VS600 vs. omnijig

Chris Hughes

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Joined
Mar 15, 2008
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572
   I just saw a video presentation on the new PC 24' onmijig.  PC has thought of a lot of set up issues that make dove tail joints difficult for me.  Does anybody on this forum have experience with both or either the omnijig and the vs-600?  I am interested in buying a dove tail machine this year so I need info.  Chris
 
I have the old 24" omni jig and it's very easy to use. I also have the Leigh d4 and for 2 years haven't figured it out. I would really like to try the vs600 but have never seen it in the stores.
 
Chris,
  I just received the new 24" Omnijig. I havent had a chance to use it...just to read the insstructions and watch the DVD. They  both are good.
  The VS-600 is a great dovetail jig because it is so easy to use. It does not ave variable spacing so that is one area of comparison...the Omni does.
  Hopefully I will  get to shop an cut wood this week.
 
If you have a D4 I would suggest trying to learn all it can do.
The learning curve is long but once you have it down it is a great jig. Besides you already own it.
 
Chris--

If you haven't already, do a Search on FOG for "VS600" (it's usually spelled without the hyphen). You'll get a bunch of good hits.

Ned
 
Hey Chris,
I have the VS600, but I've never used the omnijig - so I can only address half your question.

Here's my take on the VS600...

Good:
Very wide frame, can easily do a big cabinet carcass with one setup.
Most setup and tuning is a one time deal.  Once you figure it out, its a snap (pun intended) the second time
It makes extremely well fitting dovetails, and you can control the tightness of the fit.
Festool copy rings, especially those that snap into the OF1400 are way superior to porter cable templet guides
Festool routers are engineered so that the bit stays centered, even though you get a centering cone with the setup, there's not much need.
Festool routers are more ergonomic, and require way fewer tools to set up than most other routers.
With the CT22 I can cut dovetails all day long and have very little dust on the floor (do check the big often though, hogging out dts makes a lot of dust).

Not so good:
Everything is metric.  If this bothers you, it could be a deal breaker.  Best thing to do is just start with metric in your plans, then its a cinch.

Ugly:
Its expensive.  Big surprise, huh?
It won't do half blind dovetails on half inch stock (only thicker stock).
You pretty much have to use Festool routers and bits while the omni-jig will use most any router.

Definitely take a look at Jerry Work's manual on the VS600.
 
I am thinking of getting the Akeda jig instead it looks like the best of the bunch and will handle 1/2" stock for the drawers.  It also looks to be the easiest to use and setup.  I have been looking for about six months going back and forth, but it has good dust collection and seems idiot proof, which is what I need.  :)
 
Gene Howerton said:
I am thinking of getting the Akeda jig instead it looks like the best of the bunch and will handle 1/2" stock for the drawers.  It also looks to be the easiest to use and setup.  I have been looking for about six months going back and forth, but it has good dust collection and seems idiot proof, which is what I need.  :)

Gene I can say with no reservations that the Akeda jig is fantastic. If I had a ton of drawers to dovetail that is the jig I would purchase.

I had one and loved it, but got out of cabinets so I sold it. Like Festools it held its value well.

The dust collection is superb and I had no issues with it at all.

Nickao
 
I just ordered my 24" Omnijig.  The videos made it look so easy and flawless, that's what I need.  The guy at woodcraft said he had it up and making great joints after watching the video.  Should have it in my hands in the next couple of weeks, I will givw a report after using it a couple of times.
 
Don,

I am looking forward to your report. I have been considering the Omnijig since they first announced it over a year ago, and finally saw one at Woodcraft. However, nothing compares to hands on experience.

(I don't think PC offers a 30 day money back guarantee if not satisfied, unlike one manufacturer I know of.)

Charles
 
Actually, Porter Cables 90 day money back "return for any reason" Policy is much better than Festools. I am told at a local Woodcraft they would take the jig back too, though not stated below.

Nickao

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There will actually be a featured section of this month SysNotes email newsletter which discusses the VS 600.  There will be a short video demonstrating the use of the VS 600 and an article from Jerry Work as well.  Jerry's commentary is very detailed and offers an independent review of the system.
 
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