Speaking of dowel jigs...Lee Valley

[Dave Lehnert]

Any thoughts on the Lee Valley (Veritas) model? Number 05J08.01


http://www.leevalley.com/shopping/Instructions.aspx?p=43162

[J. Z. Guest]

Seems a lot more complex than Dowelmax. More moving parts means more error.

It seems that the fence needs to be adjusted to reference one face, rather than it being an inherent part of the design. It also seems to use metric references, which may not be ideal for American woodworkers.

Lastly, it seems only able to reference one edge at a time as opposed to DM's two.

[Ron Dunn]

I own this, as well as the Dowelmax. The Dowelmax is better.

The Veritas jig is best suited for edge-joining. Dowelmax is more flexible in the range of joints it supports.

The variable registration works well, but not quite as well as the fixed spacing of the Dowelmax. A slight variance telegraphs through a board very quickly.

The bushing carrier is a little sloppy. I've not had an error as a result, but I prefer the fixed bush spacing of the Dowelmax.

You can reference from an end (second) face, but it isn't as easy/accurate as the Dowelmax.

The Veritas jig is lighter, I find that a benefit. It is easer to clamp, and less likely to move.