Dovetail Jig

[Keel McDonald]

Does anyone have any experience using the Porter Cable Dovetail Jig Deluxe Model 4212? I am considering buying one, but would like some advice from anyone who has used it. Here is a link to the jig http://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/specialty_tools/dovetail_machines/4212.htmlhttp://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/images/product/large/4212.jpg

[Jeff Sudmeier]

I don't have one, but I will be watching this thread, because that is a great price and I could use a jig! :)

[John Miliunas]

Keel, while I've not used one, I know a number of folks who have and they're quite happy with it. Much nicer than the "3rd party" knock-offs. One other thing many folks may not be aware of and, I don't think even PC makes it a real big selling point: The finger assembly can be used off of the jig, ala "Keller" style jig! That allows for extended length through DT's, just like the Keller! PC even has pilot holes drilled in the assembly to accomplish this! :) IMHO, I think that particular jig probably offers the most bang for your buck in the lower priced DT jigs. :) :cool:

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Keel....I have the PC4112 IIRC. It works just fine. Simple to set up but sometimes time consuming. It's served me well. Great buy for the money. Not as versital as others but for the price it works well!

[Ray Arnold]

I have this jig, I have used it one time so far and it seems to work good, here is a desk project, I used the jig to make 4 drawers >http://community.webshots.com/album/307975817LZqTIJ
thanks for looking.

[Scott Coffelt]

I had it's predecessor, the 4112 and thought it was a fine jig. Once set up it cut well and true. It would only do 1/2 blinds. My only complaint was the fastening system was a PITA, you had to turn knobs. I wanted something a little more quicker. I also owned the D4, so I was covered on other types of dovetails. I eventually sold the 4112, though I do miss it at times.

From what I gather, the new model is better. Will also be curious as to inputs.

[Joe Koren]

Although the price is nice, I was curious if anyone thinks the Wood Rat would be a better option, since it is supposed to be much more versitile.

Joe

[Keel McDonald]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will probably invest in it. Rarely have I seen anything that would warrant dovetails over 12" anyway. And I personally have never built anything that needed them over 12". Spending the money is always easier when you know people who say it's worth it.

[Mike Alagna]

I just bought this jig a few months ago and it worked great the first time i used it. I have never used a D/T jig before so I don't know what i might be missing but for teh price and teh ability to cut both through and half blinds i thought it was a great deal. I made 10 drawers with it and all came out great.

[Keel McDonald]

I just bought this jig a few months ago and it worked great the first time i used it. I have never used a D/T jig before so I don't know what i might be missing but for teh price and teh ability to cut both through and half blinds i thought it was a great deal. I made 10 drawers with it and all came out great.

Mike,

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks for sharing.

[Bob Noles]

Keel,

I have the 4212 and love it. Please do not be mis-informend about the 12" limitation, it will cut any size stock. Get the supplimental instruction booklet from their web site. This baby will do a whole lot more than it is given credit for.

[Keel McDonald]

I have been doing some research on the internet. It seems that the bits are very hard to come by. PC is basically the only place to get them. Has anyone found any other sites to get them?

[Joe Koren]

Bob,

I looked for the supplimental instructions and could not find it. Do you know were it was posted.

THanks,
Joe

[Jim Bills]

Does anyone have any experience using the Porter Cable Dovetail Jig Deluxe Model 4212? I am considering buying one, but would like some advice from anyone who has used it. Here is a link to the jig http://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/specialty_tools/dovetail_machines/4212.htmlhttp://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/images/product/large/4212.jpg

See if this helps.

http://www.porter-cable.com/jigs/

Jim

[Ron Fritz]

Maybe you all could help me with a question that I've been wondering about........... I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on getting a new dovetail jig (never had one, but the 4212 may be the one) and am wondering which router works better with a dovetail jig, a fixed base or plunge. I already have a Dewalt 621 mounted in a router table and would prefer leaving it there since that is where I do most of my routing from. Thanks

[Larry Browning]

FYI,
I found a better deal on this jig at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006AAS8S/qid=1129828835/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-8349404-2855219?v=glance&s=hi&n=507846) They have it for $136.94 with free shipping. But there sure seems to be an issue with finding bit replacements. However, the last customer review at Amazon seemed to give another source. BTW, does anyone know if the bits come in 1/4" shank? I have a couple of old craftsman routers that I was thinking would make good dedicated dovetail routers, but they are 1/4" shank only.

[John Miliunas]

Maybe you all could help me with a question that I've been wondering about........... I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on getting a new dovetail jig (never had one, but the 4212 may be the one) and am wondering which router works better with a dovetail jig, a fixed base or plunge. I already have a Dewalt 621 mounted in a router table and would prefer leaving it there since that is where I do most of my routing from. Thanks

Ron, I've use both, a fixed and a small plunge router with various DT jigs. IMHO, the best "recommendation" I can make is to use either BUT, weigh heavily on whichever one gives you the best and most incremental fine adjustments! Micro-adjusting when trying to zone in on the perfect DT, IMO, is paramount in getting the cleanest/tightest joint.:) :cool:

[Ron Fritz]

John; thanks, since I have not used a fixed base router before, I didn't know if it was any better at fine tune adjustments.

[Lars Thomas]

Ron, I would use a small traditional fixed 1hp router. Although if you already have a plunge, no need to buy another - unless you WANT to. If you have one to dedicate to dovetails, it makes it much easier. I've had the big 16" Porter Cable (not sure of the model) for 10+ years and have been pleased with it. John is right, getting the bit set at the right depth (exactly the right depth!) is the key to every DT jig I have seen. Lars

[Michael Perata]

Assuming you have loads of money lying around, I would have two routers; one for the pins and one for the tails. Two routers saves a lot of time not having to match depths after changing bits with one router.

[Allen Bookout]

I just happened to notice that Woodcraft has replacement bits for the PC4210/4212.

7 degree dovetail part # 146433 - $21.99
straight bit part # 146432 - $17.99
set of both part # 146434 - $34.98

This was in the Catalog good through September 30, 2005. Have not looked at their web site but I am sure that they still have them as they sell the PC 4210/4212.

Allen

[Keel McDonald]

I just happened to notice that Woodcraft has replacement bits for the PC4210/4212.

7 degree dovetail part # 146433 - $21.99
straight bit part # 146432 - $17.99
set of both part # 146434 - $34.98

This was in the Catalog good through September 30, 2005. Have not looked at their web site but I am sure that they still have them as they sell the PC 4210/4212.

Allen

Allen,

Thanks for the info. I looked it up on the website and they are stilll selling the same bits for the same deals. I was very hesitant to buy the jig until your post. We have a local Woodcraft store, so replacing bits shouldn't be any problem. Thanks very much!!! :)

[Scott Donley]

Just orderd the 4212 from Amazon (thanks Larry ) and the woodworkerII for the TS (90.96, free ship also ) Might have to sell my LN dovetail saw if it works out for me to pay for it :) Let you know how I like it.

[Mike Cooper]

The link to the supplemental manual is
http://media.ptg-online.com/20050223142353_EnA06477-02-23-05.pdf

Mike

[Scott Donley]

The link to the supplemental manual is
http://media.ptg-online.com/20050223142353_EnA06477-02-23-05.pdf

MikeThanks Mike, now all I need is another 1001 base for my PC 690, I have never really liked the plunge base, just feel like I have better control with the standerd base, but, it is in the table.