Nick2cd Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'd like a good dovetail jig. I don't want to spend $400 on the Leigh so Im wondering if there are less pricey alternatives that still do a nice job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onboard Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 The president of our woodworking guild likes these dove tail jigs very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 The porter cable works pretty good. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 I guess I should have added the Porter cable 42 xxx never used the omnijig but it just as expensive as the Leigh. I just ordered the PM will be nice when it gets here from Taiwan in Feb. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian VanVreede Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 I spent the money on an 18" Leigh super jig. I've used it several time and it's great but I really wish I would have just invested that same amount of money in a good dovetail saw and some lessons on how to properly cut them by hand. The dovetail jig I am coming to realize is perfect for someone who does alot of cabinetry but if your plan is to use it to accompany you in the creation of a piece of furniture here and there you will spend some time getting the setup properly dialed in. I would persomally rather learn how to cut them by hand if I could do it all over again. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteJr Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Here's another one to consider. http://www.dovetailspline.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmykx250 Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Just my two cents but unless you want to buy a nice leigh dont spend the money on a fixed spaced jig. I dont think you would be happy. By a decent dovetail saw and take a one day class for 100 bucks and you will never think about a dovetail jig again. Besides how often will you really need it? Something to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian VanVreede Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChetlovesMer Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 I'm going to chime in here as well. I was going to buy a jig about a year ago. I even posted the question to this group. But, I have to agree, doing them by hand is better. Or at least more fun and encourages you to be creative. I do all my tails on the band saw now and clean them up with chisels. I do pins with either a router for half-blind or a pullsaw for through dovetails. There was an article in fine woodworking called "Half-blind dovetails in half the time". I read that and practiced that technique. Then I just expanded on what I learned in that technique to add to my through-dovetail cutting. I'm telling you, you don't need a jig. If you use the jig a ton, you can get really fast with it. But my personal opinion is that a jig stifles your creativity. (This comes from the biggest Normite you will ever meet.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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