Festool 1010 router and Leigh Super Jig 18

[geary126]

Hello.

I just purchased a Super Jig, and was attempting to set it up the other day, and had a couple of issues.

First, I put the Leigh guide bushing onto the base of the 1010, and it seemed to fit fine, but the [Festool] clear plastic dust collection cap on the interior of the router, the top was interfering with the top of the Leigh guide bushing nut, if that makes sense.  So I took it off.  (I'm getting the Leigh vacuum attachment, so perhaps this will be a solve.)

Any workarounds?

The next issue had to do with the bit.    I had a heckuva time tightening the collet with the router plunged;  it had to be, however, given the curved nature of the dovetail bit and the guide bushing.

Beyond the ergonomics, I found that I could not get the bit to plunge more than about .9", with the bit fully inserted into the collet.    For the dovetail I need, I need to have the bit plunge to about 1.1".  The two solves I can think of are not having the bit fully inserted in the collet;  I was taught this was sub par.  The other solve is perhaps I should find a guide bushing base and nut which are lower profile (thinner), so the collet can drop a bit more.

I was surprised at how much tearout  I had on the Super Jig using Baltic birch, but I may try using a backing board. 

I'm not super experienced, and the 1010 is relatively new to me, so I appreciate the help.

Tom

 

[butzla]

Tom,  I use the Leigh jig a lot with my 1400 so I hope can be of help.  What bit are you using and what guide bushing are you using?  If you could take pictures of your complaint that would be helpful

 

[geary126]

Hi Jim,

So I'm away on vacation, but I did bring the manual, and looked up the items.

I was attempting one-pass half blind dovetails, and used the supplied Leigh e7 Bush.  For the bit, because my stock was 1/2", I used the 80 x 8° bit, as per the manual.

Ended up super sloppy, very loose.  Manual seems to indicate I need to drop the bit down to tighten that.

?

Thanks

 

[Sparktrician]

One other thing to consider is using a mandrel to ensure that the E7 bushing is truly concentric with the OF 1010.  You may need to use the Leigh 704R adapter and a 7/16" bushing to get it truly concentric.  Be sure that if you buy the bushing, you get one with a centering mandrel.  Whiteside sells them through Woodcraft.

[smile]

 

[geary126]

Well, I just did another attempt.  I went to woodcraft and they told me to extend the bit out of the collet, if I need more depth.

So I just did another pass, and this time extended the bit to 1 and 3/64". 

Still super sloppy.

In other news, I was using baltic birth, and had a ton of tearout.

I thought baltic birch was a good choice for drawers?

Yours in the second circle of dovetail hell,

Tom

 

[butzla]

It's tough for me to understand the problem without seeing your setup and technique.  I don't make half blinds often, if you are cutting both pieces at once, the pin section will act as a backer board.  If not, you need a backer board.  I have the older model D1258(R), so I have to cut them separately.   If you are getting tearout on the face of the tail board, be sure you make a climb cut before you make any plunges.  
I recently added the vacuum kit and it works great, I plug it into my CT and there is very little dust on the floor afterwards.  It also adds support to the front of the router, preventing it from tipping towards you.
Dovetail jigs are not fool proof and there is a learning curve but it is a short one and once you get the hang of it you'll be churning out perfect drawers in no time flat.  [thumbs up]
Here's a youtube from Leigh jig that might help.  There are also many more vids on youtube you can search for.

 

[geary126]

Thanks, Jim.

 

[bwiele]

One other thing to consider is using a mandrel to ensure that the E7 bushing is truly concentric with the OF 1010.  You may need to use the Leigh 704R adapter and a 7/16" bushing to get it truly concentric.  Be sure that if you buy the bushing, you get one with a centering mandrel.  Whiteside sells them through Woodcraft.

[smile]

Tom -

This is good advice - I was originally trying to use the E7 bushing and couldn't get things to line up quite right.  I bought the mandrel, the 704R adapter and the bushing to be sure it was centered.  Thereafter I had better luck with things fitting.  I'm not able to help with the tear-out question.