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WillyInBris
25th June 2007, 08:15 PM
OK ladies and gents I am still pondering what Jig I going to get, was going to get the Gifkins due to the pricing of the Leigh but have just seen that Mik's pricing has dropped on the 1600 to the $400 mark :2tsup: .

So doing some more research I go to the Leigh site and see the new Super Jig series, so did a search on google and came up with the following article.

Does anyone have anymore info on deliver to Australia, was going to fire an email off to Mik but thought I might ask you peoples first.

The Leigh at $407 looks a better price for me now and has thrown me it a tax return spending mind spin, do I wait for the 18'' super Jig or do I go for the 1600, it looks like Mik are trying to clear the shelves anyone of the same opinion?.:?

My head bloody Hurts should I wait or should I go :?

Blog Article: Popular woodworking

Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Leigh Dovetail Jigs: New Design, Affordable Priced

Leigh Industries, maker of the Leigh jig, was the reason I found myself going to Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, which is just east of Vancouver in Canada. Leigh invited a number of woodworking magazine editors to a 2008 product launch.

No matter how often hand-cut dovetails are discussed, most woodworkers won’t attempt or accomplish this technique. They want a jig to do the job. And, many feel the purchase price of dovetail jigs is a bit limiting. That’s what the product launch was about. Leigh is set to introduce three new versions of their dovetailing jig in July 2007 – all at competitive prices that are well below the current models.

The Leigh Super 12 (12" cutting length with a MSRP of $199) allows you to produce through dovetails and half-blind dovetails, both variably spaced, as well as sliding dovetails. In addition, box joints in two sizes (5/16" and 5/8") can be made. And for the first time with a Leigh jig, you can make half-blind dovetails in a single pass by using a simple spacing attachment and a nylon rod that fishes through the fingers to adjust the depth-of-cut. Both are supplied with any jig.

The Leigh Super 18 (18" cutting length with a MSRP of $259) has the same features as the 12" model. However, with this jig you can purchase the finger joint template ($149) to create finger joints (with 1/8" through 5/8" fingers) and create the most popular of the Leigh's Isoloc joints by purchasing the necessary template ($159). This will be the only 18" dovetail jig on the market, as of posting time.

With the Leigh Super 24 (24" cutting length with a MSRP of $329) you get the standard dovetail jig package set for 24" board widths. That's a savings of $200 in comparison to the Leigh 24" D4R, the company’s flagship dovetailing jig. And you can create the finger joints (Templates are priced at $169) and all the Leigh Isoloc joints (Templates are priced at $199) with optional purchases.

If you’ve used Leigh jigs before, you know that tweaking the pins and tails is sometimes required to achieve the best fit. With early models, woodworkers had to adjust the bit height to tighten or loosen the fit of the joint. In recent history, Leigh developed a bushing that had a 5º slope on its sides. The adjustment, made in .001" increments, was achieved by turning the bushing to either increase or decrease the depth of the bushing as it rode along the jig. This bushing continues to be used for all Isoloc joints.

However, the new jigs have a new method for adjusting the fit of the finger joints and the half-blind dovetails. Again it has to do with the bushing, but this time the patented bushing is – wait for it – oval in design. As far as I know this is new to woodworking. Turning the bushing (called the E-Bush with .001" increments) adjusts the cut – or simply rotate your router-holding position once you’re comfortable with the process.

Additionally, Leigh is introducing the VRS (Vacuum and Router Support), which you’ve probably seen in recent advertising. This attachment, backward compatible with the company’s earlier jigs, is a welcome addition for jig users. Router dust collection is significantly increased while the ability to leave the router positioned on the jig saves you time and wear on your router. The MSRP for the VRS is $65 - $76, depending on the length needed.

By the way, the street price on these new jigs is expected to be, on average, some $20 less per item.

Look for more in-depth information in Popular Woodworking magazine about these jigs when the units are available for review. I’ll point out differences between the old and new jigs, and discuss a few patented accessories Leigh is including with the Super jigs.

mcarthur
26th June 2007, 11:53 AM
From Taunton (http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=29096):

"One limitation to the Super Jig is that it can only cut dovetails with a single-width pin, unlike the higher-end model, which has variable-width capabilities. However, by manually adjusting the pins, you can space the dovetails any way you like."

So if you like the idea/aesthetic of different width pins, don't go the super route. That seems like the only major functional difference, but we won't really know until someone has both in their hands. I got the 1600 (at more than $406 dammit) and have been happy. I think I saw the dust attachment for the 1600 at CT Sydney - lots of dough for a piece of molded plastic :((.

Rob

mat
26th June 2007, 03:56 PM
The new VRS is markedly different from the old dust collector which attached to the router. The VRS attaches to the machine proper and provides not only superior shaving extraction but more importantly provides a stable base for the router so you don't have to balance half the router on the jig.

WillyInBris
27th June 2007, 07:34 AM
From Taunton (http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=29096):

"One limitation to the Super Jig is that it can only cut dovetails with a single-width pin, unlike the higher-end model, which has variable-width capabilities. However, by manually adjusting the pins, you can space the dovetails any way you like."

So if you like the idea/aesthetic of different width pins, don't go the super route. That seems like the only major functional difference, but we won't really know until someone has both in their hands. I got the 1600 (at more than $406 dammit) and have been happy. I think I saw the dust attachment for the 1600 at CT Sydney - lots of dough for a piece of molded plastic :((.

Rob


OK little bit lost on the jig comparison it says TD and HB variable pin sizing isn't available on the 1600 as well, is this what your talking about? or maybe they have recently just changed it?

Link (http://www.leighjigs.com/download/Comparison%20Chart-1.pdf) of jig Comparisons

Prices for the new super Jigs

Super 18 $362-30
Super 24 $453-25
Both prices include gst!

New Vac Attachment
VRS to suit Super 18 $100-75
VRS to suit Super 24 $108-60

Should be available late next month.

willy

Carry Pine
28th June 2007, 09:17 PM
Prices for the new super Jigs

Super 18 $362-30
Super 24 $453-25
Both prices include gst!


Should be available late next month.

willy[/quote]

I think they are US prices. Hope so unless everyone was ripped off at the Sydney WWW show!

CP

WillyInBris
30th June 2007, 06:39 AM
These are Aus prices quoted to me, I don't think anyone would have got ripped off as the 1600 and the D4 are of a higher quality then the new Super Jigs, if you do a bit of research you would have seen that.

I may go the D4 way still as I like some of the features it has and the price drop makes it an attractive deal.

ian
30th June 2007, 10:33 AM
Willy
what do you want to make with your jig?
Dovetailed drawer and case sides ?
or boxes?

WillyInBris
30th June 2007, 11:56 AM
To Start with it would be boxes then larger items, I would rather have the length up my sleeve for later down the track :2tsup:.

ian
1st July 2007, 12:47 AM
having studied the videos for both the Gifkins and Leigh jigs, if you want to make boxes, I've got to recommend the Gifkins.
Dad has a 24" Leigh and it's great for larger work, but it just takes too long to set up especially for small stuff (as you have to cut a trial joint every time) so I bought him a Gifkins at the Sydney wood show.


ian

munruben
30th July 2007, 06:46 PM
Prices for the new super Jigs

Super 18 $362-30
Super 24 $453-25
Both prices include gst!


Should be available late next month.

willy

I think they are US prices. Hope so unless everyone was ripped off at the Sydney WWW show!

CP[/quote]
MIK International have the Leigh jigs listed at the following prices. Aus dollar.

Super "12" $271.35.
Super "18" $362.36
Super "24" $453.25.

They have these listed on their webpage so I assume they are now available in Australia. http://www.mik.com.au/

munruben
30th July 2007, 06:56 PM
Just for the record for those of you who may not know. The super "24" is not the D4 Leigh dovetail jig that we are all familiar with. The D4 sells for $AUD 651.30.
The 1600M sells for $407.45.
These prices are quoted on the MIK website.

Carry Pine
31st July 2007, 03:39 PM
I hope you guys who ordered a Leigh jig at the Sydney WWW Show from MIK let me know when your one arrives. Still waiting!


Carry Pine

lesmeyer
8th August 2007, 05:58 PM
I hope you guys who ordered a Leigh jig at the Sydney WWW Show from MIK let me know when your one arrives. Still waiting!


Carry Pine
If you do not wish to wait (and no deposit paid) - Carba-Tec WA have the D1600M and the D4R in stock.
Regards
Les

Carry Pine
14th August 2007, 03:35 PM
I hope you guys who ordered a Leigh jig at the Sydney WWW Show from MIK let me know when your one arrives. Still waiting!


Carry Pine

Still waiting, Lesson learned. 14.8.07.

CP