One of the best tools to have on hand if you are working with wood is a dovetail jig. It’s not only practical but also easy to use. With so many different kinds of jigs on the market, it can be difficult to know what to buy. But if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the right jig for you!
General Tools
Whether you’re just starting out in woodworking or a seasoned expert, Rockler dovetail jig has plenty of features and capabilities to meet your needs. This woodworking tool is compact, easy to use, and offers accurate results.
Using this dovetail jig, you can easily produce box joints, half-blind dovetails, and finger joints. You can even make custom furniture.
The jig comes with a number of accessories and templates. Besides the jig itself, you also get a 5-inch straight bit and a 1/2″ 14-degree dovetail bit. There are additional templates for box joints, parquetry, and other joint types.
The dovetail jig is simple to install. It doesn’t require a vise or table saw. Aside from the jig, the kit includes a 5/16″ straight bit and two quality phenolic templates.
Another nice feature is the acrylic deflector shield. Unlike plastic shields, this one protects the blade of your router from dust and debris.
Besides these features, the PORTER-CABLE dovetail jig has an open-ended design that allows you to use any size of workpieces. Moreover, it comes with a solid one-piece base.
Porter-Cable
Dovetail jigs are designed to cut mortise-and-tenon joints. These joints are stronger than fingerjoints. However, they require excellent precision. Luckily, dovetail jigs are easy to use, and come with templates that can help you make your joints. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s a dovetail jig that’s right for you.
The Porter-Cable 4216 dovetail jig is a solid option. It’s made from a single piece of steel, eliminating the need for complicated setup. Additionally, the jig features two lock cams that allow for cutting tails in one step. This makes the jig extremely durable.
Another impressive jig is the Porter-Cable Super Jig kit. It’s an all-in-one tool that allows you to mill two 12-inch boards at once. It’s also capable of producing a variety of different joints. You’ll get three different router bits with the kit.
General Tools is an affordable brand that emphasizes quality hand tools. Their dovetail jig is one of the best. They’ve been around since 1912, and the company aims to provide you with a high-quality product that doesn’t break the bank.
Leigh
If you’re in the market for a dovetail jig, there is a better than average chance you have come across the Leigh D4R Pro. The company is one of many in the aforementioned category, but this particular product stands out with its unique two-piece bushing. It also boasts a micro-adjustable scale and a plethora of router bits, including an array of squares. While its hefty price tag might turn some hesitant buyers off, it’s a bargain compared to its similarly priced competition. Plus, the Leigh D4R has a nifty patented two-piece bushing system that is a joy to use and a pleasure to install. To make things even better, the company threw in an instructional DVD worthy of an Oscar winning movie star. Hopefully you’ll put it to good use. Besides, the Leigh D4R is only one of the many dovetail jigs available on the market, making it a must have for any woodworker aspiring to carpentry aficionados.
Wolfcraft
A dovetail jig is a great piece of equipment that can make a lot of different types of joints. They are usually made of aluminum, and they can be adjusted to fit a variety of boards. There are several different types to choose from, including top-of-the-line models, as well as budget options. Some are easier to use than others, so it’s important to know how to select the best one.
One of the better dovetail jigs on the market is the Porter-Cable 4216 Super Jig. This tool is built with precision and attention to detail. It has a wide range of cuts, making it easy to use for both experienced and novice woodworkers.
Another great jig is the Leigh Super 12″ Dovetail Jig. The finger design is infinitely adjustable, so you can create wide-span joints with ease. However, it’s also very expensive. You can get a more budget-friendly option with the General Tools 861 Dovetail Jig. While it doesn’t offer the same level of versatility, it’s still an excellent option.
