I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some info
from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From what
I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there now
seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of the
two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both? I've
never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get one
that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA

leigh d4

"kajunmanbr" wrote in message
newsCZxf.2765$ZE.2684@dukeread11...
I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some
info from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From
what I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there
now seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of
the two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both?
I've never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get
one that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA

Isn't that kind of like suggesting a Bently to someone looking for a Buick?

Jesus. I had no idea these jigs went for $400+.



"Dave" wrote in message
news:YIZxf.694598$x96.379249@attbi_s72...
leigh d4

"kajunmanbr" wrote in message
newsCZxf.2765$ZE.2684@dukeread11...
I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some
info from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From
what I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but
there now seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is,
which of the two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or
both? I've never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like
to get one that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA

I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some info
from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From what
I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there now
seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of the
two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both? I've
never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get one
that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?

Since you haven't made dovetails before, I would suggest you view the
Mark Duginske Videos on Mastering Your Table Saw and/or Mastering Your
Band Saw. I found these at my local library, you might be able to find
them at your local library.

He shows an easy way to make simple dovetails with simple home made
jigs.

djs

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 03:33:18 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm,
"Hedley" quickly quoth:

Isn't that kind of like suggesting a Bently to someone looking for a Buick?

Jesus. I had no idea these jigs went for $400+.

From an old post of mine:

Call The Japan Woodworker at 1-800-537-7820 and ask for the Razor Saw
(for hardwood) as advertised in FWW at $25.95, delivered. Then goto
http://www.thebestthings.com/books/video_dovetail.htm Dovetail a
Drawer" is the Frank Klausz classic about handcutting dovies.
$14.95 VHS or $17.95 DVD.

For $45 or so + a bit of time, you'll learn a new skill AND have a
valuable new tool to show for it.


---
Chaos, panic, and disorder--my work here is done.
http://diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development

Larry Jaques wrote:

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 03:33:18 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm,
"Hedley" quickly quoth:

Isn't that kind of like suggesting a Bently to someone looking for a
Buick?

Jesus. I had no idea these jigs went for $400+.

From an old post of mine:

Call The Japan Woodworker at 1-800-537-7820 and ask for the Razor Saw
(for hardwood) as advertised in FWW at $25.95, delivered. Then goto
http://www.thebestthings.com/books/video_dovetail.htm Dovetail a
Drawer" is the Frank Klausz classic about handcutting dovies.
$14.95 VHS or $17.95 DVD.

For $45 or so + a bit of time, you'll learn a new skill AND have a
valuable new tool to show for it.

Yeah, but he was Clearly asking about power tool jigs. )

kajunmanbr wrote:
I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some info
from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From what
I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there now
seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of the
two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both? I've
never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get one
that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA

I received the PC 4212 for Christmas and would recommend it. There is
a bit of a learning curve since the instruction manual is woefully
inadequate. If someone took the time to produce a video on using this
jig I do believe it would be a big seller.

I plan to get out and make some drawers with it this morning...just as
soon as my wife says its late enough and I won't wake the neighbors.

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 05:13:48 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, Lobby
Dosser quickly quoth:

Larry Jaques wrote:

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 03:33:18 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm,
"Hedley" quickly quoth:

Isn't that kind of like suggesting a Bently to someone looking for a
Buick?

Jesus. I had no idea these jigs went for $400+.

From an old post of mine:

Call The Japan Woodworker at 1-800-537-7820 and ask for the Razor Saw
(for hardwood) as advertised in FWW at $25.95, delivered. Then goto
http://www.thebestthings.com/books/video_dovetail.htm Dovetail a
Drawer" is the Frank Klausz classic about handcutting dovies.
$14.95 VHS or $17.95 DVD.

For $45 or so + a bit of time, you'll learn a new skill AND have a
valuable new tool to show for it.

Yeah, but he was Clearly asking about power tool jigs. )

Yabbut, he screamed over the price of a stupid jig, so...

Providing more options to limited thinkers is what I do best, Lob.
Ask me about pineywood, stain, or poly. (_they_ aren't options)
chortle

---
Chaos, panic, and disorder--my work here is done.
http://diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development

For $45 or so + a bit of time, you'll learn a new skill AND have a
valuable new tool to show for it.

Amen brother! When I want dovetails I either cut them by hand or use my
homemade set of spacer blocks on the router table. The only cost was my
time and a little scrap wood.
Bugs

"kajunmanbr" wrote in message
newsCZxf.2765$ZE.2684@dukeread11...
I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some
info from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From
what I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there
now seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of
the two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both?
I've never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get
one that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?

Sorry you haven't gotten any useful replies, but probably no one has used
the PC4212 and the Rockler. We here tend to have more expensive jigs, or
make them by hand. I for instance have a PC7216, which I use to maybe 5% of
its capabilities.

I recommend http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/leigh3.htm It is clear,
detailed, and accurate.
I was about to buy a Woodhaven when Amazon had the PC7216 at $140 off the
normal price, and I couldn't resist. Maybe it was a typo, who knows.

"Toller" wrote in message
...
Sorry you haven't gotten any useful replies, but probably no one has used
the PC4212 and the Rockler. We here tend to have more expensive jigs, or
make them by hand.

Bull****. More Toller elitist dip****ism.

Two things you will find with this group: (1) There are people on here that
have used just about everything out there. (2) Ask a question one day and
there will be no responses. Ask the same question a few days later and you
will get all kinds of responses. Depends on who is reading the group at the
time and who feels like responding.
I have the PC 4112. Works just fine. It does take careful setup the first
time but once there, no problems. Uses a standard dovetail bit you can get
anywhere.

Hartville Tools has their 18" model GFK1800 on sale for $ 127.49.
I have one and it is just like the Porter-Cable only 6" longer.
Here is the Link:
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product...5965ad5e8ea27a



"kajunmanbr" wrote in message
newsCZxf.2765$ZE.2684@dukeread11...
I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some
info from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From
what I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there
now seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of
the two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both?
I've never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get
one that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA

"Tom H" wrote:

Hartville Tools has their 18" model GFK1800 on sale for $ 127.49.
I have one and it is just like the Porter-Cable only 6" longer.
Here is the Link:
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product...3db9b737ef6998
5965ad5e8ea27a



Hartville claims they Make the PC jig and that bits, etc. can be used with
either.

On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 20:46:26 -0600, "kajunmanbr"
wrote:

I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some info
from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From what
I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there now
seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of the
two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both? I've
never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get one
that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA


I second the Leigh D4. I know it's pretty expensive, so I'm sure you
could get along just fine with the Porter Cable jig or Keller. I feel
I can say this because in addition to the D4, I also have a Craftsman
dovetail jig from around 35 years ago. I use that one along with a
Craftsman router permanently setup to cut 1/2 inch half blind
dovetails in 1/2 stock for drawer making.

There's otherways to use power tools to make dovetails. But those
also involve some degree of chisel use. I just watched David Marks on
Wood Works make his dovetail bench. The process there involves the
use of the bandsaw followed by japanese dovetail chisels. The result
was really remarkable.

While the D4 may be expensive, think of the versatility and it's
ability to attach some different templates and make more whimsical
dovetail shapes like "bears ears" or the box joint jig. It's an
extremely versatile machine worth every penny.

I *third* the Leigh D4. I started w/ a Keller, which
is OK as far as it goes (after all, it is 1/3 the price).

But the Leigh will give you infinitely variable dovetail
spacing, and, if you ever do a project where you have a
number of drawers the do, the savings in production time
on the D4 will pay for itself.

Just my opinion.

Bill

This would be a bad investment if the OP ends up like me. I have the PC jig
he was looking at. I used it to make a small box, just to try it out. Worked
great but I haven't used it since (several years now). Doubt I'll use it
again. Wouldn't want to spend that kind of money on something that would
never get used.

"Rex_flex" wrote in message
oups.com...
I *third* the Leigh D4. I started w/ a Keller, which
is OK as far as it goes (after all, it is 1/3 the price).

But the Leigh will give you infinitely variable dovetail
spacing, and, if you ever do a project where you have a
number of drawers the do, the savings in production time
on the D4 will pay for itself.

Just my opinion.

Bill

If there is a better jig that the Leigh D4 I'd like to know what it is. I
love my D4.
I've heard some good reports on the Akeda, it's pretty high too.


"Rex_flex" wrote in message
oups.com...
I *third* the Leigh D4. I started w/ a Keller, which
is OK as far as it goes (after all, it is 1/3 the price).

But the Leigh will give you infinitely variable dovetail
spacing, and, if you ever do a project where you have a
number of drawers the do, the savings in production time
on the D4 will pay for itself.

Just my opinion.

Bill

I've looked at the leigh d4. Actually from what I've read on it, it sounds
like a great tool. I suppose if I were looking for something for
'production' type work it would be the way I'd go. Since I only do 'hobby'
work I don't need to invest that much for the jig.
I do appreciate all the response.

back to the lurk mode.



"kajunmanbr" wrote in message
newsCZxf.2765$ZE.2684@dukeread11...
I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some
info from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From
what I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there
now seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of
the two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both?
I've never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get
one that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA

It's all a matter of priorities.

I got the D4 several years ago and love it. At the time I did not have
many tools. Shoot I did not even have a crappy table saw.

Things to think about. If you need a part where do you go? Sometimes I
don't have the time to make the drive to woodcraft. I call leigh on
Monday and by Friday most often I have the part. The few times I've had
a problem (usually because I can't read some days) I call or email them
and find out what I've been doing wrong.

Frankly there is nothing worst than buying something and then not
getting help with it. With many companies your on your own when all you
need is 50 cent part to replace something broken because you did
somethign dumb.

Some say the D4 is too expensive. Its all a matter of priorities. Do
you want to spend your time hand cutting dovetails or finishing a
project? I prefer to finish more projects.

Besides what is woodworking but an excuse to buy more toys.

kajunmanbr wrote:
I've looked at the leigh d4. Actually from what I've read on it, it sounds
like a great tool. I suppose if I were looking for something for
'production' type work it would be the way I'd go. Since I only do 'hobby'
work I don't need to invest that much for the jig.
I do appreciate all the response.

back to the lurk mode.



"kajunmanbr" wrote in message
newsCZxf.2765$ZE.2684@dukeread11...

I looking a buying a dovetail jig and was wondering if I could get some
info from you all. I'm looking at the PC 4212 and the Rockler jig. From
what I've read there was some problems in getting bits for the PC but there
now seems to be a place in Fla that has them. The big thing is, which of
the two would you recommend from having used one or the other/ or both?
I've never had any experience making these joints so I'd really like to get
one that is "easy" to setup.
Any help?
TIA

For half-blind, production work, on things that last 15 or so years due
not to structural issues but cosmetic (kitchen/bath cabinets,
utilitarian furniture), the $60 Rockler jig will work fine.

For through dovetail work, again more production oriented, the Keller
1500 at $100 is great.

For "real" furniture making, the kind of stuff you'd like to see live
after you, there's nothing quite like hand cut.

Sure you can spend $400 on the Leigh or Akeda. But I'll bet you that
for non-production work, for those one of a kind pieces, if you know how
to hand cut that you'll be about even if not ahead of the setup required
of those expensive jigs.

Bill

ps - Here's a link to an online comparison:
http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/dovetail_jig_compare.htm