A dovetail jig is convenient and handy when you want to create pins and tails precisely and fast. After reading numerous dovetail jig reviews and searching through endless hours of woodworking forums.
This is what I found to be the best dovetail jig for router tables -
Dovetail Jigs | Size | Thoughts | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
2. Porter Cable 4216 Dovetail Jig   | 12 Inch | Most Affordable | |
3. Leigh Super Dovetail Jig   | 12 Inch | Inexpensive Leigh Dovetail Jig | |
4. CMT 300 Dovetail Jig   | 12 Inch | Universal Jig | |
5. Rockler Complete Dovetail Jig   | - | - |
Table Of Contents
5 Best Dovetail Jig For Router Table And Table Saw
1. Leigh D4R Pro Dovetail Jig - The Best
With the Leigh D4R Pro, you are spoilt for choice as it is capable of materials that range from 1/8-inches thick up 10 1 1/4 -inches.
Make any potential joint pattern
Extremely versatile to make any joint pattern with the latitude offered by the adjustable guide fingers.
Cuts through half-blinds and dovetails
You can do both plus the recess on the top side stops when you do rabbeted boards.
Quick and high precision applications
Your work will glide through fast and effortlessly with hair-fine precision including large drawers.
2. Porter Cable 4216 Dovetail Jig - Most affordable
It is one of the most versatile dovetail jigs capable of creating multiple dovetail joints.
Generous template pack
The variety of templates allows you to create miniature throughs, box joints as well as rabbeted half-blind dovetails.
Excellent stability
The locking bars come with robust clamps while the base is a single piece of durable steel for increased stability.
No need for measuring up
It comes with a nifty onboard gauge that allows you to easily set bit depth.
Further Read: Jigs & Router
3. Leigh Super 12 in Dovetail Jig - The Inexpensive Leigh
The Leigh Super 12 is very easy to adjust while delivering precise results while very versatile.
Fuss-free half-blind dovetail joints
Regardless of how wide a board, you will be able to create templates for several joints with the included one-piece fingers.
Wide scope dovetail
Your scope is widened through the finger assembly which enables you to make 5/16 inch as well as 5/8-inch joints plus almost infinite joints. Dovetails of up to 12 inches wide is possible.
Guaranteed of tightly secured work
Work is not sliding or moving about through its strong aluminum cam action and clamp bars.
4. CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig
The CMT300 universal is made to last with steel construction throughout including the clamping bats, stops, templates, and its body with no plastic parts.
Capable of producing multiple joint types
It accepts wood ranging from 7/16-inches to an inch in thickness with multiple joints via the included templates
More available templates
Included is a ½ inch half bling joints template but it does have additional templates that you can buy separately for more joint types like box joints and through dovetail.
5. Rockler 22818 Dovetail Jig
The Rockler 22818 provides you with perfect half-blind and through dovetails, easy and fast.
Improved preset template guide
The preset template guide is new and gives you a fast initial setup with the stock capability of ½ inch and up to ¾ inch
Variable use for half-bling and full through dovetails
Full through dovetail thickness cutting range from 3/8 inch and up to ¾ inches while half-bling dovetail joint thickness range from ½ inch to 1 -1/8 inches thicknesses.
Better bits than most dovetail jigs
Compared to typical ¼ inch bits, the bits of the Rockler 22818 are 25% larger at 8 mm which effectively reduces chatter. These also fit any Rockler dovetail jigs currently available.
Buying Guide: Things You Should Know Before Getting A Dovetail Jig For Router Table
1. Capacity
You want the best dovetail jig that can handle the different types and sizes of materials you are likely to use.
It is important to look at the inch capacity as the majority is in the 12-inches range.
When you know you work with larger pieces, you will have to choose a substantial model.
2. Portability and weight
It will be your own choice as both steel and aluminum come with its pros and cons.
Aluminum is a commonly used dovetail jig material for both its durability and portability.
They also clamp easily to a workbench. Steel on the other hand is heavier, but the resilience factor increases significantly. You will have to focus on personal needs.
3. Types of joints
Some dovetail jigs give you plenty of scopes, while others are limited to a specific joint type.
You need to look at your potential needs to include full dovetail joints, half-blind joints, miniature joints, or sliding joints.
4. Accuracy
A dovetail jig must deliver precision and to know that you have to consider various elements.
Factors that come to play include the finger design, clamps quality as well as the overall design.
Sturdy clamps make sure your stock cannot move to make an accurate cut while adjustable fingers give you excellent fine-tuning.
Accuracy is one of the most important details when you make a dovetail joint, with the suggestion to look at brands known for precision.