Leigh D4R

[Scott Thornton]

I was at Woodcraft yesterday, checking out dovetail jigs. While there, I picked up the Leigh DVD.

My question is, is the D4R as easy to use as it looks? While I realize it is a marketing video, this thing appears as if it can do anything.

Thanks for your time.

[John Ricci]

Scott, I have a D4 (without the "R" which seems to be the same thing with less plastic) and with it you can produce scary perfect dovetails if you read and follow the instructions. The learning curve is fast and with repetition it becomes rote for every different operation. Always keep the manual at hand though as a refresher (actually very useful) for the details. Pricey but professional.

[Jim Becker]

Yea...I'm like John...D4. If you follow the excellent manual, you'll have not trouble doing really nice dovetails with minimal "testing". And once you have something you really like (especially with half-blinds), keep the sample for fast setup of the cutter(s) in the future.

[Mike Spanbauer]

John and Jim have nailed it. I own the D4 also, but I wouldn't say the initial setup was super easy :)

The Akeda holds that title. However, the D4(R) holds no equal in terms of flexibility and once you get the hang of the unit, it's scary how easy it is to setup DT's. One real nice feature of the Leigh is that you can space the pins at different intervals for a more unique 'hand-cut' look that doesn't appear as thought it came from a production line. In some cases, that's desirable though, which it can do also.

I've zero complaints with mine, and Leigh's video's and manual are 2nd to none (frankly, I find that manual the model by which I wish other vendors would follor).

Mike

[John Ricci]

Here are a couple of pics of the very first use of my D4. As a tester I made a head cabinet for an old Fender Champ the original box having disintgrated over the years...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/LPBlue/Music%20Stuff/champbox4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/LPBlue/Music%20Stuff/champbox7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/LPBlue/Music%20Stuff/champbox5.jpg

The D4 can do 'purty work if you just pay attention:cool:

[Rennie Heuer]

My question is, is the D4R as easy to use as it looks?

Hi Scott,

I purchased a used DR a few months ago and was intimidated by all the movable parts and sequences for the cuts. :eek: I shouldn't have been. After about 30 minutes I was cutting DT's that fit like a champ.

Go ahead and pick one up, I don't think you'll be disappointed.:)

[Rob Nolan]

I have the D4R and am cutting/routing dovetails with no problems ... just make sure to follow the instructions, which are very clear, and you'll be dovetailing everything! :D