Comments on: Challenging My Own Claim

By: Richard Cauman

Richard Cauman — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:26:18 +0000

Actually, I’ve used a Keller jig for years for casework and I always vary the spacing–usually just by skipping fingers on tails and cutting off the extra pins. You can also do true variable spacing by marking your joints with a knife–just like hand-cut–and moving the jig accordingly. It’s slower but it works.

I also own a Woodrat and with it you can not only do true variable spacing, but you can use dovetails bits of different pitches.

By: Geoff Schupp, Perth, Australia

Geoff Schupp, Perth, Australia — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:24:44 +0000

I have used both Leigh and Keller jigs, and they are different. Keller is so easy to use and delivers an excellent result. You are not restricted at all by length of joint. But what you see is what you get.
Leigh jigs are simple to set up because they have a dead easy manual which makes even the most complex joint simple to achieve. Leigh jigs offer the most flexibility in their class for variation of spacing and variety of pin sizes, and more.

By: Lenny

Lenny — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:19:33 +0000

Louis,

I have heard the earlier versions of the Leigh jig had a high learning curve to get setup properly. I can’t speak from experience but I think the newer versions may have improved in that regard. What the Leigh does offer is variable spacing of the pins.

I have heard great things about the Akeda dovetail jig! Very easy to setup, completely adjustment-free, always consistent and every one of your layouts is 100% repeatable with absolute accuracy! I know someone who has one and she loves it!

Between the Keller and the Akeda/Leigh it really comes down to how much is it worth to you to have the variable spacing. I think each fills a niche’ !

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:53:38 +0000

Louis,

There are many devotees of Leigh Dovetail Jigs, but I have never used one. Maybe other readers can offer their opinions about Leigh here. However, in terms of ease of setup and use, I really appreciate the Keller templates. They are rugged, simple to understand and offer extreme precision.

I hope others will share some comments about Leigh with you. Good luck with whatever jig you buy!

By: Louis Mulder

Louis Mulder — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:22:42 +0000

Would you reckon that they are better than the Leigh system?I have recently requested info on this,i must say it look very good,but here in South Africa that stuff is extremely expensive