Best Router With Leigh Dovetail Jig?

[darita]

I want to machine some dovetails and will likely be using my Leigh Jig.  I'm wondering if Festool routers work well with the jig and which router is preferred? For that matter, I'm wondering which dovetail jig most of you prefer, that is, if you even machine you dovetails?

 

[Samo]

It's still the Leigh D4R!  IMHO  [smile]

You actually end up wanting two routers.  The 1400 is well suited to this and the weight is an advantage for jigs.

 

[Stone Message]

I agree with Samo. The OF1400 is an excellent router and it is quick and easy to change its configuration.

In my review of the OF1400 I show how easy it is to set up with the Leigh jig - take a look at the video from about the 6 minute mark.



I am about to do a series of 'How To' videos that follow the construction of a leather top pedestal desk. One of the 'How Tos' will be dovetailed drawers using the Leigh jig.

I have had my D4 jig for many years and have used it a great deal. It is an excellent piece of kit, well thought out and well engineered. I have learnt a few things about the jig which I will share when the video is published.

So, yes to the Leigh jig and yes to the OF1400 - a great combination for perfect dovetails.

Peter

 

[Roseland]

I have the Leigh D4R and Festool 1010 and 1400 routers which are hugely capable.

However for controllability I like to use a Bosch trim router - just 600W - fitted with an Axminster base plate:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ujk-techology-universal-sub-base-prod827664/

I've swapped the plunge spring on the router so that there's no danger of it springing up and forcing the cutter into the bush.

Andrew

 

[darita]

Actually, I was thinking 1010.  Would it have the power and weight to work well or is the 1400 better suited to the task?

 

[Stone Message]

Actually, I was thinking 1010.  Would it have the power and weight to work well or is the 1400 better suited to the task?

I do not have the 1010 but it should work well. The OF1400 works a treat and is very quick to set up.

Peter

 

[stvrowe]

I am going to be a contrarian on this.  Even though I really like my OF-1400 very much, I believe plunge base routers are not the best choice with dovetail jigs.  When using the Leigh jig, I always reach for my Porter Cable 690 fixed base router.  IMO, adjustment of bit height while on a dovetail jig is easier on fixed base routers over plunge base routers.  With a plunge base router, you always risk damaging your dovetail bit and guide bushing by inadvertently releasing the plunge lock.  Also, I like the lower positioning of the handles on the fixed base versus the plunge bases particularly if you have your jig mounted on a riser to handle longer pieces.  Lastly, there is no dust collection advantage to the Festool router when used with the Leigh jig.  

That said, if the only router I had was a Festool router and I wanted to mill dovetails with a jig, I would use it.  

 

[otis04]

If you don't already have one, get the Leigh tool rest/dust collector.  It is not cheap but works well for dust and was very helpful to balance the router.  I use the 1400 and have zero complaints.  I have considered a split hose (similar to the CMS) to get dust collection at the router and at the Leigh accessory.

 

[Slappy]

the PC 690 has great control with a standard base , very comfy fit in the hands
& are inexpensive to boot , run forever

 

[RONWEN]

I have two (2) Bosch 1617's that I leave set-up when using my Leigh D4R jig.  Having two setup really speeds up the process and the 1617 is a handy size for the dovetail jig.

 

[Kev]

I got a OF1010 in anticipation of getting the Leigh jig, but haven't had time to get the jig. I want to dedicate a Festool router to the dovetail jig for optimal DC. I'd also go for the extra DC component for the Leigh jig.

I already have the OF1400 as well, not sure if I will need it for harder woods? ... That would be my only concern with just having an OF1010.

I can see the common sense in fixed based routers for a dovetail jig if the intention was to dedicate them ... my only question would be if the setup offered adequate DC.

 

[tiralie]

Actually, I was thinking 1010.  Would it have the power and weight to work well or is the 1400 better suited to the task?

I have used my 1010 with my Leigh DR4 jig with the VRS to cut dovetails in 1/2" maple.
Tim

 

[Stone Message]

If you don't already have one, get the Leigh tool rest/dust collector.  It is not cheap but works well for dust and was very helpful to balance the router.  I use the 1400 and have zero complaints.  I have considered a split hose (similar to the CMS) to get dust collection at the router and at the Leigh accessory.

Yes the dust collector is brilliant and, if you use a CT (I use my CT26) connected to it, there is no real need to attempt to collect dust at the router - so no split hose needed.

Peter

 

[RONWEN]

If you don't already have one, get the Leigh tool rest/dust collector.  It is not cheap but works well for dust and was very helpful to balance the router.  I use the 1400 and have zero complaints.  I have considered a split hose (similar to the CMS) to get dust collection at the router and at the Leigh accessory.

Yes the dust collector is brilliant and, if you use a CT (I use my CT26) connected to it, there is no real need to attempt to collect dust at the router - so no split hose needed.

Peter

I agree.  The dust collection on the Leigh jig with the tool rest/dust collector is outstanding.  Using my Bosch routers without dust collection is no problem at all.

 

[Sparktrician]

I've used my Bosch 1617 with the Leigh Super 18 and the Leigh dust collection, but I think I prefer the OF 1010 with the Leigh dust collection, and I use a splitter to take advantage of both collection schemes.  The one thing I have to remember is to lock the retract mechanism on the OF 1010 securely before starting. 

 

[Makkus]

I prefer the OF1400, since the guide bushing is easy and fast to change. Just release the clips and it pops out. It is also self centering. The OF1010 needs screws to release and is not self centering.

Mark

 

[Stone Message]

I have just been to the D&M show here in the UK and the guy demonstrating the Leigh jig was using the OF1400 - I asked him about it and he said it was the best for the job (as far as he was concerned) - I agree.

Peter

 

[RONWEN]

I have just been to the D&M show here in the UK and the guy demonstrating the Leigh jig was using the OF1400 - I asked him about it and he said it was the best for the job (as far as he was concerned) - I agree.

Peter

I very much like my OF1400 but I couldn't justify the expense for two of them dedicated to my Leigh jig.  If I were only going to use one router and switch cutters & settings then I'd agree with using the OF1400.

 

[Alli]

I hate to knock Festool tools but with the OF1400 I have, the guide bush is not dead center with the bit and there doesn't seem to be any way of adjusting/centering it. This resulted in all my through dovetails had a gap down one side due to the offset. There is a fix by making a separate base as others kindly pointed out to me, but not ideal for the amount you pay for Festool and some base effect, block the dust collection which is the main reason I buy Festool.

From reading other peoples problems with the Of1400 on the internet it looks like it is lucky dip whether your router is concentric or not, If you are buying from a store I would ask if I could put a router bit and guide bush in and measure to see if there is any offset as this will effect the dovetails.

Cheers
David

 

[ajones]

I hate to knock Festool tools but with the OF1400 I have, the guide bush is not dead center with the bit and there doesn't seem to be any way of adjusting/centering it. This resulted in all my through dovetails had a gap down one side due to the offset. There is a fix by making a separate base as others kindly pointed out to me, but not ideal for the amount you pay for Festool and some base effect, block the dust collection which is the main reason I buy Festool.

From reading other peoples problems with the Of1400 on the internet it looks like it is lucky dip whether your router is concentric or not, If you are buying from a store I would ask if I could put a router bit and guide bush in and measure to see if there is any offset as this will effect the dovetails.

Cheers
David

david

If your of1400 is not right speak to your local rep and see if there is anything that can be done..