Dovetail jig from ScrewFix, any good?

[xsaravtr]

Making some drawers and have been looking at this Dovetail jig from ScrewFix... Will be using with a router.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/17062/Hand-Tools/Car...

Anyone got any experience/views about this or any other jigs.

Thanks

[SeeFive]

I've not used the Screwfix jig, although it looks pretty similar to an Axminster one I have. These are ideal for half blind dovetails (e.g., drawer fronts etc), but will not cut through dovetails. If you want to do that, then you need to go to something like the Leigh dovetail jig, where you can set pin spacing and all sorts. Of course that flexibility all comes at a cost.

A selection of Axminster jigs are here:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/category-Dovetail-Jigs-...

With the Axminster jig, you can also get fine finger templates and cutters for smaller work.

Do not put too much stress on the machine handles on this type of jig as they are always made to a cost. Bit of a fiddle to set up the jig and cutter height to ensure a well fitting joint, but once set the basic jig will cut good half-blind joints - cutting the mating edges of two boards at once. A light run along the edge of the board with the router before cutting into the recesses of the jig will minimise any tear-out.

Edited by SeeFive on Wednesday 14th October 12:24