Need recommendations on dovetail jigs

[rdesigns]

How do other jigs, like Leigh, compare to Festool's? Do you need to spend big bucks to get needed attachments for the Festool setup?
I have an MFT/3 and the 1400 router.

 

[Kev]

I'm in the same boat as you.

I've been considering the VS600 and the various guide templates.

The "problem" as I see it with the Festool dovetail jig is it doesn't allow you much flexibility. The flip side is it's easy and quick to setup and knock out dovetails.

My dealer is looking to organise a demonstration session for me - I don't think I'll commit either way till I try it.

I did read a review that wasn't very complementary of the VS600 - but the low quality result seemed to be more about the sharpness of the router bit used.

I'm also undecided whether I want to be able to make joints with different spacings ... that would effectively eliminate the VS600 and steer you to the Leigh options.

 

[Guy Ashley]

I think there was a thread about this last year, maybe 18 months ago.

I have the Leigh and it is the versatility that wins for me.

There are other jigs that may suit you and they were discussed as well in that thread.

I cant find it on a cursory search but it is out there somewhere!! ???

 

[Kev]

I think there was a thread about this last year, maybe 18 months ago.

I have the Leigh and it is the versatility that wins for me.

There are other jigs that may suit you and they were discussed as well in that thread.

I cant find it on a cursory search but it is out there somewhere!! ???

Those dovetails in your avatar picture are the exact reason I'm seriously considering the Leigh myself.

 

[mattfc]

Those dovetails in your avatar picture are the exact reason I'm seriously considering the Leigh myself.

Funny  that.. since I think those are exactly the kind of dovetails the jix can't do (e.g. very fine pins, as the router bits are too big) [eek]

 

[mattfc]

but on a helpful note, the Leigh is great in terms of variability (infinitely adjustable) and can also process some pretty chunky size stuff.. for small items where you want consitent spacing, then for speed and ease I would go for the Incra fence on a router table..e.g. you have to weigh up whats bigger, the router or the stock, if its the stock, bring the router to the stock, if its the router, bring the stock to the table

 

[Guy Ashley]

I think there was a thread about this last year, maybe 18 months ago.

I have the Leigh and it is the versatility that wins for me.

There are other jigs that may suit you and they were discussed as well in that thread.

I cant find it on a cursory search but it is out there somewhere!! ???

Those dovetails in your avatar picture are the exact reason I'm seriously considering the Leigh myself.

If that's what you want to achieve, you need a sharp marking knife, a LN Dovetail Saw and a set of Japanese Umeki Nomi Dovetail chisels! [big grin]

The backs of the drawers were done on the Leigh, so I cheated on that part!! [scared]

 

[ccarrolladams]

Some of you lot outside North America still can purchase the VS6000 with full local Festool support. Festool USA no longer lists the VS6000 in the current catalog, although some dealers might still have them.

I bought a VS6000 system years ago to add to my joint fixture collection. As folks say, it is fast to use so long as the adjustment suits the job.

I own a Leigh D4R system. Before that I think I had another Leigh joint fixture, Given enough time they can be adjusted in many ways for different spacing.

This has always been the choice with dovetail jigs: One spacing fits all, which are fast; Adjustable spacing, which takes time and test runs.

My current production method for drawer dovetails is my CNC Dovetail machine made by Alexander Dodds Company. Program the style of dovetail required and the height of the finished drawer case. The software will perform the calculations. Our Dodds CNC machine can make enough parts for 100 five-piece cases an hour. We have never needed that volume. I spent the money because I need the exact mix of drawer cases when I need them. The Dodds machine lets me switch from drawer height to drawer height without delay for set-up change.

I have always taken pride in the quality of my dovetails. It is embarrassing to admit that despite my experience, my Dodds machine makes even better and far more consistent dovetails.

 

[Neill]

It is hard to make long term comparisons of first rate dovetail jigs because of the cost.  When you look at the jig body, various templates, router bits, bushings, vac accessories, etc. you are easily talking about $700+.  You also have a learning curve.  Unless you use the jigs on a regular basis you find yourself returning to the manual with each use.  Even the Wood Whisperer admits that he does this.  He also recommends the Leigh jigs although he is a Festool fan.

I have had the Leigh D4R for about 13 years and I find that it still works great.  The nice feature about Leigh is that they do not forget you.  Despite a few updates over the years they still support this jig.  I bought a vac just last year.  They offer various templates and bushings that are still usable, even the new ones.

Neill

 

[Sparktrician]

I bought the Leigh Super 18 several years ago.  The worst thing about it was familiarizing myself with the setup.  Once that hurdle was overcome, the rest was easy, and it did a great job. 

[smile]

 

[joraft]

I have had the Leigh D4R for about 13 years and I find that it still works great. 

After doing a lot of research I bought a D4R about six months ago. The most common complaint I saw about it was the learning curve, but I've had absolutely no problem with that.

However that could change, since it's still in the sealed box.  [big grin]

 

[Kev]

I think there was a thread about this last year, maybe 18 months ago.

I have the Leigh and it is the versatility that wins for me.

There are other jigs that may suit you and they were discussed as well in that thread.

I cant find it on a cursory search but it is out there somewhere!! ???

Those dovetails in your avatar picture are the exact reason I'm seriously considering the Leigh myself.

If that's what you want to achieve, you need a sharp marking knife, a LN Dovetail Saw and a set of Japanese Umeki Nomi Dovetail chisels! [big grin]

The backs of the drawers were done on the Leigh, so I cheated on that part!! [scared]

I just zoomed the picture a bit - yeh, quite fine ... I was really just referring to the spacing.

Kev

 

[Timtool]

i have the trend version of the akeda jig, i went for that one because it's adjustable in width, yet requires no set up and the router is fully supported and cannot tip over. plus the clamp system is very clever and effective. Seemed like the most fool-proof jig to me, while still being flexible.

 

[duburban]

i just bought a rockler, great reviews for the price. we shall see...

 

[davee]

I have and really like the Akeda, but I looked at their web site and it says (as it did quite a few months ago) that they didn't have any jigs available.  I previously had a Porter Cable which I didn't like at all.  Very little learning curve, but I still look at the manual if its been a few months between use.

 

[CharlesWilson]

I've got the VS600 and have used it on occasion, but have recently discovered that I actually can cut dovetails by hand for 1/8" drawer stock. I seriously wonder if any of the mainstream jigs out there can handle stock that thin. I suppose I could find a dovetail bit for the Foredom rotary head, (most often used for woodcarving) and use that with some templates. For the time being the Veritas 20 tpi dovetail saw seems to be doing the trick.

 

[erock]

I have the Rockler jig.

For the price and the amount I use it....fits me perfectly.  No problems with it.  And I use my OF1400 with it.  I have made some nice drawers with the Rockler jig.  I have a shop vac hooked up to the jig dust collector  and my CT hooked up to the OF1400.  Works great.

 

[RONWEN]

I have had the Leigh D4R for about 13 years and I find that it still works great. 

After doing a lot of research I bought a D4R about six months ago. The most common complaint I saw about it was the learning curve, but I've had absolutely no problem with that.

However that could change, since it's still in the sealed box.  [big grin]

Ohhh John!!!  It doesn't require electricity (just for the routers).  [wink]  It really is a simple jig to use, the instructions walk you right through to success.  I didn't like changing bits back & forth so I bought two (2) Bosch routers for pins and tails.

 

[Neill]

I have had the Leigh D4R for about 13 years and I find that it still works great. 

After doing a lot of research I bought a D4R about six months ago. The most common complaint I saw about it was the learning curve, but I've had absolutely no problem with that.

However that could change, since it's still in the sealed box.  [big grin]

Ohhh John!!!   It doesn't require electricity (just for the routers).   [wink]  It really is a simple jig to use, the instructions walk you right through to success.  I didn't like changing bits back & forth so I bought two (2) Bosch routers for pins and tails.

Ron,

You know John.  He likes to let his tools acclimate to the surroundings before he uses them.  [wink] [smile]

Neill

 

[sancho57]

I have a old (before they redesigned it) PC Dt jig. It does a good job once the bit is adjusted. But for basic run of the mill dove tailing and ease of use, Im loking hard at the Keller jig. It does thru DT/ Box joints only. But it isnt limited to length or material thckness. You can dove tail to infinity with it.