router tables and dovetail jigs

[Leslie Rao]

Background: I'm a weekend woodworking enthusiast (newbie). I have very limited space in the garage.

I was originally going to get a Bench Dog ProTop Contractor Portable Router Table (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19508) with the Benchdog router lift because of the space savings and one of the smaller Leigh dovetail jigs. I really like the ability to space out dovetails. However, I also looked at the Incra Universal Precision Positioning Jig with Offset Router Table and Fence (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16383)from Rockler and wonder if the ability to cut dovetails on this set up might be worthwhile. I've used the Leigh, but never the Incra.

Does anyone have experience with these systems or opinions? For other routing applications, I use a Festool router with guide rails.

[William OConnell]

I have an incra set up on my tablesaw/router. Although I don't use it to cut dovetails I'm sure its well within its capabilities. Theres a slight learning curve ut after that it becomes second nature. I would buy their stuff again

[Brett CoughlanAus]

Hi Leslie,

One option from left field might be to go with something like the Gifkins Dovetail Jig (http://www.japanwoodworker.com/dept.asp?dept_id=13640). It includes variable spacers as an add-on. Rated highly by an FWW review earlier this year / last year. I own one and am extremely happy with it. I admit that the Leigh is probably more versatile with variable spacing but the Gifkins is great for ease of use / set-up.

Cheers.

[Jim Becker]

Leslie, the Incra system can do dovetails just fine. I use a Leigh D4 jig for my machine cut dovetails, however, and really appreciate its versatility.

BTW, welcome to SMC!

[Wayne Cannon]

You will be very happy with the Bench Dog fence. I like the Akeda and Leigh D4 jigs for dovetails -- they're significantly faster than the Incra approach. The Akeda is faster to set up and has better dust control, but at the expense of the versatility of the Leigh jig. However, most of the components of the Incra system is useful for things other than dovetails, so you might save yourself some $$ that way.