I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
construction to what JET is selling.
Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
a lever quick release.
TIA
Y
The Jet is a decent jig for the money. I just finished 24 drawer boxes with
it and had great results. The manual however absolutely sucks. Do not follow
its instructions on bit height. Also there is a formula for determining the
fence placement from the front of the jig. This too is wrong and wont work.
This is all documented over at Amazons website. Several users had the same
complaints. With a few test cuts in some scrap material though its east to
dial it in on your own, it took me about half an hour of fooling with it and
afterwards I never did a thing througout all 24 drawers.
Jim
"Yitah" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> construction to what JET is selling.
>
> Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> a lever quick release.
>
> TIA
>
> Y
I've been told that Akeda dovetails jigs would resume production "real
soon." This from the President of Akeda, Kevan Lear.
Also, found some interesting web pages related to Akeda, Leigh, and
other joinery "stuff":
http://www.inthewoodshop.org/reviews/akeda.shtml
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/aked-1.htm
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm
I'm a no-dust freak so the superior dust collection capability of the
Akeda apeals to me.
"Jerry Gilreath" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<sfRRb.133436$sv6.709934@attbi_s52>...
> My bits are still in good shape also, but I was just wondering. That's what
> I though. Thanks.
>
> --
> "Cartoons don't have any deep meaning.
> They're just stupid drawings that give you a cheap laugh."
> Homer Simpson
> Jerry© The Phoneman®
> "patriarch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Jerry Gilreath" <[email protected]> wrote in
> > news:wRaQb.103849$Rc4.707649@attbi_s54:
> >
> > > First time I seen it, the Akeda jig, I fell in love with it! It's easy
> > > to set up and easy to use. My question Patriarch, have you tried any
> > > other bits besides the "Akeda" bits? I was wondering if they had to be
> > > their brand. It don't matter, I have all the sizes, but thinking ahead
> > > when the get dull or whatever, trying to use an off the wall brand.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > My Akeda bits are still sharp enough for what I want to do. My
> > understanding, however, is that these are somewhat different than
> > 'standard'. If Akeda doesn't get back up and running, I would hope that
> > Woodcraft, their exclusive US distributor, would make some arrangement to
> > carry replacement pieces.
> >
> > I would hope. It's a neat jig, and I'd like to use it for years to come.
> >
> > Patriarch
I recently purchased the Rockler DT Jig as well. I found it pretty easy to
use. I had never routed or hand cut dovetails before. After an hour or
two, I had a nice tightly joined drawer.
I would suggest purchasing the aluminum template. The plastic one that come
with it is really flimsy (but useable).
CC
"patriarch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Yitah <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
> > I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> > construction to what JET is selling.
> >
> > Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> > projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> > Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> > a lever quick release.
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Y
>
> 18 months ago, I bought a Rockler (clone) jig to do my first dovetails in
> my first drawer. 5 hours later, with the help of two experienced
> instructors, we had a drawer. When I tried it again two weeks later, at
> home, I put it away in frustration.
>
> I gave it away this winter when I was cleaning my shop, and a friend of my
> sons' expressed an interest in it.
>
> Not that I gave up on dovetails. When I couldn't use the Rockler jig
> effectively for what I wanted to do, I headed to Woodcraft, intending to
> buy the Keller or similar jig. The Akeda came home with me instead. 45
> minutes to rubber mallet tight through dovetails on a small toolchest I
was
> building.
>
> A good jig, or most good tooling, is an investment. A 'cheapie' is often
> the path to frustration. If I wanted frustration, I'd turn the lights off
> in the shop, and come inside and watch CNN.
>
> If you feel that you shouldn't spend the money for the better tool, then
> Andy is right. Cut them by hand. Supposedly better for the soul anyhow.
>
> Patriarch
HAve you ever bought anything for $40 that was worth it ???
The PC dovetail jig works fine but setup is very tedious.
The instructions are fair to good. That can't be said for the
infamous "blue dovetail jig".
The one theme you will see here is that you get what you
pay for. If you are not willing to pay up, this hobby may
not be for you.
Just for the record, that PC jig sells in many locations
for slightly under $100.
Do NOT buy cheap router bits either.
Yitah wrote:
> I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> construction to what JET is selling.
>
> Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> a lever quick release.
>
> TIA
>
> Y
BTDT, don't! Keller is more than your PC price but mine came with
both bits included.
On Fri, 23 Jan 2004 23:48:08 -0500, Yitah <[email protected]>
wrote:
>If I can't get the Keller, I'm leaning towards the PC. It's $109
>including shipping at Amazon.
>
>I have to admit that I'm still tempted to get the cheapo $30
>Jet/Harbor Freight / Rockler Clone. I'm very handy with stuff, and
>could probably get it to work.
Pat Barber <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> HAve you ever bought anything for $40 that was worth it ???
> The PC dovetail jig works fine but setup is very tedious.
>
Yes, I have purchased many items for $40 (and even less) that were
worth it. Now if you are asking if I have bought many $200 items for
$40 that were worth it that might be a different story.
Dave Hall
> The instructions are fair to good. That can't be said for the
> infamous "blue dovetail jig".
>
> The one theme you will see here is that you get what you
> pay for. If you are not willing to pay up, this hobby may
> not be for you.
>
> Just for the record, that PC jig sells in many locations
> for slightly under $100.
>
> Do NOT buy cheap router bits either.
>
>
>
>
> Yitah wrote:
>
> > I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> > construction to what JET is selling.
> >
> > Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> > projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> > Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> > a lever quick release.
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Y
I'm big on biscuits, but Dovetails are, well, cool and look nice..
They are also stronger in certain applications.
I had done google search already, but I wasn't getting a clear
opinion on whether the Porter Cable ~$120 one was worth the extra
money over a $30 harbor freight one.
Someone posted a Keller jig, I think I might try to get it.
Y
On Fri, 23 Jan 2004 01:25:14 +0000, Andy Dingley
<[email protected]> wrote:
>On Thu, 22 Jan 2004 16:40:45 -0500, Yitah <[email protected]>
>wrote:
>
>>Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
>>projects,
>
>Why do it ? Biscuits are quicker, finger joints are more
>router-friendly. If I'm cutting dovetails, I want good ones, not ugly
>symmetrical ones. For anything "practical rather than decorative", I
>don't use dovetails.
smart ass .........;)
Bob S.
"Wood Butcher" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:wVfQb.106912$5V2.477733@attbi_s53...
>
> "Bob S." <[email protected]> wrote in message ...
> > Do a DAGS ...
>
> Another one for the archives at the
> Department of Redundant Duplications Department.
>
> Art
>
>
Now you know why they're on eBay. Do a DAGS and read some of the
"frustration posts" about these jigs.
Bob S.
"Yitah" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> construction to what JET is selling.
>
> Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> a lever quick release.
>
> TIA
>
> Y
I have the PC jig. I thought setup was quite easy.
"Pat Barber" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> HAve you ever bought anything for $40 that was worth it ???
> The PC dovetail jig works fine but setup is very tedious.
>
> The instructions are fair to good. That can't be said for the
> infamous "blue dovetail jig".
>
> The one theme you will see here is that you get what you
> pay for. If you are not willing to pay up, this hobby may
> not be for you.
>
> Just for the record, that PC jig sells in many locations
> for slightly under $100.
>
> Do NOT buy cheap router bits either.
>
>
>
>
> Yitah wrote:
>
> > I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> > construction to what JET is selling.
> >
> > Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> > projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> > Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> > a lever quick release.
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Y
>
Thanks....
Bob S.
"Anthony Diodati" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> DAGS Do A Google Search
>
> I added it the other day to , http://www.acronymfinder.com/
>
> "Bob S." <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Now you know why they're on eBay. Do a DAGS and read some of the
> > "frustration posts" about these jigs.
> >
> > Bob S.
> >
>
>
Yitah <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> construction to what JET is selling.
>
> Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> a lever quick release.
>
> TIA
>
> Y
18 months ago, I bought a Rockler (clone) jig to do my first dovetails in
my first drawer. 5 hours later, with the help of two experienced
instructors, we had a drawer. When I tried it again two weeks later, at
home, I put it away in frustration.
I gave it away this winter when I was cleaning my shop, and a friend of my
sons' expressed an interest in it.
Not that I gave up on dovetails. When I couldn't use the Rockler jig
effectively for what I wanted to do, I headed to Woodcraft, intending to
buy the Keller or similar jig. The Akeda came home with me instead. 45
minutes to rubber mallet tight through dovetails on a small toolchest I was
building.
A good jig, or most good tooling, is an investment. A 'cheapie' is often
the path to frustration. If I wanted frustration, I'd turn the lights off
in the shop, and come inside and watch CNN.
If you feel that you shouldn't spend the money for the better tool, then
Andy is right. Cut them by hand. Supposedly better for the soul anyhow.
Patriarch
"Jerry Gilreath" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:wRaQb.103849$Rc4.707649@attbi_s54:
> First time I seen it, the Akeda jig, I fell in love with it! It's easy
> to set up and easy to use. My question Patriarch, have you tried any
> other bits besides the "Akeda" bits? I was wondering if they had to be
> their brand. It don't matter, I have all the sizes, but thinking ahead
> when the get dull or whatever, trying to use an off the wall brand.
>
>
My Akeda bits are still sharp enough for what I want to do. My
understanding, however, is that these are somewhat different than
'standard'. If Akeda doesn't get back up and running, I would hope that
Woodcraft, their exclusive US distributor, would make some arrangement to
carry replacement pieces.
I would hope. It's a neat jig, and I'd like to use it for years to come.
Patriarch
"Chaprock" <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:
> I recently purchased the Rockler DT Jig as well. I found it pretty
> easy to use. I had never routed or hand cut dovetails before. After
> an hour or two, I had a nice tightly joined drawer.
>
> I would suggest purchasing the aluminum template. The plastic one
> that come with it is really flimsy (but useable).
>
> CC
>
My immediate problem had to do with the clamping mechanism, and the funky
adjustments, IIRC. Whenever I would try to adjust something, wood fell to
the floor. I'm not very patient about all that, so I changed the design of
the drawer to use a different joint, and tossed the offending tool on the
shelf. It has a new life with someone else now.
Life is too short to be frustrated by my hobby. If I want frustration, I
can always go back to golf.
Patriarch
"James D Kountz" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> I think this is the biggest reason the Jet jig works better than the
> Rockler or the clones. The aluminum template versus the plastic. As I
> stated in another post, after setup of about half an hour or so I did
> 24 drawer boxes with it, thats 48 operations in all and had no
> problems other than some tear out in the material caused by me going a
> little too fast I think. And even that only happened once or twice.
>
> Jim
>
I agree that once it was set up, it would work just fine. But I don't yet
work on production of that scale.
The kitchen of my wife's dreams is just that, right now. She hasn't
decided on what she wants, and I don't have all of the skills practiced
just yet to take that one on.
Oh, and she would like me to finish the hall bathroom project first.
Patriarch
Larry Kraus <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> [email protected] (Never Enough Money) wrote:
>
>>I've been told that Akeda dovetails jigs would resume production "real
>>soon." This from the President of Akeda, Kevan Lear.
>
>
> I've had similar emails for the past 4 months....
> I noticed it has been dropped from the Woodcraft catalog - I believe
> they were the only US distributor. I expect I will be ordering a
> Leigh.
Certainly no shame in ordering a Leigh. Were I buying today, given what
has happened to Akeda, I would make the same decision.
I am a better, more confident woodworker than I was a year ago. Not
perfect, just more experienced than I used to be.
Best wished to Akeda.
Patriarch
I think this is the biggest reason the Jet jig works better than the Rockler
or the clones. The aluminum template versus the plastic. As I stated in
another post, after setup of about half an hour or so I did 24 drawer boxes
with it, thats 48 operations in all and had no problems other than some tear
out in the material caused by me going a little too fast I think. And even
that only happened once or twice.
Jim
"Chaprock" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> I recently purchased the Rockler DT Jig as well. I found it pretty easy
to
> use. I had never routed or hand cut dovetails before. After an hour or
> two, I had a nice tightly joined drawer.
>
> I would suggest purchasing the aluminum template. The plastic one that
come
> with it is really flimsy (but useable).
>
> CC
>
>
> "patriarch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Yitah <[email protected]> wrote in
> > news:[email protected]:
> >
> > > I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> > > construction to what JET is selling.
> > >
> > > Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> > > projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> > > Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> > > a lever quick release.
> > >
> > > TIA
> > >
> > > Y
> >
> > 18 months ago, I bought a Rockler (clone) jig to do my first dovetails
in
> > my first drawer. 5 hours later, with the help of two experienced
> > instructors, we had a drawer. When I tried it again two weeks later, at
> > home, I put it away in frustration.
> >
> > I gave it away this winter when I was cleaning my shop, and a friend of
my
> > sons' expressed an interest in it.
> >
> > Not that I gave up on dovetails. When I couldn't use the Rockler jig
> > effectively for what I wanted to do, I headed to Woodcraft, intending to
> > buy the Keller or similar jig. The Akeda came home with me instead. 45
> > minutes to rubber mallet tight through dovetails on a small toolchest I
> was
> > building.
> >
> > A good jig, or most good tooling, is an investment. A 'cheapie' is
often
> > the path to frustration. If I wanted frustration, I'd turn the lights
off
> > in the shop, and come inside and watch CNN.
> >
> > If you feel that you shouldn't spend the money for the better tool, then
> > Andy is right. Cut them by hand. Supposedly better for the soul anyhow.
> >
> > Patriarch
>
>
I got both router bits with mine. Can be used for box joints also.
On Thu, 22 Jan 2004 22:37:37 -0500, Yitah <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Someone posted a Keller jig, I think I might try to get it.
DAGS Do A Google Search
I added it the other day to , http://www.acronymfinder.com/
"Bob S." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Now you know why they're on eBay. Do a DAGS and read some of the
> "frustration posts" about these jigs.
>
> Bob S.
>
Larry Kraus wrote:
> [email protected] (Never Enough Money) wrote:
>
>
>>I've been told that Akeda dovetails jigs would resume production "real
>>soon." This from the President of Akeda, Kevan Lear.
>
>
>
> I've had similar emails for the past 4 months....
> I noticed it has been dropped from the Woodcraft catalog - I believe
> they were the only US distributor. I expect I will be ordering a
> Leigh.
They are on the woodcraft web site. When you click on buy there is a
message saying that they will not ship until after June first
--
Mule-Tracks
One for the board and two for the nail
patriarch <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Yitah <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
> > I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> > construction to what JET is selling.
> >
> > Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> > projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> > Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> > a lever quick release.
I bought the Lee Valley dovetail guides last year for the small amount
of dovetailing I do. It works great and is well worth the price; I
highly recommend it. It's a thousand times more versatile than any
jig, and set up is minimal. Practice a few times on some scrap, and
you're ready to go! Here's the link:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=41718&category=1,42884
Thanks for all the responses.
From what I gather, there are a pretty wide range of experiences with
each of the different jigs.
Looks like I might get my hands on the Keller jig that someone in the
group offered up, if so, that's best since I really want to do through
dovetails more than half blind. As someone else pointed out, there's
more of a aesthetic than structural reason to do them.
If I can't get the Keller, I'm leaning towards the PC. It's $109
including shipping at Amazon.
I have to admit that I'm still tempted to get the cheapo $30
Jet/Harbor Freight / Rockler Clone. I'm very handy with stuff, and
could probably get it to work.
Y
On 23 Jan 2004 12:39:24 -0800, [email protected] (Fred the Red
Shirt) wrote:
>Yitah <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
>> I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
>> construction to what JET is selling.
>>
>> Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
>> projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
>> Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
>> a lever quick release.
>>
>
>I haven;t used it but the Hartville jig looks ot be wellbuilt and designed,
>is made in the USA and hartville Tool has a good reputation.
>
>http://www.hartvilletool.com/search.php?search_id=dovetail%20jig&start=0&view=50
Yitah <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> construction to what JET is selling.
>
> Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> a lever quick release.
>
I haven;t used it but the Hartville jig looks ot be wellbuilt and designed,
is made in the USA and hartville Tool has a good reputation.
http://www.hartvilletool.com/search.php?search_id=dovetail%20jig&start=0&view=50
--
FF
[email protected] (Never Enough Money) wrote:
>I've been told that Akeda dovetails jigs would resume production "real
>soon." This from the President of Akeda, Kevan Lear.
I've had similar emails for the past 4 months....
I noticed it has been dropped from the Woodcraft catalog - I believe
they were the only US distributor. I expect I will be ordering a
Leigh.
On Thu, 22 Jan 2004 16:40:45 -0500, Yitah <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
>projects,
Why do it ? Biscuits are quicker, finger joints are more
router-friendly. If I'm cutting dovetails, I want good ones, not ugly
symmetrical ones. For anything "practical rather than decorative", I
don't use dovetails.
--
Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods
My bits are still in good shape also, but I was just wondering. That's what
I though. Thanks.
--
"Cartoons don't have any deep meaning.
They're just stupid drawings that give you a cheap laugh."
Homer Simpson
Jerry© The Phoneman®
"patriarch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Jerry Gilreath" <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:wRaQb.103849$Rc4.707649@attbi_s54:
>
> > First time I seen it, the Akeda jig, I fell in love with it! It's easy
> > to set up and easy to use. My question Patriarch, have you tried any
> > other bits besides the "Akeda" bits? I was wondering if they had to be
> > their brand. It don't matter, I have all the sizes, but thinking ahead
> > when the get dull or whatever, trying to use an off the wall brand.
> >
> >
>
> My Akeda bits are still sharp enough for what I want to do. My
> understanding, however, is that these are somewhat different than
> 'standard'. If Akeda doesn't get back up and running, I would hope that
> Woodcraft, their exclusive US distributor, would make some arrangement to
> carry replacement pieces.
>
> I would hope. It's a neat jig, and I'd like to use it for years to come.
>
> Patriarch
First time I seen it, the Akeda jig, I fell in love with it! It's easy to
set up and easy to use. My question Patriarch, have you tried any other bits
besides the "Akeda" bits? I was wondering if they had to be their brand. It
don't matter, I have all the sizes, but thinking ahead when the get dull or
whatever, trying to use an off the wall brand.
--
"Cartoons don't have any deep meaning.
They're just stupid drawings that give you a cheap laugh."
Homer Simpson
Jerry© The Phoneman®
"patriarch" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Yitah <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
> > I see a number of cheapo dovetail jigs on ebay, they look identical in
> > construction to what JET is selling.
> >
> > Question: If I'm doing a small amount of dovetailing for occasional
> > projects, will these be OK or should I spring for the more expensive
> > Porter Cable ones. The PC is about 3 times as much, and doesn't have
> > a lever quick release.
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Y
>
> 18 months ago, I bought a Rockler (clone) jig to do my first dovetails in
> my first drawer. 5 hours later, with the help of two experienced
> instructors, we had a drawer. When I tried it again two weeks later, at
> home, I put it away in frustration.
>
> I gave it away this winter when I was cleaning my shop, and a friend of my
> sons' expressed an interest in it.
>
> Not that I gave up on dovetails. When I couldn't use the Rockler jig
> effectively for what I wanted to do, I headed to Woodcraft, intending to
> buy the Keller or similar jig. The Akeda came home with me instead. 45
> minutes to rubber mallet tight through dovetails on a small toolchest I
was
> building.
>
> A good jig, or most good tooling, is an investment. A 'cheapie' is often
> the path to frustration. If I wanted frustration, I'd turn the lights off
> in the shop, and come inside and watch CNN.
>
> If you feel that you shouldn't spend the money for the better tool, then
> Andy is right. Cut them by hand. Supposedly better for the soul anyhow.
>
> Patriarch
"Bob S." <[email protected]> wrote in message ...
> Do a DAGS ...
Another one for the archives at the
Department of Redundant Duplications Department.
Art