines on the templates to be a big plus in ease of setup with the PC jig.

That said, the variable spacing with fixed pin size of the Leigh Super jigs is also attractive, but complicates the setup process.

Westchester | Apr 06, 2011 04:05pm | #2
DT

I've used a very inexpensive porter cable # 5008 for over 20 years and it's all I've ever needed.

Can't see putting too much effort into drawer sides that are not seen. Also don't want to do the learning curve for those fancy jigs -

Sorry - I'll shut up now -

SA

RalphBarker | Apr 07, 2011 12:05am | #3
half-blind DTs

If all one wants to do is half-blind dovetails, the old PC 5008 is a fine jig. I have two of them - one that I bought in the '70s, and one that I inherited when my dad passed a few years back.

cahudson42 | Apr 17, 2011 02:02pm | #4
Leigh Super 18

I have had the Super 18 for over a year now, and am very pleased with it. Compared to the Super 12, I believe it is only about $80 more.

Particularly if you are going to do casework like blanket chests, sideboards, etc. you might appreciate the extra width. Lets you do 16" depths wuth ease.

Chris
workthewood | Apr 20, 2011 06:38pm | #5
Dovetail Jig

I hate to admit it but I've used the Harbor Freight dovetail jig given to me by a friend who wasn't much of a woodworker......I suspect it was a gift given to him. I had great results with this jig and for $35 if you bought it may be a good way to get your feet wet with half blind dovetails. It took quite a few prototypes to nail it down but once I did the results were great. Don't expect much from the instuctions as they were written by a 5 year old but there is a better downloadable solution from the internet by a large woodworking store that carry the same product which is double the price.
jago434 | Apr 25, 2011 07:34am | #6
dovetail jigs

Jim,

I have owned both. I still own the Leigh Super 12 and sold my porter cable for this unit. I will tell you that the leigh does take a little more time to learn. As with any of these machines there is a learning curve. Once you figure it out then the setup is easy and the end result are exceptional! Since I have owned both and would definitely recommend the Leigh since there is more custom ability. the porter cable you will be stuck to the same template. Anyway please feel free to ask me any questions or concerns you may have.

I was actualy about to list my Leigh super 12 up in the classifieds. I simply find it faster to cut the dovetails by hand. The machine is in near mint condition! Let me know if there is any interest in it.

email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Regards,

Jason
attentionspan1 | Jul 02, 2011 04:43pm | #7
dovetail jig

I did a lot of research and settled on the Keller and could not be happier. Firsr test joint came out perfect! The instruction manual is pretty worthless, however after you get really used to the jig you realize that copying portions of the jig is possible, this leads to perfectly fitting uneven distance between pins layouts. I liked it for the simple reason that the bearing is mounted on the shaft of the cutter, this makes the joint extremely accurate and tight or loose a fit as you want, it is all so easy, and the price is right.