Thread: Cabinetmaking systems

Hi, may I suggest you use the search function at the top of the page where you may find your comparisons for the jigs you mentioned.

It appears thru your post that you're keen on cabinetmaking and would wish to use a jig to help you achieve this.

My understanding of the Incra is that it is primarily suited to small joints which may be limiting for you.

I have seen the Gifkin demonstrated at a woodworking show and am impressed with its function but not its price to achieve all that you want ...requiring various templates.

I haven't seen the Jointech ..so cannot comment.

There is the Leigh Jig at the top end of pricing as far as jigs go but with the appropriate templates if needed will also accomplish all that you wish.
The basic jig coming in at around $750 will do Thru.half blind, and sliding dovetails.
Extra templates will achieve other joints such as Mortise&Tenon,Box Joints, and a variety of Isoloc joints ..decorative in perspective and nature.

Cheers

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Johnno

But oh dear Johnno, have you seen the price of the isoloc, nearly as much as the jig. Think it's about $600.
Admittedly, Leigh is good though...

Padre, the Leigh Jig is the premium jig device on the market. No doubt about it that given careful set up and much patience in following incredibly detailed procedures you can do a lot with this product. Long as you have lotsamoola, patience and a fair modicum of intellegence - no worries, Mate!

But if you are looking to acheive excellent results with ease and a much more modest investment, then don't go past the Aussie designed and made Gifkin.

I've never used the Leigh, but I have watched my father spend hours setting it up, and often getting it wrong . I have used the Gifkin - got it right the first time and every time since.

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I use the Gifkins jig and must admit that it is very easy to use straight out of the box.
I added one shim to get nice tight joints.
Doesn,t matter what thickness of wood you use you will always get the same results without ever needing to re adjust.
As for price i believe they have a special on were you can buy the lot including all 4 templates and 4 cutters for $595.

I was also thinking of getting the Leigh jig, until i saw the price and the amount of setup time needed to get your joints right.

johna, thats a very good price for the Gifkin Jig with templates and well worth considering to anyone looking for a jig.

Iain,last year at Perth I priced the Isoloc templates for the Leigh jig thru MIK International at a woodworking show and was quoted something like about $470 each but got the three of them for $999 as a show special.Its a lot of moolah I know but having retirement looming in the not too distant future I considered the angst of not having the variety in my workshop.
As Er' indoors is wont to say its your enjoyment so enjoy.
Cheers

Just had a bit of a surf and came up with this url for Jointech which may interest those folk looking for Jig comparisons.
http://www.jointech.com/

Hope this enlightens.
cheers

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Johnno

What about the "Wood Rat"?? I believe this is the "greatest" thing since sliced bread from what I've read in english mags. They are now avalable in oz, no idea on price though.

If I'm totally off the mark please excuse me.

Griffo, I'm pretty sure there have been some previous posts about this jig and you may need to use the search function at the top of the page.
They are pricey I do recall and if you can get to one of the woodworking shows you would see it demonstrated.
I think Timbecon are selling them who are also on line and you can do do a search for them if you like.

Cheers

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Johnno

Thanks For all the info guys! John it was that Jointech website that confused me as i was considering a leigh until looking at that site. What was your opinion of the jointech system?

Hi, it appears as though it is similar to the Incra system but perhaps with a little further advancement in joint production.
At first glance at the site it appears to be a handy jig to have according to your needs and home set-up.
You are looking at investing some serious money so if there is an Australian agent or if you happen to be within the locality of a woodworking show then a demo would certainly be the go.

It can reputedly do the joints that the basic Leigh Jig can do but only a demonstration will show that to be correct.

AT its American price you are getting fairly close to the $Oz equivalent for the Leigh.

What I do like about the Leigh is that it is a jig that can be set up and in a dedicated location either for ergonomics or convenience whereby with the Incra or this Jointech jig you are forever changing options with your router table or flat surface arrangement.

I guess some serious thought perhaps in acquiring some downloaded material to make your comparisons and give you a more informed choice to suit your needs is mayge an option for you to consider.

Just some thoughts

howdy Padre
im new to this site and am wondering which jig you chose.
i purchased a leigh 6mths ago and havent looked back! i dont know why all these people are saying that it is hard to set up, i havent had any probs!!(maybe just lucky)
before this i had 1 of those $99 jobs that only do 1/2blind d/t soon got rid of that!!
i even made my own t/d/t jig based on Gifgins method.
hope to hear from you soon mik&maz.