Hello Gary,
I was wondering if you could tell me what the differences between these two dovetail jigs are? I’ve looked and looked and really can not tell the difference. Why would one purchase one jig over the other?
I’ve read a considerable amount of opinions on the two. Some people feel inclined towards the Leigh D4R because of it’s versatility. However, doesn’t the new 24″ Omnijig allow for the same versatility?
Initially, I was under the impression that the Omnijig would not cut variable sized pins for a dovetail. However, I do not believe this is the case since the fingers on the Omnijig seem to separate.
So what are the differences between the two?
Thanks Gary.
Reed
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Replies
Reed,
Both my jigs are older versions. I haven't had a chance to put my hands on these newer ones. The Omnijig was limited in its variability. If that's changed, then I'd go with it. The Leigh instruction manual is so badly written you could use it as an example of how not to write a manual. The learning curve on that jig is steep and unless you use it constantly you have to relearn it each time. I also never liked the fact that you could break the locking handles if you overtightened them. That should be one spot where you should build in strength. My two cents. Good luck.
Gary Rogowski
http://www.northwestwoodworking.com
Thanks Gary.I really appreciate your help.Please have a great day!Reed
I purchased the Leigh Super 24" jig this past year and have had few problems including being able to understand the manual. I bought it as I now have arthritis in my hands and can no longer cut dovetails by hand without experiencing moderate pain. Through dovetails are easy you will need to pay close attention to halfblind dovetail instructions. You should be paying close attention to whatever you are doing in a woodworking shop. I bought the Leigh for its variable spacing capabilitiy. Pinpoint through dovetails can be acheived but that is a process using the machine for part of the dovetail then finishing up by hand.
Hope this is useful.
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