Dovetail jigs

jiminycricket | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on January 12, 2008 10:20am

Hi folks,

I’m in the market for a dovetail jig, and think I’ve narrowed it down to the Leigh D4R or the Akeda 24″. I’m leaning toward the Akeda. My concern is something I read on the Benchmark Woodworking website about the ability to fine-tune the fit of the pins & tails. The Leigh can be tweeked by adjusting the fingers. The Akeda can only be tweeked by swapping router bits and/or template guides.

My question is: Is this really an issue? I’ve not seen it mentioned anywhere else and I need some feedback from users of these jigs.

Thanks, Jim

Replies

bones | Jan 13, 2008 03:12am | #1
I have the D4R and I do like the infinate adjustability. The first project for me was a blanket chest and it was perfect. I doubt you would be disapointed with the akeda. I looked at both and ultimately went with the D4R for that reason (adjustability), and the ability to make other types of joints like the bear ears. You could play with the spacing to even it out in the akeda, but I do like that complete freedom. I guess when it comes down to it, it's your call. It sounds like you already made your decision. Go for it! Good luck and enjoy the new toy!

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Sean2112 | Jan 13, 2008 05:43am | #2
Jim-
I'll sell you my old leigh dtj, cheap! After discovering the joy (and therepy) of hand-cut dt's, I'll never use it again.
Regards, Sean
Napie | Jan 13, 2008 08:05am | #3
The best DT jig in the world, a good saw and chisel set. Second best, the Keller jig. Many years ago I build a few hundred blanket chests; the Keller made it a profitable venture. No screwing around with adjustments, template guides etc, one set up and away you go. And they look great.
9michael9 | Jan 14, 2008 02:37am | #4
Take Sean up on his offer right now!! You won't ever be sorry your bought the Leigh.

Edited 1/16/2008 9:53 am ET by 9michael9
peteryu65 | Jan 16, 2008 10:10am | #5
The Leigh and the Akeda are both excellent jigs. However, the Akeda was designed to be easy to use so you can go from no dovetails to dovetails pretty darn fast. However, if you increase the convinience, you have to remove something: adjustability. On the other hand, the Leigh is the ultimate in adjustability.
Many woodworkers find that once you are past the point of knowing your jig(ie cutting a few drawers)you would perfer the Leigh for size and adjustability. Overall, you can't go wrong wrong the Leigh!!!