dovetail jigs

[momo]

I have a trend CDJ300, however it only has the one comb for dovetails, and the extra combs are about £30 each. So I am thinking of buying a newer one if I can, I have been looking at the Leigh range, anyone got one and can tell me if their "all that", or is there something else out there.

I want to be able to make all types of dovetail and box joints.

 

[dchenard]

Then all you need is a back saw and a couple chisels :wink:

DC-C

 

[momo]

Oh, I do make them by hand, funnily enough, I was thinking of getting a decent saw last night for this, sadly I own nothing but nasty hardpoint ones, however I would like to use my router now as well, so a good jig that does it all ( well as much as poss) out of the box is being contemplated.

I am currently making a needlework box for the wife with a top box and two drawers, she does a lot of cross stitching and never had one but for them plastic things, I had to make all the mortices and tenons for that and wanted to do some nicely done dt drawer parts. I rarely make much so this is kind of special to me.

 

[Gary]

Won't the router be too loud? :lol:

 

[momo]

Not really, I dont think Trends are that loud, not as loud as a certin persons petrol lawnmower with non existent exhaust and out of tune, but I no longer care now.

 

[bob_c]

I bought a 12" Leigh superjig recently ,my` first `experience of machine made dovetails. using a jig.I had 24 drawers to make for a workbench.I used through dovetails for the back corners and halfblind `one cut dovetails for the front.The through dovetails came out well after a couple of practice runs.The half blind dovetails were a right pain and despite around a dozen test pieces and adjustments , i couldnt get a tight fit.I havent a clue what i was doing wrong.Everything was in oak apart from the ply bottoms.
I suppose they take constant use to get acceptable joints.

 

[momo]

I had that with my trend, one minute they were too deep then not enough, took me a while to get it right. only thing is I can't do through dovetails on mine without buying another comb, when you buy 3-4 of them its expensive.

 

[pedder]

however I would like to use my router now as well, so a good jig that does it all.

Hi Momo,
I can't imagine how a router would help you making dovetails with or without jig. :lol:

OR do you think about sliding dovetails? :roll:

Cheers Pedder

 

[gidon]

Momo
I think the mostly unhelpful replies is due to the fact that you posted in the Hand Tools forum. You may have more luck in the Buying Advice forum ... (mods?)
Cheers
Gidon