Thread: Vic Ash & Blackwood

Originally Posted by aldav

Have to throw my 2 cents worth in here. From what I can see the Gifkins is good if you want everything done for you, the price you pay for that ease of use is a lack of versatility. You're limited to through dovetails at the spacing prescribed by the templates. The Gifkins simply can't match what can be done with a Leigh or the Incra fence system, and for what it is it's pretty exxy. There are similar template based products from Asia for much less money than the Gifkins, and don't forget the similar template based product that Leigh makes.

Thanks Aldav, are you referring to the LEIGH RTJ400?

Originally Posted by botesmj1

Thanks Aldav, are you referring to the LEIGH RTJ400?

Yes, that's the template based router table jig I was thinking of.

From what I've seen, any jig gives you the ability to cut reasonably tidy dovetails in exchange for the losing versatility and ability to cut them in any size and shape you wish. I'd urge anyone who plans to use dovetails to learn to hand cut them. You won't get them right the first time, but it won't be long before it's quicker for you to cut them by hand than to set up a jig.
There is plenty of information on how to cut them around. You could do worse than look at Derek Cohen's posts on these forums.

You just have to decide whether you want to cut pins or tails first.

A class act Dallas

Top job

Regards

Keith