Replies

1. 
   saschafer | May 27, 2009 05:57pm | #1

   Have you watched the instructional videos at the Leigh web site? (Actually, I think a DVD comes with the jig, no?)

   -Steve

    

2. 
   PeterDurand | May 27, 2009 07:07pm | #2

   http://www.leighjigs.com/vids.php

   Have fun!

   One thing I have found to be VERY useful using this jig is their VRS (a support and vac attachment). Highly recommended.
   http://www.leighjigs.com/vrs.php

   Cheers,

   Peter

    

   Better life through Zoodles and poutine...

1. 
   EdgeGrain | May 27, 2009 07:57pm | #3

   Are you using hardwoods that are really flat and square?

   I've seen people start out with pieces of softwood 2x4 that hasn't been jointed, planed and square and it's pointless. Plywood and MDF is also a poor idea.

1. 
   PeterDurand | May 27, 2009 08:04pm | #4

   Its a given that you have to start with true surfaces. BTW, I have done Baltic ply dovetails. Gives an interesting look. You do have to have a backer board to prevent splintering when cutting. 

   Better life through Zoodles and poutine...

3. 
   bones | May 27, 2009 08:18pm | #5

   I just used my 2 weeks ago.  My tips, would be:

   • Start with stock that is flat and square
   • plane down some secondary wood with the final stuff to allow you to make your test cuts first! and then use the final stock for the finished cut and save your test cuts they make your next set up easy.  I generally use poplar as my test cut wood and usually use maple as the final actuall cut. 
   • Always leave your stock long so you can make a test cut in the final wood you will use then cut the final side to length. 
   • For through dovetails leave your tails proud so you can plane them down or do as i do and use a flush trim bit and a router. 
   • I use a marking gauge to score the boards to break the fibers and minimize tearout. 
   • Get the VRS attachment the rest helps and greatly improves dust pick up. 
   • Realize you don't use it all the time and will forget stuff.  Make notes in your manual!  The vids are on youtube and the website.  I still go back and watch them prior to cutting my drawers. 

   You will like the finished results.  Latter if you decide you don't want it, it will hold its value.   I've been wanting the isoloc set with bear's ears and saw it pop up on ebay and the sucker went for only 40 bucks less than retail!   Take care practice and go for it!  I bought mine made one test box with pine (to mount the unit on) and cut a  14" wide cedar chest box that I had one shot at getting right!  It came out perfect!   Enjoy! If you have any specific questions shoot me a note.

   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.