mrrhode04 Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 So I have been looking at getting a dovetail jig for a while now and I am in the process of saving up to get one new. Then I was online a ran across this one, I think I already now the answer but I would like to hear from some of you guys on if this is a good deal or not. Also for the people that own Leigh would you buy another one? I was looking on Leigh's website and I can buy a kit for $30 to convert this to a D4R pro. Liegh DR4 Dovetail Jig - $375 condition: newmake / manufacturer: Leighmodel name / number: DR4 I learned to cut dovetails by hand, so I just never used this jig. It has a 24" width capacity, dovetail bits (8° and 14°), straight bit 5/16" x 1" (all 8mm shanks), a 1/2" to 8mm collet reducer, an eccentric guide bushing, User's Manual, and DVD. With stand, locking casters. Brand new (never used), $375 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 Do it. And prepare for mindmelt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 I'd get it. Even though it's a lot more complicated to use than my PC, it produces nicer joins. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 If you have been looking for one that is certainly a good deal and you could probably get your money back if you decide its not for you. I will be surprised if he/she has trouble selling it at that price so I wouldn't ponder it to long Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClassAct Posted August 10, 2016 Report Share Posted August 10, 2016 I'm thinking that in general it doesn't take much arm-twisting to get a woodworker to buy a shiny new toy for the shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 That's a good price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Grondin Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 ohh nice deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrrhode04 Posted August 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 So I picked it up last night. This thing has seriously never been used, it was setup up but never used. Everything is in perfect condition just like out of the box. I can't wait to make something with it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 Super nice piece to have in the shop! The problem with them is that they get used so infrequently that you have to read the manual each time you get it out. Great price on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 i don't know what's in the upgrade to D4R pro but i would definitely get the vacuum attachment for it, it helps with chip removal and gives much more support for the router. i've been using one for years and Kev is right about referring to the manual, i usually just take a quick look at the CD and head to the shop. i think it's an awesome jig and will do many joints including box joints, found that out when i was reading the manual one day, great score Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 I keep two routers dedicated with the two bits used, and set for 3/4" material. It saves a lot of time. If I'm doing a lot, like drawers and pull outs for a kitchen, it pays off, and no need to refer back to the manual. Just set the spacing you want, and go. For a few in other thicknesses, I'll just cut them by hand. I'll second treeslayer's opinon on the vacuum attachment. It's well worth having. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaneymack Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 Have a wrist slitting razor blade close. You're gonna want to end it all after messing around with that thing for a while. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jussi Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 I have the same jig. Works great. Manual is long but thorough. After I got the hang of the jig I taped a few notes on it to help me remember how to use it and that (along with test pieces) is good enough to help me remember the steps the next time I use it. I'll second recommendation on the vrs. Hughe dust/shavings collector. Otherwise it's a huge mess. I thought about the upgrade but I'm happy with through dovetails. I do have a PC dt jig that I can use if I ever want to do hb. One tip I have though is make sure the router is completely stopped before you remove it from the jig. Otherwise you may accidentallychew the fingers of the jig. Maybe even yours if you're really not careful. This especially true if you use the vrs because you trap the router between the jig and vrs and can't slide it out without hitting the vrs. DAMHIK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 3 hours ago, shaneymack said: Have a wrist slitting razor blade close. You're gonna want to end it all after messing around with that thing for a while. i'm surprised you don't like it shane, its made in canada after all, maybe you need more time alone with it to get to know each other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaneymack Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 i'm surprised you don't like it shane, its made in canada after all, maybe you need more time alone with it to get to know each other I think it is great if you have A LOT of time to dedicate to learning all the ins and outs. Its sooooo finicky. For how much I use it i won't master it before I'm dead.... Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 2 minutes ago, shaneymack said: For how much I use it i won't master it before I'm dead.... Yeah same here. But I wouldn't wanna build a pair of blanket chests without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 i was making perfect thru dovetails with mine a hour after i had it assembled, got a little more involved with half blind and asymmetrical but i love mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaneymack Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 Yeah same here. But I wouldn't wanna build a pair of blanket chests without it. True. Its love and hate. Probably more hate. But after playing around with it for 39 hours and then routing a perfect set of dovetails in 2 minutes its all love. Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 3 hours ago, jussi said: This especially true if you use the vrs because you trap the router between the jig and vrs and can't slide it out without hitting the vrs. DAMHIK +1 to what jussi said, my jig has the wounds to prove it, let it stop before removing from jig 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaac Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 28 minutes ago, treeslayer said: +1 to what jussi said, my jig has the wounds to prove it, let it stop before removing from jig I've got the Porter Cable dovetail jig and it has similar wounds. It doesn't have the adjustability of the Leigh model, but it seems to include just as much ability to drive a man utterly crazy. Nice to know it is professional caliber, I hadn't realized! I make sure to prepare more than a few extra test and replacement boards before getting going with it. If you get one step backwards you wind up making some weird dovetail boxes that only come together like the number 5 on a digital clock and there is no way to close the loop... oi vey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 My biggest issue with it is finding a place to put it. It needs its own shelf Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 I have the Keller Pro dovetail jig and it has a few scars too ! I have to read the manual every time I use it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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