In the tradition of summer blockbuster movies, the Leigh Industries folks are coming out next month with a new product line: the Leigh Super Jigs. I had the good fortune of visiting Matt Grisley and the Leigh crew last month in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. (Actually, I bumped Rob from this trip…. My wife said, “If you’re the boss, then why can’t WE take the trip to Vancouver?” So, now that we’re clear on the true boss hierarchy…)
All three of these jigs — the Super 12-inch, 18-inch and 24-inch — can make variably spaced through and half-blind dovetails, and sliding dovetails. They can also make box joints in 5/16-inch and 5/8-inch sizes, with the capability of adjusting fit in .002-inch increments.
As for that super capability, the Leigh Super Jigs can rout half-blind pin and tail boards simultaneously, without limiting you to one bit and depth of cut. Instead, you can choose from five half-blind bits and adjust the depth of cut to suit your needs.
You’ll be making these fit adjustments with the Leigh E Bush. A patent is pending for the E Bush, which changes its active diameter – and, hence, the fit of finger joints and half-blind dovetails – as you twist it.
That’s part of the adjustability you can achieve for any joint pattern, joint type or board thickness that you want with the new Super Jigs. According to Matt Grisley, president of Leigh Industries, “These three jigs bring us back to some price points that we haven’t filled since our inception back in the early ’80s. Now we can offer great features, benefits and versatility at an affordable price.”
The Super Jigs will be on sale in July 2007, with the Super 12 priced at $199; the Super 18 at $259; and the Super 24 at $329. For more info, visit http://www.leighjigs.com.
