Routers for dovetails

[Philip Johnson]

I see some drawers coming up in my near future and will probably spring for a leigh jib. I have read it is easier to have two routers to avoid switching bits a lot. Does it make any difference if the routers are the same? I was thinking maybe there was some variance between routers or bushings.

thanks
Phil

[David Christopher]

Philip, I use a freud for one bit and a PC 690 for the other..just do the initial set up and you'll be fine

[Philip Johnson]

Thanks David. now just need to find a good deal on one

[Matthew Hills]

Thanks David. now just need to find a good deal on one

I'd be looking at the Milwaukee 5615 right now:
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-5615-24-1-75-Horsepower-Multi-Base-BodyGrip/dp/B000QV35AK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1251123078&sr=8-1
(have also seen recent discussion of one of the freud plunge routers on clearance at some woodcrafts for ~100)

Do you need to switch bits on the leigh jig for half dovetails, or just through dovetails?

Matt

[Fred Hargis]

The 2 router setup is a lot easier for through DTs, but the 1/2 blind you just need one. On the Leigh I like the smaller routers...I had used a PC 690 for a few years and really like it, although I recently replaced one of them with the Milwaukee 5615. It's actually easier to center the base on that one so i like it even better.

[Joe Scharle]

I recommend 2 small fixed base routers, maybe from a pawn shop. Years ago, I had a plunge router unlatch and destroy an aluminum template.

[John Morrison60]

Good to have two routers, even for half blind.
Use a straight bit to remove most of the material, and then the dovetail bit to make
the final cut.
No reason they have to be the same. I have an old CMan for the straight bit, and a
PC for the dovetail bit.

Good Luck.
John

[Philip Johnson]

thanks guys I have a decent bosch now I will keep my eye open for a 2nd one.

[scott spencer]

Light weight is good for dovetails...I prefer my Hitachi M12VC for dovetails over my 1617, Freud FT1700, and Milwaukee 5615, but those are great routers too. Whatever feels best to you.

[Jim Eller]

I also use two routers. The one I like the best is the 1617 with the D-handle base. The other is a DeWalt DW 616 or the PC 690.

To me, the D-handle makes a big difference. Just a personal thing.

Jim

[Erik Frederiksen]

I am also in the market for a Leigh jig for an upcoming drawer project.

Do you think the Bosch colt will have enough power for dovetails?

[Joe Scharle]

1/2" bits work best, so a Colt wouldn't qualify.

[Erik Frederiksen]

Hmmm, that's interesting, I just noticed on Leigh's web site they set a number of 1/4" shank dovetail router bits.

[Jim Rimmer]

This was on the Creek on 8/15 in Woodworker's Classifieds. Great price if he still has it.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=118146

[Joe Scharle]

Hmmm, that's interesting, I just noticed on Leigh's web site they set a number of 1/4" shank dovetail router bits.

You're correct about Leigh. One of my jigs is a Super and it uses 1/4" bits. I don't use it much and I forgot.

[Jim Rimmer]

Here's another SMC classified if you haven't bought a router yet.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=119013