Used my OF 1400 to make dovetails today

[bigarm]

The last couple of days I have been working with my new Leigh D4R pro dovetail jig and my OF1400 to try to make through dovetails.  Yesterday, with the help of my wife, I got some done and they were okay.  Did some more today and these were better.  Both tools are really nice.

 

[RKA]

That's great! Feel free to share what're you learned assuming it wasn't just dumb luck that made today's dovetails better.  Ive got more projects than I know what to do with, and somewhere down the list is using a Leigh to make drawers for the shop (for practice).  And pictures....gotta have pictures!

 

[felkadelic]

I'd love if you could share any tips.  I have a D4R Pro sitting on my shelf, waiting to be taken for its maiden voyage (no spare time these days!).  I'll be using a pair of PC-690 routers but I'm sure most of the tips are universal.

 

[bigarm]

I don't know if I can be of much help, but I will tell my experience so far.  I ordered this a few weeks ago and set it up, but never got around to trying it until a few days ago.  The first time I used it I found the finger bar somewhat difficult to move back and forth.  I made some through dovetails following the directions in the manual.  The dovetails came out somewhat okay, but the pins were less than acceptable.  I then called Leigh support (highly recommend them!) and they gave me suggestions, including pages in the manual, to improve set up.  I then asked my wife to help me and with her reading the manual and giving directions, we got it set up better.  We then made a few dovetails and pins to form a box and it was better.  The next day I went out and did it again and the results were better yet.  So, I think set up is essential and then practice, practice, practice.  I am going up to Kalispell today and buy some hardwoods to practice with.

 

[Simon (UK)]

Thanks for sharing. Keep the hints and tips coming.
Delivery of an OF1400 expected tomorrow and I hope to get a dovetail jig soon.

S.

 

[truck90278]

Don't we always do better when we have our wife's directing us?  [wink]

 

[charley1968]

Amen, truck! And gratz for the dovetails. These are incredible useful joints. You'll have fun designing new stuff.

 

[bobberner]

I am doing the same thing!! Bought the jig a few years ago and never got to use it. How do you orient the router when cutting the dovetails? Do you have the handles in line with the direction of travel, or perpendicular to it? I seem to have trouble clamping the horizontal board tight enough, my practice pieces shifted on me a few times.

 

[bigarm]

I am doing the same thing!! Bought the jig a few years ago and never got to use it. How do you orient the router when cutting the dovetails? Do you have the handles in line with the direction of travel, or perpendicular to it? I seem to have trouble clamping the horizontal board tight enough, my practice pieces shifted on me a few times.

I tried both ways and decided perpendicular worked better for me.  I did have them shift a couple of times but just tightened a wee bit and it seems to do fine.