Renata wrote:

I (believe I) know that company was bought out by another and out of
commission, sorta, until early this year. Seems like they're still not
up since clicking on 'dealers' tells you to wait til "early 2007".
They weren't at the Baltimore WW show (right?). And now, Woodcraft has
their product on sale.

So, my question is, are they coming out with a new, improved model, or
is this just matters related to the reorg (aside from the sale), or...?

Thanx
Renata

There's a bit of history with the Akeda DT jig. They floated the
idea of this jig maybe five years ago. At the time it was being
called The Euro Jig and they only had 3D CAD renderings of the
jig - no internal details shown and not info about how it worked
other than to say it required "no test cuts" and could do variable
spaced and variable sized half blind and through dovetails - using
a router. They had a survey on their site asking about desired
features and your willingness to buy a set up at different price
points.

About a year later they announced that they would be taking
advanced orders on the jig, with a 25-30% discount off the
price it would be released to the public. Given the lack of info
and a price tag just below a comparable Leigh DT jig, I don't
think they got many advanced orders.

When the unit finally started showing up in stores and started
getting reviews in WWing mags their marketing boys had
gotten to it - just the basic jig for around $300 and the
"Dust Collector accessories kit" for another $250 or so. The
latter included more "finger" sets and the bits etc.

Their jig got good reviews and began showing up in WWing stores
and in catalogs. They seemed to be selling well

AND THEN - they had a big fire. Lost inventory AND manufacturing
capabilities - for close to a year.

I'm guessing the company went through some serious financial
problems but seemed to have gotten through it all. There
have been more comparison reviews over the last year but
the price point has always been an issue - especially when
compared with the relativley new DJ16 - the "less expensive"
Leigh dovetail jig with 16" width capacity.

At $400 for the Akeda AND the "Dust Collection/Accessories Kit"
I'm interested. Will be checking one out this weekend at
WoodCraft. My concern with both the Leigh and the Akeda is
the 1/4" shank router bits. Also need more info on what
the price is for all the remaining guide sets for a complete
package to use all the jig's capabilities. Will report back what
I find.

charlie b
- an admitted tool phreak who can already do what both the
Leigh and Akeda can do using the JoinTech Cabinet Maker
System in/on my router table - but it's just a little more
complicated. I'm going to be making my kitchen cabinets
and drawers so anything that makes it faster and easier
is a great excuse for getting another toy - er make that
"essential tool".