if you haven’t built a dovetail drawer before the first few drawers can be a fear-inducing project. But, once you start understanding layouts, make a few mistakes and assemble a drawer you won’t go back to “normal” drawer box construction. In this article learn how having one of the best dovetail jigs will make the experience (and quality) even better.
Last update on 2021-05-11 at 17:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
From two corner dovetails to four corner dovetails, half-thru, sliding to a other types of dovetails the first lesson in dovetails is there is no one way to make a dovetail.
In fact, there are four main types of dovetails plus a countless assortment of joints that can be hand-cut with a Japanese saw.
In this article we’ll cover:
- What a dovetail joint is
- Types of dovetails
- Best dovetail jigs for beginners
- Top jig manufacturers, like Kreg and Leigh dovetail jigs
- Dovetail jigs for routers
- Hand cut dovetail jigs
- Dovetail alternatives
- Japanese saw dovetails
BEST OF BEST: Leight Tools D4R features the best capacity, most variations of dovetail styles and reputation for precision of any jig.
BEST VALUE: Porter Cable 4216 is arguably the longest-standing dovetail jig for serious hobbyists to small cabinet shops.
BUDGET CHOICE: General Tools 861 is a great value if you’re making dovetails for small projects.
FOR HANDCUT DOVETAILS: Newkiton Jig and Wheel makes dovetails without a router.
In This Article
What is a Dovetail Joint?
I’m sure you’ve heard that dovetails are the gold-standard for drawers. And, while true, perhaps what you don’t know is why they are superior:
- Dovetails offer superior tensile strength as the mated surfaces are interlocked together
- And, with a greater glue surface area, have more wood contact and strength
- Lastly, dovetails don’t “flex” as the wood is locked. In fact it is more common the surrounding wood will fail first which makes them durable for centuries of use.
Related Article: Best drawer slides for kitchen cabinets and furniture
Types of Dovetail Joints
Before taking a look at what the best dovetail jig is for your projects, it is best to understand what types of dovetail joints there are:
- Through dovetails are a joint style where both ends of the wood are visible once assembled. Since the exposed ends are usually desired to be seen, they are used less in drawers and more in boxes and furniture.
- Half-blind dovetails are used when the face of one board conceals a dovetail joint behind it. These style of dovetail joint is most popular in drawers.
- Secret mitered dovetails, as the name implies, take the wood construction to the next level by completely hiding the dovetails once assembled. These are mostly used by professionals and high end woodworkers.
- Sliding dovetails are the easiest to produce and are simply an angled slot that holds an equally cut wood end.
If you have seen dovetails cut by hand with a Japanese saw you’ll know there are dozens of permutations on through dovetails.
Alternatives to a Dovetail Joint
So if skill, time or budget aren’t lining up to use a dovetail jig what are your options?
Well, there are a few alternatives to a dovetail jig including:
- Pocket hole jigs are the most popular alternative and use screws and are low cost (drill, screws, starter jigs)
- Biscuit joints can be used to secure the joint.
- Domino joiners (Festool) are a hidden joint option but at a high cost.
Dovetail vs. Pocket Hole Joints
With the rapid rise of pocket hole jigs as a wood joinery method there’s a bit of a debate over which is best for casual woodworking.
First, while a pocket hole jig is FASTER it does not produce as strong of a joint as a dovetail. If that is your top criteria then keep moving ahead.
But, if strength isn’t your top consideration you can consider:
- Pocket hole joints require less skill, tools and reduce risk of wasted material. But, at the loss of joint strength and durability.
- Dovetail joints, however, take more skill, higher cost jigs and a decent router to produce a joint.
Dovetail Joint vs. Box Joint
Chances are you’ve seen wood drawers made from table saw jigs that produce a dovetail-like joint.
And, without investing in a router and dovetail jig it’s possible to use your table saw and a proper jig setup to produce box joints.
But, the tradeoffs are:
- Box joints are only through joints, so you’ll see the ends of both boards
- And, a table-saw based solution requires a high quality dado blade that won’t rip the end grain (a major risk)
- Lastly, box joints are stronger than a pocket hole jig but require more time to build
Related Article: Best Pocket Hole Jigs
Choosing the Best Dovetail Jig for Your Projects
With every skill level, budget and project type there is potentially a different dovetail jig needed.
So which is best for you? Well, in this section we’ll take a look at jigs based on types of dovetail joints, popularity for home woodworkers and of course overall product quality and durability.
Porter Cable Dovetail Jigs
As you probably know, many tool manufacturers have a few specialty tools they make that can go unchallenged for decades.
And when it comes to dovetail jigs Porter Cable has been a leader for decades. In fact, back in the 90’s I learned dovetail joinery in a cabinet shop using essentially the same jig on the market today.
PREMIUM DOVETAIL JIG WITH GUIDES: Porter Cable 4216 (Amazon)
Overview
This one jig contains all of the templates you’ll need to create half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, sliding, through, and miniature dovetails. Plus, you can even create box joints. If you’re not sure of your woodworking plans and have the budget this tool will let you grow into it.
Key Features
- Made from machined aluminum for durability and accuracy
- Manufactured by Porter Cable
- Includes three template guides (4211, 4213, 4215)
- Fits standard 1-3/16″ router bases
Bottom LIne
If you’re upgrading from a smaller jig this the best midrange dovetail jig on the market. However, there are a few different bundles and packages to consider:
- Porter Cable 4210 is the basic jig without guides and templates.
- Porter Cable 4216 includes additional templates and variations with router bits and template guides
LEIGH Dovetail Jigs
For the best dovetail jig for serious woodworkers and professionals the Leigh models have a few features you won’t find in other jigs:
- Variable spacing for custom width dovetails
- Support for box joints (aka finger)
- Simple, obtuse and acute angle joints
- And more…
The Leigh jigs come in four adjustable models including the D4R Pro and the the Super 12, Super 18 and Super 24.
LEIGH D4R 24-INCH DOVETAIL JIG: Leigh D4R (Amazon)
Overview
If you’ve been around woodworking you’ll know that Leigh Tools is a premium brand in jigs for both dovetails and mortising.
And if you are eying an upgrade to your current jig the Super series offers up a variety of dovetails you can’t make with a standard fixed-width jig. However, and keep reading, the D4R Pro offers up a few more advanced features.
Key Features
- Creates variably spaced through and half-blind dovetails, sliding, box, inlaid, end-on-end and many other styles of dovetails.
- Variable joint spacing for custom looks
- Needle pins
- Obtuse joints
- Mortise and tenon joints (with optional attachment)
- Infinitely adjustable spacing width
- 1-1/2″ maximum board thickness
- 1/8″ minimum thickness
- Durable aluminum construction
Pros
- Most configurable dovetail jig on the market
- Adjustable with dovetails
- 24" wide board capacity with 1-1/2" thickness
- Most advanced setup options
Cons
- Cost
SUPER SERIES DOVETAIL JIGS: Leigh Super 24-inch (Amazon)
Overview
The Leigh “Super” series of dovetails offers almost all of the premium D4R series capability. But, rather than force you into the premium size this lineup offers up both a 12″ and 18″ width that allows for the features at a more budget friendly price.
Key Features
- Creates variably spaced through and half-blind dovetails, sliding, box, inlaid, end-on-end and many other styles of dovetails.
- Variable joint spacing for custom looks
- Needle pins
- Infinitely adjustable spacing width
- 1″ maximum board thickness
- 1/8″ minimum thickness
Models Available
Depending on your projects you’ll find three Super Series jigs:
- Super 12-inch will work for almost all cabinet and most furniture projects
- 18-inch adds 6-inches for constructing furniture or boxes
- Super 24-inch is in the largest capacity dovetail jig category on the market (there are other 24-inch brands) but offers up the Leigh adjustable options others don’t.
Pros
- Adjustable with dovetails
- Widths from 12 to 24"
- Most advanced setup options
Cons
- Cost
LEIGH SUPER SERIES DOVEETAIL JIGS: Leigh Super 24-inch (Amazon)
Overview
The Leigh “Super” series of dovetails offers almost all of the premium D4R series capability. But, rather than force you into the premium size this lineup offers up both a 12″ and 18″ width that allows for the features at a more budget friendly price.
Key Features
- Creates variably spaced through and half-blind dovetails, sliding, box, inlaid, end-on-end and many other styles of dovetails.
- Variable joint spacing for custom looks
- Needle pins
- Infinitely adjustable spacing width
- 1″ maximum board thickness
- 1/8″ minimum thickness
Models Available
Depending on your projects you’ll find three Super Series jigs:
- Super 12-inch will work for almost all cabinet and most furniture projects
- Super 18-inch adds 6-inches for constructing furniture or boxes
- Super 24-inch is in the largest capacity dovetail jig category on the market (there are other 24-inch brands) but offers up the Leigh adjustable options others don’t.
Pros
- Adjustable with dovetails
- Widths from 12 to 24"
- Most advanced setup options
Cons
- Cost
How to Use a Dovetail JIg
Making dovetails is a rewarding process. But, as with any fine woodworking process, it is time consuming.
Which makes the first step in using a dovetail jig PATIENCE.
Tips to Using a Dovetail Jig
When you’re first unboxing that new dovetail jig you’ll want to read the instructions. I know, it’s not something you want to do, but with these style of jigs the permutations of router bits, templates and guides is confusing.
With that in mind, consider some of the following as you start your first test drawer or box:
- Test on scrap wood first
- Make sure you’re turning the router off while it’s on the jig to avoid damaging to jig parts (I’ve done this!)
- Label your drawer parts using the 1-2-3-4 system so you know where the finished pieces connect
- Pay attention to sides versus fronts, especially on four corner dovetails
- Lastly, I always make an anti-chip cut across the face of the wood to prevent splintering. This is as simple as making a 1/16″ deep cut across the length of the board.
Picking the Right Router
As a jig, your experience will only be as good as the router you pair with it.
While inexpensive routers can cost less than the jig itself, for a top quality experience I use a brand-name lightweight router.
With that in mind, look for:
- Routers with dial-in height adjustment for ultra-fine adjustment
- High quality bearings to lower vibration
- Lightweight to avoid fatigue over 15-20 drawers or more
Safety Considerations
As you know, routers are dangerous as they have an exposed bit that is known to “bite” the user.
But there are other considerations, including:
- Always wear protective eye covering
- Use hearing protection
- Dust collection is a must for more than a drawer or two
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dovetail jig to buy?
Choosing a dovetail jig is a balance between your budget, your current projects and future projects. While a hand cut dovetail jig may work for small projects, a larger project will require a router and dovetail jig with guides to allow for fast cutting.
How do you make a handmade dovetail?
The easiest way to hand-make a dovetail joint is by using a crosscut or Japanese saw in combination with a hand dovetail jig. While slower and not as precise as a router-based jig, for small projects on a budget these style of dovetails are both a challenge and satisfying to build.
What is the most common dovetail angle?
While the most common dovetail angle bit is 7-degrees, they range up to 17-degrees. Angles will vary based on the material strength of the wood as well as the type of dovetail joint. Lower angles can be used for hardwoods as the material strength will prevent deflection of the wood. However, softer woods like pine will require a steeper angle.
Summary
The best dovetail jig for your projects will come down to your skill and budget. If your new to the game, or you’ve made hundreds of drawers and want to keep making the same half-blind dovetails, then a standard jig will do.
However, if you’re looking at upgrading to open up your options then a jig like the Leigh will give you endless options.
Last update on 2021-05-11 at 15:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API