[wwian]

Hello All!

I inherited a Craftsman Dovetail Fixture Jig Model 720-2570 (photo). The plastic guide plates feel brittle but I'm not sure if that's just the way the jig is.

Is it worth me keeping this or should I work on getting a newer jig?

Thanks for any comments!

Ian

 

[Stick486]

I can see it from here...
you need a new Leigh D4R...

 

[wwian]

But only the PRO for $900, right? Ha.

 

[Stick486]

ain'ja gonna get the accessories????

 

[thomas1389]

But only the PRO for $900, right? Ha.

Check the used route, occasionally good stuff pops up. Might have to wait a bit, though. I got mine a couple of years ago off Kijiji. The guy bought it, tried to set it up, and the instructions drove him around the bend so he gave up. It came complete with the VRS attachment as well. I got the works for $500. He was more angry with himself than sensible.

 

[DesertRatTom]

There are smaller versions of the Leigh jig. They will work for up to 12 inch wide joints. They are far easier to use than the jig type (porter cable type), you have.

The jig you have requires very careful adjustments, and you will be moving the router over the edges of the workpieces. The newer jigs, (I have a Sommerfeld dovetail jig, similar to the smaller Leigh) hold the workpiece in place as you move the jig over a table mounted router. That is safer and requires less adjustment.

You will only need the large Leigh jig if you are making boxes (for example) where the sides are higher than 12 inches.

I personally don't have free cash to spend a thousand bucks on someting I might use once or twice in my lifetime, when a smaller jig would fine for all other dovetail joint sized I'd likely use. I would rather use the extra money to buy some other tool I might use all the time.

If you have the money, then the Pro, larger version is a nice thing to have around, and it will work for smaller joints as well. We here all love to spend other peoples' money, but this is your money and completely your choice.

 

[Bstrom]

I just took delivery of the Sommerfeld jigs - both the incremental full version and half dovetail plate for $339 shipped. I'm looking forward to the simplicity of use.

 

[AbbieAbbott]

For better work, you prefer a new one.

 

[Nickp]

Simple philosophy, Ian...if it works, keep it til it doesn't...if you're comfortable using it and it makes good joints, there's no reason to chuck it. Use it, see what you're missing in the process and the next one you buy will be perfect...