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One really good indicator of tool quality is the popular opinion of its users , which is why I settle to try thePorter - Cable Dovetail Jig . I have always toyed with construction , but as my home age , I ’ve decided to get serious about woodworking in society to collect the tool and develop the acquisition to build new console . One of my bigger concerns was make acceptable dovetail joint joints for the drawers .
Well - made dovetails are strong and lasting , but they ’re complicated . Since I do n’t have the meter or longanimity to valuate , soft touch , and turn out dovetails by manus , I spend an good afternoon researching dovetail router jigs to run withmy router . The Porter - Cable gigue kept pop up on discussion boards and review channels as one of the easiest to rig up and use for a variety of joints , and it was said to be one of the most durable options . Although it may not be perfect for everyone , I am happy to report that it has worked for me exactly as expected . In this review , I will share the pros and cons that I ’ve encountered while testing this tool , and why I am glad that I chose thePorter - Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Porter-Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig: At a Glance
Our rating : 4.8/5
Top Pick
Porter-Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig
Testing the Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig
The gigue includes a base whole that mounts on the boundary of the judiciary with four bolt of lightning ( not included ) . Since I do n’t have enough shop space for a lasting dovetail station , I climb up the gigue on a 2×12 control panel that I clamp to the workbench or a hardening of sawhorses . This reserve me to store the unit out of the way when not in use .
Porter - Cable offer unlike dovetail jig kit combining that include the base unit of measurement with one , two , or three atomic number 13 router templates . This“Deluxe ” model 4216includes all three : one for half - unreasoning and slide dovetail joint , one for through dovetail joint and box joint , and one for miniature dovetails . It also occur with four router bits ( one straight and one dovetail fleck with ½-inch shank , and one each with ¼-inch shanks ) and the right router templet bushing to use with each bit .
After liken an former test equivalence for a guide to thebest dovetail jig , I spent 3 months exploit with the Porter - Cable dovetail gigue in my workshop . I made every type of joint out of scrap lumber , plywood , and synthetic sheet materials , experimenting with dissimilar material thickness and router flake velocity . In addition to learning how to make acceptable articulation , I need to become competent at troubleshooting and very well - tuning the readjustment before I plunge into a big cabinetwork task .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Testing the Porter-Cable 12-inch Dovetail Jig
When it comes to build quality , accuracy , consistence , and convenience , the Porter - Cable 4216 deluxe dovetail jig checks all the boxes . It admit everything needed to make most dovetail subtypes in workpieces up to 12 inches wide and 1⅛ in thick .
As noted , this Porter - Cable 12 - inch dovetail gigue includes atomic number 13 templates for half - unreasoning , rabbeted half - unreasoning , through , and sliding dovetail , as well as box joint and a mini dovetail joint / box joint jig . The adjustable edge guides assure systematically accurate board placement , and the sandpaper - punt cam - type clamps quickly secure boards in place . The gigue also includes built - in adjustable router bit profundity stop to eliminate measurement errors .
Although the Porter - Cable 4216 kit appeared complex during unboxing , I found the program line fairly clear . After read the manual and watching a couple of inadequate user videos , it only took about 15 minutes to put together and adjust the jig and set up our router to bulge out cutting . The results could not have been good — a perfect through dovetail joint on the first try . I ended up testing all three of the reversible guide and made joints with woods of both adequate and unequal heaviness . Resetting the jig require close attention to several critical details , but succeed the counsel each metre lead to nice snug joint .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Lots of Moving Parts, But Easy to Set Up and Adjust
By carefully following the printed and illustrated operating instructions that come with the outfit , it was fairly easy to get started ; in fact , even my very first reefer drop dead together without a hitch . I used four carriage bolts to attach the jig root to my 2×12 portable benchtop , and then clamped the 2×12 onto my workbench . From this point in time , it was a issue of installing a router template onto the jig body and a router bit and guide collar into the router .
This unit is made for easily repeatable routering , and the Francis Scott Key to achiever is correct it properly . Several moving parts total into play that may seem intimidating at first . With a little snatch of practice session , though , it all makes sense . My stock procedure is to clamp sample distribution workpieces into the cam , position the router guide for accurate placement of the dovetails or pins , and lock it in place . Then , I focus on the workpiece and constrain the left offset printing guidebook , which allow for for quick , precise placement of successive piece . Lastly , I deploy the right router template collar and router act .
Certain features make this process go quickly without mark or measuring on the Porter - Cable . The jig torso uses single - lever River Cam clamps to assure horizontal and vertical workpiece . equal pins and tail router guide are on controvert sides of the same templates — simply unlock the template from the groundwork and circumvolve it 180 degrees to make out the project . The router template bestride system on the jig base includes a curing of memorial tablet nuts that can be wind in or out to interchange the deepness of the cut . Also , the jig templates include alignment lines and router snatch profoundness gauges to speed up frame-up without needing to measure . The informality of modification think of I get perfectly matched dovetail every time .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Includes Templates for Different Joint Types and Material Thicknesses
ThePorter - Cable 4216is one of the best , most comprehensive dovetail jig when productiveness matters . It ’s on-key that it is not full adjustable , since the fingers on the templates are pay off in office , but the include templates give it a upright amount of versatility for working with dissimilar material property . To me , the regular dovetail joint template and the half - unreasoning / sliding dovetail template make joints that search well in workpieces thicker than ½ inch , and the miniature template make attractive articulation in thinner textile down to about ¼ inch thick .
This system works with boards up to 12 inches broad , but not every width within that range will bet as good as those that are “ optimal . ” Because of the gear up template finger and how that translates to centering the gameboard on the template , the two regular templates play considerably with board widths in 1 - in plus ¼ in increments ( for example , 11⁄4 inch wide , 2¼ column inch wide , 3¼ inch wide ) . optimum display board breadth for the mini template are 1 - inch plus ⅛ inch increments ( 1⅛ inches wide , 2⅛ inch wide ) . Although they will work in the templates , other plug-in breadth are less attractive because of the irregular crosscut points .
Low Learning Curve for Quality Results
When I say that this system of rules was “ fairly ” easy to get started , that is to say I was able-bodied to accompany the instructions and make a passable through dovetail stick on the first effort . I did not experience confident that I could just take care at the parts , assemble the jig , and bug out making dovetails . I read the education completely before I started to gather anything . Different users might have depart experiences withthe instructionsdepending on their existing knowledge and acquisition levels . I thought they were clearly written and well illustrated .
After the first endeavor , since I was still working with scrap wood , I was positive to work my way through the other guide . I ran into some nonaged problems with tear out while work on with hardwood plyboard . Most of the problem orbit were hidden within the assembled articulation , but enough was divulge that I wanted to find a fix .
The pedagogy suggest clamp a scrap over the workpiece for added support . This helped . Other woodsman suggestedusing the routerto “ climb cut ” part of the mode through before finishing off the composition in the normal direction . This proficiency also helped , but must be done with extra caution to maintain unshakable contact between the router collar and the template at all fourth dimension .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Built Like a Tank But Won’t Break the Bank
Based on the inquiry and examination I did for our templet to the best dovetail jigs , I conceive that thePorter - Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jigis one of the honorable jigs overall — and it also happens to put up one of the best values . Of course , options are uncommitted to buy the bag with only the needed template for those who do n’t require all three template . The invention make it easy for beginners to accurately cut a change of standard dovetail joints , while the lowering - responsibility sword and aluminum components are strong and long-lasting to defy many years of regular use . The $ 200 toll rag is fair , and quite a bit less than other premium dovetail joint jigs .
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Product Comparisons
So, is the Porter-Cable Deluxe Dovetail Jig right for you?
As I get quick to build my new cabinets , I ’m glad I followed the plus user ratings to find this organisation . The Porter - Cable dovetail jig will allow me to pass a fraction of the time constructing strong draftsman box seat that I would have spend cut the roast by hand . It was easy to get started , and the organization winnow out most of the variables that could lead to sloppy work .
I really wish this instrument , but it does have some limitations . The organization is big and bulky , so anyone with a small shop will need to come up with a architectural plan for storage when it ’s not in use . And it ’s not really an alternative for those who want to make beautiful customs dovetail joints .
Still , for me , the Porter - Cable 4216 is the right tool for cutting dovetails most of the prison term . When it comes to cut off out the parts for a twelve identical bloomers , I wo n’t waste time measure and marking the parts , and I will only have to adjust it a few time . This is a really good output pecker that allows user to produce consistently safe joints , which is exactly what I needed .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer , product examiner , and nonparallel DIYer who lives in an older home . When he is n’t writing , he spends his time upgrading , revivify , and interchange anything and everything in his home , yard , and garden . He tests and pen reviews about hand and power tools , lawn forethought and home stamping ground mathematical product , and out-of-door living goods .
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