WoodWorkers Guild of America » Tools

1. 

   Member Comment
   

   Member Comment
   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   May. 07, 09 - 09:35PM

   Background: I bought a "Reliant" dovetail jig when woodworkers warehouse went out of business. I have found the side stops impossible to adjust to be square. The Comb is plastic and tends to Bow upwards as you tighter the cam lock mechanism. To compensate you have to keep firm down pressure on the router or your joints are variable fit from one end to the other. Other issue's with this jig use up precious time in the shop and decrease my quality. I need an upgrade!

   George, I noticed you using a PC jig in your latest video. I have researched it on the net and it looks to be a solid reliable jig. I also looked at the Leigh jig which appears to be top of the line with more features for different dovetail design options. (finger joint, variable spaced dovetails, variable size tails etc.)

   Are there others you would consider? What are your recommendations? When would I need more than a 12" long jig?

   Submitted: Stanhowe

   # Posted 2 years ago
2. 

   Paul Mayer
   

   preferred member
   Joined: Dec '09
   Posts: 116

   Hi Stan,

   I did my research on this about 10 years ago, and chose to order the Leigh. The model that I wanted was on back order. I am not the most patience person when I am waiting for a tool, so I needed something to pass the time while my mind was spinning about the new world of possibilities that would be open to me once I received my jig. Well, the way that I decided to pass the time was to go out to my shop and learn how the masters cut dovetails, using a back saw and chisels. I was sure that I couldn't do it, but I figured I would never try once I got the jig, and since all I could think about was dovetails, why not? So, I grabbed an old magazine article that explained it, and decided I would cut one joint each night until my jig arrived. The first one looked like it was milled by a beaver. Then, each night they got progressively better until after a week I decided they were actually passable for a real project. So, I made a small box. And it was such a rush! So, then I made a blanket chest as a wedding gift, and liked it so much I still have it. :) Then I called to see if my Leigh jig had shipped, and it was still back ordered, and I told them to cancel it.

   If I were going to be cutting drawers on a weekly basis, or making a living building furniture, I would get a jig. I like the Leigh, but PC is great too. But hand cutting dovetails has remained one of the funnest aspects of woodworking for me, and as long as it is just a hobby, I will keep choppin' 'em by hand. If you have not tried it, you will be surprised to find that they are actually pretty easy. And if you are only building one drawer or a small box, they are nearly as fast as a jig due to the setup time involved for the jig.

   Anyway, it is just an option that you might consider. Whatever you choose, good luck, and have fun with your dovetails!

   Paul http://www.vernswoodgoods.com

   # Posted 2 years ago
3. 

   George Vondriska
   

   preferred member
   Joined: Sep '08
   Posts: 150

   I owned and used nothing but a 12" half blind dovetail jig for many years. It made boatloads of drawers and boxes for me. Then I wanted to build a blanket chest in cherry and maple. Although I had taught hand tool joinery and could do a hand cut dovetail, it felt like time to increase my dovetail vocabulary and upgrade.

   In addition to larger capacity, 24", tools such as the Leigh jig offer the ability to vary the spacing of your dovetail. Most of the "standard" dovetail jigs have fixed spacing on the combs, so you have to live with the spacing they provide. A big change for these jigs is their ability to also cut through dovetails, which wasn't the case when I got my first half blind jig.

   So, there are 12" jigs in the market place, like the PC, that can do evenly spaced half blind and through dovetails. Larger jigs such as the Leigh D4R and Omni (from PC) offer larger capacities and greater control over your layout.

   All that being said, Paul has a great point when he mentions the rush of fitting a hand cut dovetail. The learning curve is steeper, yes. But I distinctly remember my first well fitted hand cut dovetail. I have no recollection of my first well fitted router cut dovetail. Hand cutting is another option, provided you have the time and patience to master the skill.

   G

   # Posted 2 years ago

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