"melissasjohnson" wrote in
news:bJ7Uc.29897$Jo1.24420@lakeread01:

Hello, I am looking for some advise on which Dovetail machine to buy.
Right now I would just be using it for some blind dovetail work on
drawers, but later I would like to use it on through dovetail
projects. I have seen quite a few on the web but wanted real input
from people that have used them.

Thanks, Greg.


There's nothing wrong with the Leigh D4. The design has stood the test of
time.

But I bought an Akeda DC-16 about 18 months ago, because the Leigh had the
reputation of complexity, and the Akeda looked to provide a simpler, more
repeatable user experience, as well as some really neat features. The
design succeeded. I had rubber-mallet tight, variable spaced through
dovetails cut in a small blanket chest, all four joints, within an hour of
mounting the jig on the workbench. The first time. Half-blinds took me a
little longer.

They, Akeda, struggled for a while, for a number of the same reason many
startups struggle, plus a fire at a neighboring facility. But they are
shipping again, and should be available at a Woodgraft near you (assuming
you are in the US.)

And they are nice people to work with, for tech support.

There are some good comparative reviews on the web.

Patriarch