Replies

1. 
   galenajoe | Jan 27, 2008 10:05pm | #1

   I have a omni jig. Had it for years. Takes a few sample cuts to set up, but once it set it makes perfect dovetails. Make sure you have enough of the same thickness wood to make the set up cuts. I only use it for half blind dovetails. It's simple & straight forward and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

2. 
   benhasajeep | Jan 27, 2008 10:43pm | #2

   I have the 4212 and used it about 5 times now.  I thought it was a good deal for what is included.  I got mine from amazon during a tool sale.   If its easier than others I am not sure.  I really wanted a larger one but settled for this one as price was right for what I wanted to spend.   And would be big enough for the near future.  I just had some larger projects planned for later on.  May never need the larger one I was hoping for.  I am happy with this one so far. 

   I forgot to mention the manual does give you iformation on using non PC bits.  So you are not required to use the ones they send you.  They also have an advanced manual that gives much more information on using the jig.

   ALTERNATE ROUTER BITS

   You are not limited to using the router bits supplied with your jig. Other router bits can be used to produce a differentlook or to work with thicker woods. Using alternate bits can help you produce more advanced joints (inlayeddovetails, etc.). Since 1/2" shank bits are stronger and are much less prone to deflection than the 1/4" shank bits,we recommend that you use the 1/2" shank bits with the 4210 and 4212 dovetail jigs, and with the 4211 and 4213accessory kits.

   
   

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   Edited 1/27/2008 2:58 pm ET by benhasajeep

3. 
   Napie | Jan 28, 2008 03:18am | #3

   A good saw and a set of sharp chisels, best damn jig I have ever used.  Other than that the Keller Jig is tops on my list.

1. 
   webby | Jan 28, 2008 05:28pm | #4

   Thanks everyone for the good advice. I am leaning to the 4212. 

    Webby 

    

4. 
   bones | Jan 28, 2008 06:43pm | #5

   I have the leigh d4r and love it.  If you check out e-bay you might get lucky!  I just missed one early on.  I watched for a few months and no more showed up, so I bought (could not wait). You would know it two showed up right after my purchase. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
5. 
   daverichards | Jan 29, 2008 12:56am | #6

   If you are planning to save up your shekels for a Leigh jig or another of the more flexible sorts of dovetailers, coughwoodratcough, cough, and you still want to make dovetails using a router, you might consider making your own templates. Not as quick as buying one but cheaper. You could make your templates to allow using the slender high speed steel bits instead of the obese carbide cutters for which most dovetail jigs are designed.

   Not to get on a soapbox but my feeling about carbide dovetail cutters is that they make rather homely joints, especially when coupled with the typical comb-style jig. WIth the high strength adhesives on the market these days, dovetail joints aren't needed so much for strength as they once were. There are a number of easier joints to join two pieces of wood together at a right angle.

   So, if one is going to make dovetails, one might as well make dovetails that are aesthetically pleasing. Hand cut dovetails tend to be aesthetically pleasing because the pins are usually narrow--certainly narrower than the tails--and they aren't spaced like the teeth of a zipper.

   If you aren't going to cut them by hand, the high speed steel bits out there come closest to the look of hand cut.

   Here are some examples of dovetails cut with high speed steel bits. If you're interested in the templates for cutting them, I have some sketches I could share. http://www.woodrat.com/thumbnails/IMG_0071.jpg http://www.woodrat.com/thumbnails/IMG_0075.jpg