Leigh Dovetail Jig question

[bobberner]

Howdy,

I seem to have a pretty nice fitting tight joint here. However, there is a gap where the pin board meets the tail board This is puzzling me, as I can't seem to get rid of it. I am making a half blind dovetail in one pass and have been following the instructions in the manual. I've been playing around with this for awhile, and am starting to get a little frustrated. Can anyone offer a little advice, has anyone else had this problem?

 

[TOOLTOWN]

Looks like the cutter depth for the end grain is a bit too shallow, or the cutter depth on the edge grain is a bit too deep.

I'm no expert, this is just a quick observation from the one view given.

Ken

 

[ajones]

looks like your cutting the pins do deep back off the cutter?

is your stock all the same thickness and flat?

 

[bobberner]

Thanks,

Yeah. I would think that too, however, depth of cut (bit extension from the base) determines the tightness of the joint. Both pieces are cut at the same time, with the same router setting. If the joint is too loose, you lower the bit, and if too tight you raise the bit to correct the fit.

 

[ajones]

also looks like you might need a backer or alter your feed rate when breaking out

 

[bobberner]

Yeah,

This is just some practice on scrap. I am more concerned with figuring out the settings at this point. My pin board is 3/4" thick and tail board is 1/2" thick, all within spec for this joint on this jig. I sent an email to Leigh with the photo, I hope I hear back from them soon. Thanks for the input so far, I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[ajones]

Another thing to check is the bush is centred on the cutter. I don't have the leigh jig so no direct experience. I have the trend dc400 which I have had no issues with.

 

[Bob H]

You may have to adjust the height of the bit. Higher to tighten and lower to losing the joint. Make very small adjustments.

 

[AndyUK]

I'm guessing you're just slightly over depth with the router cutter than you need to be?

 

[chrisrosenb]

The gap between the side & the end is caused by the template fingers not being tight against the end piece when it was cut.
Adjusting the bit setting will not get rid of the gap.

 

[bobberner]

Thanks JD,

Still no answer from Leigh customer service, I was going to call them tomorrow. I'll play around with it again and focus on your suggestion.

 

[chrisrosenb]

What Leigh jig are you using? Are you using the VRS vacuum router support accessory?

 

[butzla]

[member=45671]bobberner[/member] ,  Will all do respect, those are just about the worst results with a Leigh jig I've ever seen.  I agree with others that there probably is a problem with your clamping.  There are too many other variables in play that aren't apparent from your picture.  You should go back to step 1 and recheck all your settings.  What type of router are you using?  What type of guide bushings and is it installed correctly?  Check the bit depth, triple check it.  There's tearout on a tail, are you using a backer board?  There is an abundance of YouTube videos available, you should check them out.

There is a steep learning curve but once you get it, you'll have virtually airtight dovetails.

 

[bobberner]

What Leigh jig are you using? Are you using the VRS vacuum router support accessory?

I'm using the DR4 with the VRS.

Jim,

This is my first time using the jig. And some of the tearout is probably due to the joint being a little tight and tapping (ok banging) the joint together. I did not use a backer board. I know the jig can provide excellent results, I just need to practice and understand how to use it. Thanks!

 

[chrisrosenb]

[member=45671]bobberner[/member] ,  Will all do respect, those are just about the worst results with a Leigh jig I've ever seen.  I agree with others that there probably is a problem with your clamping.  There are too many other variables in play that aren't apparent from your picture.  You should go back to step 1 and recheck all your settings.  What type of router are you using?  What type of guide bushings and is it installed correctly?  Check the bit depth, triple check it.  There's tearout on a tail, are you using a backer board?  There is an abundance of YouTube videos available, you should check them out.

There is a steep learning curve but once you get it, you'll have virtually airtight dovetails.

I am also using the D4R & VRS.
I agree with what Jim stated. I will add something else. Do not rout one pass half blind dovetails until the parts are fitting well & you are more familiar with the jig. Rout the parts one piece at a time, using backer & stop boards.