Dovetail jigs using the OF1400

M

mlutton

Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2007
Messages
6
I just acquired the OF1400 (along with the TS55 and CT22)

First off...WOW! What amazing machines!

I am looking at making drawers for a bathroom cabinet that I am making and want to do dovetails. Can I use a jig (like a leigh, porter cable, etc.) with there bits and guide bushing to make dovetails.  Will the bushing guide fit on the festool router?  Could someone explain how it would work?

Thanks in advance.

Matt
 
Hey Matt,
I don't know about the Leigh or other jigs, but Festool makes a great dovetail jig, the VS600.  Jerry Work and John Lucas have written extensively on it.  I used it recently to make a buffet/bookcase and really liked it.
 
Matt, look for this guy in your case.  It is the Guide Bushing Adapter that clicks into the sub-base for you to use with your respective two piece, screw together, bushings.  I use the 4212 as well, and the PC bushing go in no problemo!

t
 
Matt,
I have and love the Leigh D1600 dovetail jig, its far more advanced and customizable than the Festool one, Have a look at there site, particularly the new super jigs. http://www.leighjigs.com/home.php
I use my OF1400 with the D1600 and you will not have to buy anything to make it work its all there.
I have built through, half-blind and sliding dovetails with one jig, made possible by the best manual of any tool company i've seen.

Mirko

 
Wow.  Thanks everyone for all your input.  I hadn't figured out that I had that adapter already.  As for the jigs, do most of you find that 12 inch jigs handle most of your drawer needs or would I be missing the extra 6 inches?

Thanks again for all your responses and help.

Matt
 
Mirko said:
Matt,
I have and love the Leigh D1600 dovetail jig, its far more advanced and customizable than the Festool one, Have a look at there site, particularly the new super jigs. http://www.leighjigs.com/home.php
I use my OF1400 with the D1600 and you will not have to buy anything to make it work its all there.
I have built through, half-blind and sliding dovetails with one jig, made possible by the best manual of any tool company i've seen.

Mirko
Click to expand...
Mirko,

Come on, tell us how you really feel!  :)

Dan.
 
I just got one of the new Leigh Superjigs (the 24" model).  I'll probably not get a chance to play with it for a few weeks, but I'll report back on how well the OF1400 works with it...

carl
 
Dan Clark said:
Mirko said:
Matt,
I have and love the Leigh D1600 dovetail jig, its far more advanced and customizable than the Festool one, Have a look at there site, particularly the new super jigs. http://www.leighjigs.com/home.php
I use my OF1400 with the D1600 and you will not have to buy anything to make it work its all there.
I have built through, half-blind and sliding dovetails with one jig, made possible by the best manual of any tool company i've seen.

Mirko
Click to expand...
Mirko,

Come on, tell us how you really feel!   :)

Dan.
Click to expand...

Hey, i'm an emotional guy! :D the fact that i'm Italian may have something to do with it.

Mirko

 
mlutton said:
Wow.  Thanks everyone for all your input.  I hadn't figured out that I had that adapter already.  As for the jigs, do most of you find that 12 inch jigs handle most of your drawer needs or would I be missing the extra 6 inches?

Thanks again for all your responses and help.

Matt
Click to expand...

  Matt, if you are just a hobbyist then the 12" jig may be the best place to start. I don't know about the Leigh jigs but the PC 4212 the temple can be removed from the jig to be used on larger pieces, so you aren't really limited to 12". Keep in mind that even the lower end PC and Leigh jigs do have some resale value if you one day decide to upgrade to a nicer unit.

  Take a look I would recommend the keeping an eye on Amazon for the PC 4212, sometimes you can get a very good deal. Right now they are $169 USD. I wouldn't buy it at that price, with the new Leigh super jigs out, I think the 4212 may come down in price some??? The 4212 jig can make through dovetails, box joints, half-blind dovetails, rabbeted half-blind dovetails, and sliding dovetails. But only with fixed spacing. The new Leigh super jigs can make the same joints but variably spaced for $200 USD. Check out the Super jigs here.
 
Hey guys-
I ended up finding a Porter Cable 4212 brand new in box from Craigslist for $100.  Thanks for all your advice and help.  What a great group.
Matt
 
Matt you should also know that Whiteside make router bits that are compatible with the jig.
 
Heck, Leigh even sells an 8mm router bit set for $89.

Cool. Might have a use for that 8mm chuck after all!
 
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