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

[Ken Nagrod]

I guess if your wife calls you for dinner, no delay in you getting there!  [big grin]

 

[vkumar]

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.

The big problem with Akeda is that they have not been available for over a year, with no hope for the future.

Vijay

 

[irvin00]

Yes, I did.
The dust collection is not nearly as good as the one on my router table, where I get more than 95 % of the dust using my own little dust collection device ( a simple clone of Woodpecker's Free Hand guard minus the acrylic cover, so that it stays close to the jig). Besides, the metal handles on the dust attachment (your picture) are very flimsy and tend to get loose as you move your router.

... 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.

 

[joraft]

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.

Yes, I did.
The dust collection is not nearly as good as the one on my router table, where I get more than 95 % of the dust using my own little dust collection device ( a simple clone of Woodpecker's Free Hand guard minus the acrylic cover, so that it stays close to the jig). Besides, the metal handles on the dust attachment (your picture) are very flimsy and tend to get loose as you move your router.

I wondered about those handles, they do look flimsy. Depending on the operation, dust collection on a router can be a challenge. Of course with a router table you have the ability to collect the dust from several different angles. With most jigs that's not possible. Hopefully I can come with some improvements once I've used the Leigh jig for a while.

I sure hope I have a better experience with the D4R than you did. Tossing it in the trash would definitely be a painful experience.  [sad]

 

[irvin00]

In all fairness, the Leigh is deservedly at the top of all dovetail jigs, by all accounts. My experience with it was a bad one, but it is just that: a bad match between a hobbyist with little patience and a jig that requires time and dedication. Your experience will, hopefully, be the complete opposite. The good news is that there is not a single person, including me, who claims the Leigh can not do the job.

I wish you good luck with it!

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.

Yes, I did.
The dust collection is not nearly as good as the one on my router table, where I get more than 95 % of the dust using my own little dust collection device ( a simple clone of Woodpecker's Free Hand guard minus the acrylic cover, so that it stays close to the jig). Besides, the metal handles on the dust attachment (your picture) are very flimsy and tend to get loose as you move your router.

I wondered about those handles, they do look flimsy. Depending on the operation, dust collection on a router can be a challenge. Of course with a router table you have the ability to collect the dust from several different angles. With most jigs that's not possible. Hopefully I can come with some improvements once I've used the Leigh jig for a while.

I sure hope I have a better experience with the D4R than you did. Tossing it in the trash would definitely be a painful experience.  [sad]

 

[joraft]

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

I've been kidding around a little, but I am serious about cutting a hole in the floor. My shop is not at my house and it does have a second floor. But since I'm the only one ever around, there's no chance of smacking anyone below. I said trap door, but it would really be a slot in the floor, maybe 6" X 30", probably with an insert that lifts out when needed.

I'm still working on the details, but I'll post a photo when I get it done.

 

[fritter63]

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

I've been kidding around a little, but I am serious about cutting a hole in the floor. My shop is not at my house and it does have a second floor. But since I'm the only one ever around, there's no chance of smacking anyone below. I said trap door, but it would really be a slot in the floor, maybe 6" X 30", probably with an insert that lifts out when needed.

I'm still working on the details, but I'll post a photo when I get it done.

if you do it right, you can put a trash can below and just sweep sawdust through the slot....

File the patent as: "Design of a gravity fed passive dust collection system".