Porter-Cable 4216 Super jig

[AstroKeith]

I've been wanting to add a dovetail jig to my shop for a while. The Festool one looks nice but for the limited use I would give it, it is way too expensive. I also only wanted 12" width really.

The Porter-Cable 4216 seemed too good to pass buy at the price. Comes with many templates, guide bushes and 4 cutter. Even with UK import duty it was a good price.

First impressions are very good. Its sturdy, well manufactured and useful features. Made a couple of practice efforts, and now I'm cutting right first time. The built in depth gauge seems to be key to achieving repeatable good fits. I added the Leigh VRS1200 router support and dust extraction jig - well worth it too.

Only downside seems to be the very specific & weird cutter sizes it uses, and unique to P-C it seems. I'll just have to make sure I always have 1 or 2 spares in hand.

After a bit of juggling I managed to get it all into a SYS3 XXL 237 Systainer. In the photo one of the templates and the leigh jig are under the main P-C jig.
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[Rick Herrick]

This is good to hear.  I found one on sale a few months ago for a good price of $135 but haven't worked with it yet.  Looks like you put yours in a Systainer?  Which one is it ?

 

[AstroKeith]

This is good to hear.  I found one on sale a few months ago for a good price of $135 but haven't worked with it yet.  Looks like you put yours in a Systainer?  Which one is it ?

I described it in my original posting as SYS3 XXL237, but I believe the Festool number is 204850.

At first it looked impossible, but managed it after an hour of head scratching. The key was to put the biggest template and the bulky leigh jig in first, and then put the P-C jig over the top (as the jig is essentially hollow). Then the two narrower templates will just fit over the top. About 2mm to spare front to back!

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

I'm resurrecting this thread because I just ordered a 4216 jig.
I assume that their template guides fit the Festool routers?
I'd prefer to use the OF 1010 but I also have a 1400.
I've watched a number of YT videos and the dovetail jig review from Fine Woodworking, so it looks like this is the best moderate-priced jig.

Interested that you bought the Leigh router support and vacuum ducting, I'll look into that, as I really like good dust collection.

 

[AstroKeith]

The jig comes supplied with specific threaded guide bushings for each template. So you will need an adapter plate on the bottom of the router.
The router bits are very specific to the template and most are 1/2" so the OF1010 is out I'm afraid.
In the UK we have to buy an adapter plate for the OF1400, but I think it is included in the US?
The Leigh router support can take a little time to set up first time, but its dust collection is pretty reasonable. Without it you get chips and dust everywhere! The added support is essential I would say for bigger routers.

I've used my jig quite a bit now and am very happy with the results for full and concealed dovetails. I havent got the same good results on box joints though. Strange as you would have through they would have been easier!

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

AstroKeith, thanks for your response.
I see that the 1/4 inch shank bits are for mini-dovetails; fortunately I do have the OF 1400 for regular dovetails.

I did order the Leigh router support/vacuum accessory through Amazon. Thanks for the reinforcement on that.

 

[Palinus]

In the UK we have to buy an adapter plate for the OF1400

Hi, I have just received a Porter Cable 4216 and have an OF1400. Could you please tell me what adapter plate should I buy to use the threaded guide bushings with my Festool router?
Thanks a lot

 

[Packard]

Years ago, I bought a P-C dovetail jig and a P-C 690 to go with it.  It worked perfectly and it was nicely designed.

However, I have a very short attention span and a high frustration level with setups.  So I bought a second of each.

I had one set up for the dovetail bit, and the other for the straight bit.  They were always “at-the-ready”.  I only had to cut the boards to length and clamp and router the tails. 

I recently stole one of the 690s to use in my router table.  I probably will use just the one router.  Though I really liked that I never had to ask myself, “Is it worth setting up for just one drawer?”

The P-C dovetail jig (mine was the smaller one) is a tank.  You’ll love it.

 

[krudawg]

I have the Leigh D4 Pro with all the accessories.  I find it to be a bit on the fussy side.  My first attempt was with Plywood and it was a disaster.  I called Leigh and they told me don't use plywood (I guess the Dovetails on Plywood come out OK with a CNC but very very easy to destroy plywood if cut with a router.  Okay....

 

[AstroKeith]

In the UK we have to buy an adapter plate for the OF1400

Hi, I have just received a Porter Cable 4216 and have an OF1400. Could you please tell me what adapter plate should I buy to use the threaded guide bushings with my Festool router?
Thanks a lot

Hi, its a Leigh part which Axminster in the UK stock. Axminster

 

[Palinus]

Hi, its a Leigh part which Axminster in the UK stock. Axminster

Huge thanks!