Looking at purchasing Leigh D4R Dovetail Jig and Leigh Router Bit Set

[schristl]

I am going to be purchasing a dovetail jig, most likely the Leigh D4R, soon and wanted to get some insight before I do. I like the ability to have variable spacing and will utilize Festool routers with it. I have searched for info on this site but it seems to be dated so I thought I would throw out a few questions to see what current experiences are.

1.  Is the D4R the best most versatile jig to buy?

2.  What is the best Festool router to use on this jig?

3.  Is it best to get the Leigh bit set or go with another brand like Whiteside?

Thanks for any suggestions or comments you might have. I don't post much but always get valuable insights from this site so thanks to all for that as well.

 

[joraft]

Coincidentally, after weeks of research I have just ordered the D4R, and am awaiting delivery.  [smile]

After reading a bazillion comments on the Net, I came to the conclusion it is the best all around dovetailing jig for me. And like you said, the variable spacing is a great feature.

I also decided to just order the bit set from Leigh.

I do have an OF 1010, OF 1400, and OF 2200, but I also have two DeWalts (DW621 and DW625) that I've been meaning to sell, and I just may dedicate those to using with the jig instead.

 

[justinmcf]

the d4r is undoubtedly the best jig on the market.

the most efficient setup is having two routers.

one for the spiral up cutting bit for the straight cuts and another router setup for the dovetail bit.

i use the OF2000 for the dovetail router bit and OF1400 for the spiral up cutting bit.

heaps of fun and very high quality results.

justin.

 

[Henning]

I use the OF1400 with my D4R and having all the available router bits from Leigh and having worked to both extremes small and large stock and small and large bits, the OF1400 is the way to go if you have only one router IMHO!
I do believe that the D4R is the best and most versatile jig available today. I spent 6 months researching before I bought mine and in the end there was no competition. Other jigs do single operations like through dovetailing a tad easier, but none do all the Leigh does as good and as easy. Again, my humble opinion as a very happy Leigh jig owner.
D4R and OF1400 is a great combo!

 

[irvin00]

I'd say it depends on your skill level, patience, budget and reason for buying it. I speak from experience, having thrown one into the garbage a few months ago - I only kept the clamps to use on a Keller journeyman template that I bought and love!

Now, don't get me wrong: the Leigh is, by all accounts, the most versatile, flexible jig on the market. It certainly has the most options to go along with the best-looking manual. So, what's wrong? I found the learning curve way too steep for a casual user like me (that's the key: if you don't use it frequently, it will be very tioresome to follow the detailed steps - and there are many of them! - every time). There is a lot of test cuts and adjustments before you can cut your dovetails.

Dust collection is ok, but not on a par with table-based jigs. The templates (where the router rides) can flex a bit and tip the router a bit, too. I was using the OF1400.

So, one day, I just tried to sell it, but (lucky me!) the main box chipped on one end and the seller returned it. I threw it in the garbage, absorbed the loss and went with cheaper, easier-to-use alternatives. Yes, I miss the possibility of doing variable-spaced dovetails, but it is not a biggie for me because I'm a hobbyist and I can get beautifully-looking dovatails with the Keller and Woodhaven jigs, which I can use on the router table. One big advantage that these jigs have over the Leigh - other than a lower price - is that they don't require the use of collars on the router base; the bits are guided by their own bearing. If you absolutely need to have variable-spaced dovetails, the Katie Jig (specially the one sold by Sommerfeld tools) provides that.

That's my experience and I hope it can give you a different perspective, for whatever it's worth.

Good luck!

I am going to be purchasing a dovetail jig, most likely the Leigh D4R, soon and wanted to get some insight before I do. I like the ability to have variable spacing and will utilize Festool routers with it. I have searched for info on this site but it seems to be dated so I thought I would throw out a few questions to see what current experiences are.

1.  Is the D4R the best most versatile jig to buy?

2.  What is the best Festool router to use on this jig?

3.  Is it best to get the Leigh bit set or go with another brand like Whiteside?

Thanks for any suggestions or comments you might have. I don't post much but always get valuable insights from this site so thanks to all for that as well.

 

[joraft]

... Dust collection is ok, but not on a par with table-based jigs. The templates (where the router rides) can flex a bit and tip the router a bit, too. I was using the OF1400.

Irvin, did you have the optional Vacuum/Router Support table on your D4R? It is supposed to improve dust collection as well as provide added support for the router.

 

[JimRay]

I do believe that the D4R is the best and most versatile jig available today. I spent 6 months researching before I bought mine and in the end there was no competition. Other jigs do single operations like through dovetailing a tad easier, but none do all the Leigh does as good and as easy. Again, my humble opinion as a very happy Leigh jig owner.
D4R and OF1400 is a great combo!

I have been looking at both the Leigh and the new Porter Cable OmniJig. I came to believe that the PC raises the bar a bit, and now favor it over the Leigh. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, and would be interested to know whether you considered the PC in your research.

 

[joraft]

I have been looking at both the Leigh and the new Porter Cable OmniJig. I came to believe that the PC raises the bar a bit, and now favor it over the Leigh. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, and would be interested to know whether you considered the PC in your research.

Jim, I did consider the Omnijig as well as the D4R. Those two seem to be the most popular and the most competitive.

I did not find anyone who had actually spent a lot of time on both jigs, so most people seem to favor (or hate) the one they owned.

However, I did come away with the impression that the D4R is a little more precise, a little more versatile, and has more templates available. Also the optional VRS (Vacuum Router Support) was a plus for me. But, I do believe the Omijig is built a little heavier and may be more rugged. For me, making the choice was not easy.

The most common complaint I saw about the D4R was a rather steep learning curve. That may be a result of more versatility and more possible adjustments and settings.  Learning curves on tools (or software  [smile]) have never been particularly difficult for me, so that complaint didn't bother me.

 

[James Metcalf]

I see Highland Hardware is asking $699. for D4R Pro with Accessory Kit (12 pcs. bits & Vac.) and free freight. Anyone found a better price? Thanks.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I'm surprised no one mentioned AKEDA.  I thought they were considered better than Leigh?

 

[joraft]

I see Highland Hardware is asking $699. for D4R Pro with Accessory Kit (12 pcs. bits & Vac.) and free freight. Anyone found a better price? Thanks.

That's a good price. I paid $569 for the jig & VRS from Lee Valley, and $219 for the 15 bit set direct from Leigh. The 12 bit set direct from Leigh is $169.

 

[joraft]

I am sure AKEDA believes that, but I do not believe you can buy a new AKEDA dovetail jig at this time.

That's right, they're still in business, but their product seems to be on backorder indefinitely.

 

[James Metcalf]

Thanks John.

 

[Joe Smith]

I have the D4R and the learning curve is there, but after you spend some time actually understanding the jig, it becomes really easy to make perfect dovetails.  One of the main things I learned that speeded up the process is that I now cut all the pins first right after another.  I do not do any test pieces with the tails. The key is using a test piece and getting the pins right. Once they are right, you can fly through dovetails all day.  Alot of the things I do are not standard and I needed the versatility of the Leigh.  Also, I never do half-blinds, so that never came into my decision process.  If you do alot of half-blinds, I would go with another jig. The D4R can do them, but it is easier with other jigs. Also, if you just plan on making drawers, I would go with a cheaper jig. The D4R can do them, but it is overkill.

 

[fritter63]

Looks like I'm too late (and too busy) with my reply/advice here.

I've had a leigh jig for years and used it a lot, including cutting dovetails on the maple carcass of an armoir which were 24" by 78" in dimension
(you need to mount the leigh jig on top of two ladders, and then get a couple of neighbors to help!).

that being said, I wouldn't get a the leigh again. I've NEVER been able to set those guides perfectly symmetrical (and I've tried
every trick). There's always one tail with a little extra gap in it.

So I'm planning to get an Akeda, since I've decided that "inifinite" spacing options just isn't a big deal for me.

I will keep the leigh because I'd still like to get the MMT attachment.

Sorry to hear the Akeda's are tough to come by...

 

[Joe Smith]

The problem with the Akeda's, is that you are stuck to certain sizes.  I think 1/8", but I can not be sure on the size.

 

[joraft]

I've had a leigh jig for years and used it a lot, including cutting dovetails on the maple carcass of an armoir which were 24" by 78" in dimension
(you need to mount the leigh jig on top of two ladders, and then get a couple of neighbors to help!).

I'm planning on building a dedicated bench upsatirs for both the D4R and FMY and putting a trap door in the floor to put longer material through. That should give me all the length I'll ever need.  [smile] (I'm serious)

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I'm planning on building a dedicated bench upsatirs for both the D4R and FMY and putting a trap door in the floor to put longer material through. That should give me all the length I'll ever need.  [smile] (I'm serious)

What about unwanted visitors?  Multiple uses, perhaps?  ;D

 

[Alan m]

i hope you are serious as it would make a great picture

 

[joraft]

What about unwanted visitors?  Multiple uses, perhaps?  ;D

The door will be securely inside so no worries. However, since it's directly over the dining room, I will have to be careful about dropping boards through at mealtimes.  [big grin]