The PC 4212 dovetail jib is - WOW!!!

[lcm1947]

I purchased one of those about 8 months ago and just got around to using it today. I had read the book but man was I confused and intimidated so I just put it off. Well, finally I decided to either learn how to use it or sell it so I tried again. After reading it several times and just about to give up on it again - the fog broke. What did it was I finally just stopped and followed the instructions step by step and there it was. I am so proud of myself. But that's not why I'm posting. I just wanted everybody to know that that is the best thought out machine man has ever made. Well a darn good one anyway. Only after two tries I had perfect joints and the only reason it took two is the router depth. That is the only hard part not that's it's hard but could take several attempts if not lucky like I was. Anyway for what it's worth that is one neat machine and I highly recommend it especially for a beginner that has the money and wants to start cutting dovetails the first day

[bigsteel15]

Just bought mine today after much (not very much) thinking about it.
I have a cheapy one and was trying to figure it out last night. When I realized how much trial and error there would be verytime I change something, I decided to give in.

BTW, has anybody purchased the miniature template set? Or seen a need for it?

[jAngiel]

I'm glad to hear you say that you have had it for a while and just now got around to trying it out. I purchased mine months ago (for less than $70) and it's just been sitting in the box waiting for me to find the time to try it out. I bought it, then the bosch 1617 kit and the little r1100 adapter for the guide, I have everything I need except the time. I'm glad I'm not the only one that keeps new stuff around for months before checking it out....

[lcm1947]

Sorry can't help you there bigsteel I didn't buy the miniature template either thinking I'd not have a need for it. Yeah jAngiel I bet a lot of guys do that especially if they get something on sale. I put it off cause it seemed to have a large learning curve after looking at the manual but I am so glad I didn't sell it. I was coming close though. Really didn't think I'd ever figure it out.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Only after two tries I had perfect joints and the only reason it took two is the router depth.

Exact same results here. 2nd try was a charm and it involved a very slight adjustment to the depth (deeper) of the bit. I agree this is a well thought out machine. The instructions printed on the jig itself is just brilliant. I read the instructions once the night before, left them in the house and got great results based on my poor memory and the instructions on the jig.

I do not have the mini template. It is used when you are working with a smaller project (obviously) or you want to add a different look to a larger project.

[Stormbringer]

I do not have the mini template. It is used when you are working with a smaller project (obviously) or you want to add a different look to a larger project.

Jeff,

Do you know what size bit is required for the mini template?

Thanks,
Greg

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Jeff,

Do you know what size bit is required for the mini template?

Thanks,
Greg

9/32" 7 Degree Dovetail Bit HSS & 3/16" Straight Bit HSS come with the template.

[RHunter]

I ordered the 4215 Mini Template Kit last week, it is supposed to arrive on Wednesday. I did order it for a specific task, so I will let you know how it works.

My 4212 is brand new too, just got it last Friday and made a quick and dirty Through DT, not bad (better than my HF DT Jig), but not quite perfect. I will need to do some tweeking and get some more practice before I cut any "real" wood with it.

I am concerned that while Whiteside makes bits for the 4212, I can't find anyone who makes the dovetail bit for the 4215...

I can use a spiral bit I have for the straight bit, but we'll see how good the bit is from PC vs the Whiteside's I bought for the 4215 (Didn't even take the PC Bits out of the tube, went right to the Whitesides...)

Updates to follow..

[bigsteel15]

I am concerned that while Whiteside makes bits for the 4212

I can use a spiral bit I have for the straight bit, but we'll see how good the bit is from PC vs the Whiteside's I bought for the 4215 (Didn't even take the PC Bits out of the tube, went right to the Whitesides...)

Updates to follow..

Which Whiteside bit is for the 4212?
The bit supplied is 17/32" X 7 degree. I can't find one anywhere.
Will using an 8 degree bit work for through DT on this jig?

[MBG]

Found this on WoodNet:

Hartville carries Whiteside bits for this jig. Part #s: Dovetail D7-531 and the straight bit is 1064A.

[bigsteel15]

Thanks you MBG

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Woodcraft carries it as well. Hartville is supposed to have a 20% off Whiteside bit sale soon (or currently?)

[meika123]

I have the PC 4224, and have had it for years. Tried to use it one time, scared me so bad, I haven't tried it since. It is a very well built piece of equipment, however.
Are you guys doing only through dovetails? No half-blinds?

Dave in NC

[lcm1947]

I've only done half-blind so far and for now is all I'll be cutting as the only reason I purchased the jib is for drawers - lot's and lot's of drawers. Thanks for the Whiteside bit numbers. I think I'll be needing some pretty soon. The PC bits don't seem all that great but it could be the cheap plywood I'm using also but as many drawers as I'll be making I'll for sure need another set.

[lcm1947]

Anybody know the email address for Hartville? I tried www.hartville.com and that didn't work.