Keller Dovetail Jig

[Charlie Jones]

I love doing hand cut dovetails. But sometimes I need to complete a project with a lot of dovetails a little faster. I am researching DT jigs. Does anyone here use the Keller.It only does through DT's but it seems to be the easiest to set up and use. I doubt if I would be doing half blinds very much and I can cut them by hand.

[Edwin Santos]

Yes, I have the 1601 jig and it does everything the manufacturer claims it will do. Set it up once and it will stay accurate. When I've had a ton of dovetails to do, this is the tool I use. I have done jobs consisting of 30-40 drawers in baltic birch in one evening using this jig.
I prefer using it upside down on a router table as opposed to using a hand held router because the dust collection is better at the router table in my particular situation.

I like that Keller set it up so the tails are naturally wider than the pins which is not the case with some router jigs which look too similar to box joints to me. This said, you can also skip one finger to make the tails twice as wide. I haven't done as much playing around with variable spacing, but I've been meaning to do so.
Edwin

[Frank Drackman]

I purchased the Keller jig in the late 90's and use it frequently. Once assembled to the correct fit it is easy to use. I have Muscular Dystrophy so I struggle with hand tools. For drawers I put a false front on and never look back.

[Dave Cav]

I have a Keller and a Leigh, and the Keller is my go-to jig. I have two routers permanently set up and assigned to it.

[Charlie Jones]

Thank. It is nice to hear from those who use the tool. I am placing my order.

[Edwin Santos]

Thank. It is nice to hear from those who use the tool. I am placing my order.

Charlie,
When you receive it, if you have any issues or questions, in addition to posting here, I would recommend calling the company. Mr. Keller is very good about returning calls and providing support and guidance. He's a woodworker himself, not just a tool vendor business guy.
Here is a photo of a little box I made with a leftover cedar fence picket. This is an example of making an ultra wide tail by skipping a notch for a design change of pace.
Edwin

384824

[Robert Cherry]

I’m a little late to the conversation but I will echo everything said above. I have the 1601 an it’s really easy to use, you won’t be disappointed. I added some aluminum track, stop blocks and toggle clamps to mine to make setting and using the jig faster. Works like a champ.


384834

[Charlie Jones]

Edwin,

I really like that. Definitely a change of pace. Most people wouldn’t know it came from a jig.

[Charlie Jones]

I’m a little late to the conversation but I will echo everything said above. I have the 1601 an it’s really easy to use, you won’t be disappointed. I added some aluminum track, stop blocks and toggle clamps to mine to make setting and using the jig faster. Works like a champ.


384834

That’s what I plan to do to mine. That’s for the photo.