The Festool is a versatile jig capable of dovetails, box joints, and even shelf-support holes and dowel joints. It also has very solid clamping bars with a third knob in the middle for narrow stock.

Adjusted front-to-back, the templates are the only ones that hold their settings when removed from the jig. The jig must be used with a Festool router, but these come with a tapered pin that makes installing the guide bushing a breeze, and the 8-mm-dia. Festool bits are stiffer than the 1/4-in. competition.

However, the jig’s design is troublesome. Because it uses a special guide bushing with a lipped collar, the stock can’t be pushed flush against the template. This makes it harder to align the template with the work or to align two boards when cutting half-blinds. And the long, thin templates tended to flex under the weight of the router, or bow on top of narrow boards. On the upside, the Festool templates retain their front-to-back settings when removed from the jig. Last, the jig is only the base unit; you must buy bits and at least one template to cut a joint. Add the router and the price approaches $800.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Jorgensen 6 inch Bar Clamp Set, 4 Pack

Small light-duty clamps are best bought in quantity. These clamps are a great balance of affordability and quality—so stock up!

Buy at Amazon

Blackwing Pencils

If you've listened to Shop Talk Live, you've heard them talk more about these pencils than you could possibly imagine.

Buy at Amazon

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks