However, if you have a dovetail jig, making such joints can be done in several minutes. Thus, if you are looking to buy a dovetail jig, this article includes some of the best options picked from the market. As you go through the listed options, make sure to look for the following features:
Stock Width: The stock width is basically the overall width of the machine, and it also explains to you the length of the dovetail joint that the machine can help you make. While most dovetail jigs offer 11 or 12 inches stock width, you can also find larger options with up to 24 inches stock width. Stock Thickness: You must also check the max supported stock thickness by the machine. Not all machines can handle and cut through thick wooden stocks. While some dovetail jigs support up to 1 1/8″ only, you will also find options that can work with 1/4 to 1 1/4 inch thick stocks as well. Additional Accessories: In most of the dovetail jig options that you will find in the market, the majority of them will have additional accessories included in the package that will help you in installation. Moreover, dovetail jigs also come with various templates so you can carve out joints of different designs.
If you want to know more about dovetail jigs so that you can easily compare and find the best dovetail jig for yourself, we have included a detailed “Buying Guide” that you must consider reading. It’ll be quite helpful for you as we have included almost all the things that a new customer should consider while buying a new dovetail jig. Until then, let’s check out the best dovetail jig options one by one.
Best Dovetail Jig 2023:List
Best Dovetail Jig Reviews
1. PORTER-CABLE Dovetail Jig
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Out of all the options mentioned on this list, Porter-cable is one of the best brands out there that specializes in selling high-grade dovetail jigs at attractive prices. Thanks to its rigid aluminum construction and design, this dovetail jig is built to last for a long time in your garage. It’s quite ideal for woodworking effectively, as it can easily cut stocks ranging from 1/4 to 1-1/8 inches thick. Moreover, its ergonomically designed handles on the sides allow the user to have a firm grip on the machine at all times. Along with the machine, Porter-Cable provides template 4215 and template 4213 for making half-blind dovetails and box joints easily. Apart from that, if we talk about its size, it supports 12 inches stock width which is pretty standard considering the pricing. Moreover, the manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty for this dovetail jig. Best Features:
Stock width is 12 inches Supported stock thickness is 1/4 to 1-1/8 inches Package includes template 4215 and template 4213 Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
Highly versatile Build quality is impressive Very accurate and easy to use
Cons:
Supports limited wood thickness
2. General Tools Dovetail Jig
Moving to the next dovetail jig, we have quite an affordable option available from General Tools which has a very good brand reputation in the market at the moment. The best part about this dovetail jig is its compact nature which allows users to operate it very easily. In fact, it is quite handy and comes with a 12 inches stock width. Thanks to the 1-piece aluminum layout, it is easy to align and make the cuts with sheer precision. This dovetail jig even includes a dovetail joiner tool along with a single 14-degree 1/2″ dovetail router bit that you can use in any of your projects. With this jig, you can easily make half-blind, dovetail joints, and box joints without any fuss. Speaking of the stock thickness, you can use wood with thickness ranging from 1/4 to 1 1/8 inches comfortably. Best Features:
Stock width is 12 inches Supported stock thickness is 1/4 to 1-1/8 inches Features single 14-degree 1/2″ dovetail router bit Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
Value for money Easy installation Compact size
Cons:
Not as precise as expensive ones
3. Keller Dovetail System DoveTail Jig
For those who are looking for a compact dovetail jig, Keller is one of the best brands that you can go with as it’s quite popular for making such kinds of dovetail jigs. Speaking of the Keller Dovetail System 135-1500 Journeyman DoveTail Jig, it comes embedded with a 15-inch precision-milled template which is highly durable. Apart from that, you can use 1/8 to 3/4 inches thick wood which is quite good considering its affordable pricing. As far as you are concerned about this installation, it’s pretty simple and doesn’t take much time at all. With this jig, you can easily cut classic, variable-spaced, acute, obtuse as well as several other kinds of joints. Best Features:
Stock width is 15 inches Supported stock thickness is 1/8 to 3/4 inches Single template design Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
Does not waste wood Decently accurate Highly affordable
Cons:
Build quality is average
4. Rockler Dovetail Jig
If you are looking for a high-end dovetail jig, but don’t want to go too harsh on your pockets, Rockler is one of the best brands out there well-known for its woodworking tools. With the innovative design and high-grade template present on this jig, making a half-blind dovetail is quite effortless even for beginner users. Moreover, this jig is designed in a way so that users can make long-length cuts on the wood with high accuracy without making any mistakes at all times. The overall design of this jig is quite compact and it’s also pretty lightweight too, so users can easily adjust and work with it. Moreover, there are two holes also given at the bottom that you can use for the permanent installation of this jig in your workbench. Speaking of its features, it has an 11 inches stock and supports 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick stock. Best Features:
Stock width is 11 inches Supported stock thickness is 1/8 to 3/4 inches Package includes two phenolic templates Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
Compact size Lightweight design Highly accurate
Cons:
Installation is time-consuming
5. Leigh Dovetail Jig
Leigh is definitely one of the best brands when it comes to making tools ideal for woodworking. Thus, if you need something for professional work, it is the go-to brand. The Leigh D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig is one of the best dovetail jigs that is often recommended by most professionals because of its brilliant build quality and features. One of the most attractive features of this dovetail jig is its one-piece aluminum extrusion base that provides support as well as extends its longevity. Compared to standard dovetail jigs, the D4R Pro is a unique model that features a 24 inches wide stock and allows you to use wood of up to 1-¼ inches thick. In addition, Leigh also provides three carbide router bits along with this jig that you can use in your projects. Best Features:
Stock width is 24 inches Supported stock thickness is 1/8 to 3/4 inches Package includes two phenolic templates Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Impressive build quality Good for large projects Easy to operate
Cons:
Not ideal for small shops
6. Woodhaven Dovetail Jig
Last but not the least, Woodhaven is yet another good brand that you can choose to go with if you are looking for something durable, and in the mid-price range. Since the design of this jig is quite innovative and well-engineered, it is built to offer better stability and control as compared to other standard jigs. This jig allows you to make precise cuttings and make half-blind dovetails. You can comfortably use this dovetail jig with 1/2 -3/4″ thick wood and make cuttings on an 11.75 inches long wood plank. Along with the dovetail jig, Woodhaven also offers a 61780 carbide tipped 14º dovetail bit that will help you make precise height adjustments. Moreover, one of the best parts about this dovetail jig is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Best Features:
Stock width is 11.75 inches Supported stock thickness is 1/2 -3/4 inches Package includes 61780 carbide-tipped 14º dovetail bit Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Adequately priced Large handles for stability Sturdy construction
Cons:
Stock width could be slightly better
Buying Guide for the Best Dovetail Jig
Making the dovetail joints with hands is what any carpenter would love to do and enjoy, but if we look from the professional perspective, finishing the job on time is more important. Hence, using a dovetail jig for this work is much better and more convenient any day. Well, if you are interested in buying a new dovetail jig, but don’t know how to pick the best one for you. Don’t worry, in this buying guide, we will be explaining all the important factors that you can consider checking while buying a new dovetail jig. Thus, comparing the options will be much easier for you if you read the buying guide until the end thoroughly.
1. Stock Width
One of the most important things that you should always keep in mind while buying a dovetail jig is the stock width. The stock width is basically the measurement of the length of the joint that you will be made using the machine on the wooden stock. For instance, with a 12 inches stock width dovetail jig, you can simply create a 12 inches long dovetail joint on the wood stock. Although 12 inches is the standard size that you can pick, if you usually work on large cabinets and other projects, you can also go with dovetail jigs that support wider stock width. Starting from 11 inches, you can find dovetail jigs offering up to 24 inches stock width, so you can simply choose the one you need.
2. Stock Thickness
The length of the wood is one aspect, but the thickness of the wood stock that you will be using should also fit the machine. You must understand that not all machines are designed to work with thick wood planks. That said, checking the stock thickness is pretty important. While some dovetail jigs can only handle woods with a thickness of about 1/4 to 1 1/8 inches, several larger dovetail jigs can also handle thicker woods such as up to 1 1/4 inches as well.
3. Build Quality
One of the major concerns that most people usually have while buying a new dovetail jig is the build quality. Well, dovetail jigs come in a variety of sizes, and designs, and are even made from different materials. So, it becomes quite hard to judge which one you should pick for yourself. One of the simplest ways to pick a good quality dovetail jig is by looking at its pricing. In the case of such tools, you will always find the good ones priced high. It is not at all a bad decision in spending more money as you will definitely get a good quality product that will last for a long time.
4. Accessories
Along with the machine, you will find that most brands do offer additional accessories such as installation tools. It is not always necessary that every customer has the installation tools, so including all the necessary items in the package is a good gesture. Moreover, some dovetail jigs even come with additional templates that you can interchange to make various kinds of dovetail joints as per your requirements and liking.
5. Warranty
Other than the technical specifications and features, you must also consider doing a background check of the brand from which you are buying your new dovetail jig. In our list, we have only shortlisted the best brands from the market because they have a good reputation and are rated very well by their past customers. On top of it, you must not forget to check if the brands offer a warranty on the machine or not. Most brands out there offer 1 year to 5 year long warranties for their dovetail jig models, so do check it out before buying.
Conclusion
Making dovetail joints for joining wooden pieces is definitely a good and useful technique. However, since it can take a lot of user’s time, and requires precision, beginner woodworkers often hesitate. But, with the help of a dovetail jig, making such joints can be done effortlessly. As you have already seen in this article, there are so many good options available out there to choose from. So, we have provided you with the best ones, and you can compare them to find the best suitable one for yourself. On the other hand, if you are not able to make a final decision, you can either take help from the buying guide or buy one from our personal recommendations:
The PORTER-CABLE Dovetail Jig is definitely one of the best dovetail jigs available out there. For its price range, you will barely find any other option with build quality so good. In fact, it comes with a stock width of 12 inches and supports thickness from 1/4 to 1 1/8 inches. On top of that, it even comes with a 3 year long warranty. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable dovetail jig, the General Tools Dovetail Jig is the best pick for you. It’s compact, handy, easy to use, and can be installed on any workbench very easily. Apart from that, it features a stock width of 12 inches and supports stock thickness from 1/4 to 1 1/8 inches which are definitely very competitive. Moreover, this dovetail jig is also covered under a 1-year warranty. For those who want a high-end dovetail jig, but don’t want to spend much, the Rockler Dovetail Jig
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