Leigh Super Dovetail jig, 18" anyone using one?

[kfitzsimons]

I'm thinking about purchasing the Leigh 18" Super Dovetail Jig.  Any user opinions? Leigh is giving a set of bits ($109 value) until the end of March.  I've got the Keller 1601 but you're limited to fixed spacing and I'd like to try some new layouts.

 

[wnagle]

I have the D4R from Leigh.  The new super jigs are less expensive but have more limits than the D4R.  And the Leigh bits in my opinion aren't very good.  From my experience, I would buy the D4R and get whiteside bits as you need them.  More capabilities with the D4R and Better cutters with Whiteside bits.

I confess I don't recall all the differences between the D4R and The Super 18, but I did compare them at one time and came up with the above conclusion.  If you watch all the videos they have online you may be able to do a complete comparison and make sure the Super would fit all your needs.  Since you seem to notice the limits of the Keller, you may notice the limits of the Super jig down the road.

Some tools I buy knowing their limits with a plan to replace them someday when I have more money.  And some I buy with the assumption of not needing to replace it forever or at least a long time.  this is your second dovetail jig...go for it and get the D4R.  It's only money.  [big grin]

 

[spikfot]

I also use a D4R- but the 12" super has been on my short list for quite some time.  On the topic of Leigh's bits, Iv'e been satisfied so far... mostly made in Taiwan, but with quality Sandvik carbide. On the other hand, the last time I used a Whiteside bit, it was undersized and caused me some joinery grief. The retailer is sending me a new one... 2 to 3 weeks in the mail.

 

[Tim Morris]

I have the old D24 and use CMT bits. Flawless set up. The versatility is almost endless.
TIM

 

[woodwreck]

I have the D4R and really like it - BUT - after having it for several months discovered that Walzcraft (MN) can deliver to my doorstep finished doors ready for finish spray coat for about the same price as my wholesale material cost.  [blink]  Given the capital cost of the Leigh, no matter how happy with it, that's a pretty long payout.

But, back to your question, forget the Omnijig if that is your comparison.

 

[gasman]

I have had the 18" superjig for about 3 years.
I use it infrequently but have used it in many of the possible ways - eg half-blind DT , through DT, asymmetric DT, box joints etc and because I use it infrequently I always have to remind myself how to do each one from the absolutely excellent instructions. However it has never failed to deliver. I think it is great

 

[clintholeman]

How about making "DomiDrawers"?  Fast, easy, looks unique and very cool with contrasting dominos... not to mention, very strong.  Since I've been using Domino, I've never gone back to dovetailed drawers - no regrets.

 

[Mirko]

I have the D1600 and the new super 18" both with the Vac support. The only differences between the two are the set stops on the D1600 are fixed, because of this, you can NOT do finger joints on the D1600 or D4R.
The New Super jigs can do a full range of finger joints along with all the dovetail possibilities imaginable.
I highly recommend the VRS for the jig, it has perfect dust collection and also supports the router (you don't have to remove the router off the jig after every cut)

Mirko

 

[spikfot]

I have the D1600 and the new super 18" both with the Vac support. The only differences between the two are the set stops on the D1600 are fixed, because of this, you can NOT do finger joints on the D1600 or D4R.
The New Super jigs can do a full range of finger joints along with all the dovetail possibilities imaginable.
I highly recommend the VRS for the jig, it has perfect dust collection and also supports the router (you don't have to remove the router off the jig after every cut)

Mirko

"NOT"

I don't know where you've gotten the idea that finger joints can't be done on the D4R. That is just plain wrong. As with most all jigs, different joints require different templates- I highly recommend the Leigh finger joint template, the simple shift of a pin allows for both aspects of a joint to be routed without recalibration. The last project I used mine on required 48 drawers and it worked perfectly.

 

[Mirko]

I have the D1600 and the new super 18" both with the Vac support. The only differences between the two are the set stops on the D1600 are fixed, because of this, you can NOT do finger joints on the D1600 or D4R.
The New Super jigs can do a full range of finger joints along with all the dovetail possibilities imaginable.
I highly recommend the VRS for the jig, it has perfect dust collection and also supports the router (you don't have to remove the router off the jig after every cut)

Mirko

"NOT"

I don't know where you've gotten the idea that finger joints can't be done on the D4R. That is just plain wrong. As with most all jigs, different joints require different templates- I highly recommend the Leigh finger joint template, the simple shift of a pin allows for both aspects of a joint to be routed without recalibration. The last project I used mine on required 48 drawers and it worked perfectly.

Sorry, I was referring to the stock jigs, right out of the box without any "extra" templates

Mirko

 

[kfitzsimons]

Thanks for the comments fellas.  I think I'm going to go for the 18" Super Jig.  The D4 is nice, but too rich for me.  Might as well get it with the free bit set and practice with those then replace them as I get better.  I've got an entertainment center to build in a couple of weeks.  I'll post photos when finished.