Dovetail Jig 'ShootOut' — Leigh D4 Dovetail Jig

	Since through dovetails require two router bits (dovetail and straight), I decided to get two routers setup. I have in my hand two bits that are for larger through dovetails.
The two routers have the correct bushings and bits installed. I am very close to cutting my first Leigh D4 dovetail joint.
	Well, shame on me. I couldn't resist. I had to turn the routers on and create sawdust. I was careful to check that the depth was proper, and I wouldn't be cutting into the jig — and then I turned the switch to "ON."
Three minutes later, I am ready to test fit my first Leigh D4 dovetail.  It looks like it won't fit at all — that may be the perspective of the camera.    (Don't you hate it when people place stickers on good wood.)
	A perfect fitting through dovetail joint. Did I get lucky, or what?  Not lucky. I think that the perfect joint is proof that if you follow all the setup instructions exactly, a perfect corner is possible.    There is a lot more for me to do, but Beth is expected momentarily so from this point on, I will cover Beth's first efforts with the Leigh D4 dovetail jig.
Well, Beth has arrived, and I am showing her the Leigh D4 Jig and the first dovetail corner I had done.
	She puts the pieces she will need for our 2-step library stool and marks them on the side that will be facing out.    The step tool at the right is the one we did with the Kehoe Dovetail Keys.
Beth also has some poplar that she will use for doing test joints.  We have two widths of boards so it will be a good chance to test the Leigh jig's ability to customize every width.
	Beth will be referring to the section in the manual that is called "Through Dovetail Procedures."    She has been here only minutes. and she has already seen first hand how well the Leigh manual is illustrated.
The manual calls for installing the smaller bushing. I purchased an extra one of these also so that I could set up the second router.
	With the smaller bushing installed, Beth can install the 80-8 bit that the instructions call for. These are Leigh's nomenclature.  A couple larger bits are available with 1/2" shaft, but most bits are available in 1/4" and 8mm shafts.    The 8mm bits are highly recommended because they are much stiffer and stronger due to having almost 60% greater cross sectional area than the 1/4" bits. Having worked with the WoodRat jig, I am quite used to using 8mm shafts.
To use 8mm shafts in the PorterCable routers, we will have to use an adapter.  The adapters are available with Leigh's cutter sets. These adapters are simple to use, just be sure to line up the slit of the adapter with a slot in the collet — and tighten firmly but not over tighten.

Main Menu    To Dovetail Jig Shootout Menu

Previous Page                Next Page