Which Dovetail Jig to buy ? - Woodworking Talk

Bobby V · 10-19-2009, 02:05 PM

HI
I am a entry level woodworker here and still setting up shop. I’m about to choose a dovetail Jig and I like the Rockler for the $$ but I’m wondering if I can justify the $$ for the Porta-cable 4212. I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Bobby V

Julian the woodnut · 10-19-2009, 07:16 PM

Walk away from the rockler jig. I have one and it's terrible if you ask me There is way too much slop in the mechanism leading to variances in accuracy. Spend the little extra and get the pc jig.

woodnthings · 10-19-2009, 08:49 PM

The cheapest make only 1/2 blind dovetails used mostly in drawers.The more expensive make through dovetails, like used in fine furniture, but can also make the 1/2 blinds as well. So what do you really want to make?
The price break is around $150.00 or so. There is a third type and our moderator Texas Timblers will sell you one it's called the Kehoe Jig. and makes taper spline dovetails that are cool looking and stronger than the smell of a pig lot on a windy day.

Priced under $150,00 if I recall.

bill
Check out videos on youtube and woodvision for how they work.
Dovetail Videos
Kehoe Jig : http://www.dovetailspline.com/

red · 10-20-2009, 08:42 AM

Consider a used Leigh dovetail jig. Easy to use and it's adjustable.

Red

Bobby V · 10-20-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julian the woodnut

Walk away from the rockler jig. I have one and it's terrible if you ask me There is way too much slop in the mechanism leading to variances in accuracy. Spend the little extra and get the pc jig.

this is exactly the type of Info I need to make a wise choice. thanks again

Bobby V · 10-20-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodnthings

The cheapest make only 1/2 blind dovetails used mostly in drawers.The more expensive make through dovetails, like used in fine furniture, but can also make the 1/2 blinds as well. So what do you really want to make?
The price break is around $150.00 or so. There is a third type and our moderator Texas Timblers will sell you one it's called the Kehoe Jig. and makes taper spline dovetails that are cool looking and stronger than the smell of a pig lot on a windy day.

Priced under $150,00 if I recall.

bill
Check out videos on youtube and woodvision for how they work.
Dovetail Videos
Kehoe Jig : http://www.dovetailspline.com/

Great info and I will be checking out the Kehoe today. Thanks for taking the time with so much good info,
Bobby V

Bobby V · 10-20-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red

Consider a used Leigh dovetail jig. Easy to use and it's adjustable.

Red

I never considered going used sounds like a fair option thanks
Bobby V

John in Tennessee · 10-20-2009, 11:25 AM

Check on craigslist.

wormwood · 10-21-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red

Consider a used Leigh dovetail jig. Easy to use and it's adjustable.

Red

I have a Leigh.

It works well, but to say it is easy....I dunno.

At least at first.

First, I'm not a dummy, I'm a medical doctor (surgeon). OK, maybe I am a dummy!!! :)

Anyway, I think I'm pretty bright but setting up the leigh for the first time took me several evening mostly due to the non-user friendly instructions.

Once i had it going, yes it is easy and accurate.

hands made for wood · 10-22-2009, 01:18 AM

I would definitely suggest getting the Porter cable, depending on what you want to spend, I have a porter cable omnijig 24' and I love it! Very easy to set up and works great!

johnep · 10-22-2009, 04:11 AM

If you have a table router, the Grifkin? from Oz looks simple to use.
johnep

woodnthings · 10-22-2009, 08:51 AM

Check this out: http://www.ptreeusa.com/ptree_dovetail_system.htm
Of course it will work on pieces less wide but for $260 and it will make through dovetails, not the half blind. The smaller one at $160 is good also. I have one, haven't tried it yet..... but I saw it in action at a woodworkers show and immediately felt for my wallet! Got mine for $150 Special price.

bill
BTW I also got 3 Jet jigs on sale at $30 each and leave each one set up for a different size.
They are the 1/2 blind type. PITA to set up, but once you get it don't change anything! even routers. They were on sale too......never mind.

Bobby V · 10-22-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodnthings

Check this out: http://www.ptreeusa.com/ptree_dovetail_system.htm
Of course it will work on pieces less wide but for $260 and it will make through dovetails, not the half blind. The smaller one at $160 is good also. I have one, haven't tried it yet..... but I saw it in action at a woodworkers show and immediately felt for my wallet! Got mine for $150 Special price.

bill
BTW I also got 3 Jet jigs on sale at $30 each and leave each one set up for a different size.
They are the 1/2 blind type. PITA to set up, but once you get it don't change anything! even routers. They were on sale too......never mind.

Like to thank all you guys for all the info as I didn't realize just how much is out there. Now I can research them all.

b00kemdano · 10-22-2009, 02:50 PM

I watched the whole Kehoe jig video last night before I went to bed. I dreamed of making dovetail splined everything! :D

So I ordered one this morning. Word of mouth advertising FTW.

Johnny Yuma · 10-22-2009, 03:58 PM

I have the Porter-Cable 4212 and think it is the best bang for the buck. Does just about everything you would want out of a jig.
Downside is fixed spacing, long set-up time and a bit of flex.

You will need to spend some time (several hours) setting up and getting familiar with the jig. Then you have to take care to make sure it is set square.

That said, I don't think you can beat this jig for under $400.