What's the difference between these two jigs?

[ironhat]

Does anyone know the difference between the BLUE Rockler jig currently on the "Deal or No Deal" for $90 (usually $139),
http://www.rockler.com/promotion/DealNoDeal.cfm?r=2

and their GRAY jig, ususlly $140?
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...etail%20jig%22

I have a low "poorly fit" tolerance so if one is a bit squirrly to set up I'd just as soon steer around it. I've read some of the comparisons but ther problem I see is that I don't know enough to make sense of the intricacies of the comparative arguments.

TIA,
Chiz

[ragswl4]

Blue and Gray

Reading the specs on these it appears that the Gray jig is meant for use with 8mm bits, comes with an adapter unless I read it wrong. I remember reading a review of these type of jigs (probably Fine Woodworking) and as I remember, the Rockler didn't get high marks. I will try to find a link.

Edit to add link:

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki.../011187056.pdf

[gary]

I have a blue one (no bit or collet - no extra template) that I'll sell you for $25 + actual shipping costs if you want it. I bought it used from a guy but never used it - I got a Leigh D4 instead.

[mikeinkcmo]

If you don't like alot of fussing around getting something to work properly that style of jig is NOT for you. A large number of owners of that type jig set up a dedicated router just for that jig.

Once set up however they do a respectable job.

[drumpriest]

I don't care for the Rockler jig anywhere near as much as the porter cable or obviously, the Leigh jigs. You can certainly make good dovetails with the Rockler jig, but it can be a bit frustrating to setup. I agree with mikeincmo, if you spend the time to set it up, you can get good joints, but will be motivated to not change the setup.

I know a couple of cabinet guys that have a few of these jigs permenantly setup for certain thickness materials, etc...

[Kristofor]

The gray one has the little offset deal to make it easier to automatically line up the positioning (or so they claim). I haven't personally used it, so no comment on the effectiveness...