which dovetail jig to buy

[ART-EDNA]

I am looking at the pc4212 and the Leigh D4R jig-and good or bad comments

[onedash]

I was going to buy a Leigh because I figured it would be the only one I ever bought. Well after seeing how thick the manual was and found out its harder to set up (even though it has more capabilities) I decided to go with the PC 4212. I just spent about an hour trying to figure out how to make half blind dovetails and its kickin my butt. Once I figure it out though Im sure its something stupid.
THe one test I did for through dovetails once was pretty good. It was just a little loose. Im making a desk and have to make 6 or 7 drawers. Im practicing on MDF.

[Tom Hintz]

I use the Leigh D4 and would buy it again if need be. It is VERY easy to use and far more versatile than neaerly any other jig. The manual is thick but because they go into great detail on using the jig with lots of large illustrations that make it very easy. In fact, the Leigh manual is the best I have ever seen come with a tool.
The manual includes sections on each style of joint that walks the user through the process step-by-step so even new users can come away with nice joints. It also has nifty troubleshooting section that has lots of great tips for cutting better and cleaner joints.

[RayintheUK]

The Leigh D4 is a very well made, robust and accurate jig. It will take time to become familiar with and has so many features that it requires a big manual, but - as Tom said - it's the best manual ever to come with a tool.

Make sure that you've got the correct bush to fit your router, as this is often forgotten and there's little more frustrating than having a new tool, then waiting for another part to arrive before you can use it.

Go through the practice steps in the manual and you'll see that the time spent in familiarization pays off - especially with asymetrical and inlaid joints.

As Tina Turner once sang - "Simply the best"!

Ray.

[Jim Boyd]

I've tried making dovetails with a HaFr (new term for Harbor Frieght) jig and the Incra Ultra. Both gave me fits but worked. The Leigh looks daunting but with the manual I turned out perfect joints first time. The Leigh will be the last jig you buy