Thread: Leigh dovetail jig Super 12 - need tips!

Rocky,

Best tip I received on the Leigh was to set up two routers: one with the dovetail bit and one with the straight bit. Lets you switch back and forth easily, and if (when) I make a mistake, I don't have to reset the depth.

Tex

You can see some of the Leigh jigs in action HERE you might get some ideas from those.

Thanks, folks!

You're welcome. good luck and have fun with your new toy.

What router do you have, Rocky?

CP

Originally Posted by Carry Pine

What router do you have, Rocky?

CP

I have a Rockwell and a Craftsman; however, they both have only a 1/4 inch collet and the Leigh bits are 8 MM and require use of an adapter in a 1/2 inch collet. So, I bought an inexpensive, no name brand router on Ebay that has a 1/2 inch collet. I made a new bottom plate for it out of plexiglas so I could use the bushing assembly from Leigh. I haven't tried to use the jig yet.
Are you glad that you asked?

Guys, check your router manual or parts list. I was able to order an 8mm collet cone from makita for my 3620 for the huge sum of $7. This negates the need for collet adapters and it is as simple as swapping back to the old cone to use my 1/4 inch bits.

Originally Posted by Burnsy

Guys, check your router manual or parts list. I was able to order an 8mm collet cone from makita for my 3620 for the huge sum of $7. This negates the need for collet adapters and it is as simple as swapping back to the old cone to use my 1/4 inch bits.

I'm not sure I understand how the collet cone works. Are you saying that a router that only has a 1/4 inch collet can use a collet cone to increase to 8 MM?

Originally Posted by RockyRR

I'm not sure I understand how the collet cone works. Are you saying that a router that only has a 1/4 inch collet can use a collet cone to increase to 8 MM?

With some routers and models yes. Makita for instance make a 1/4 inch 3/8 inch, 6mm and 8mm cone for the 3620. In the manual it shows these parts, I think that in Australia they are generally shipped with a 1/4 and 3/8 inch cone whereas in Europe they ship with a 6mm and 8mm cone. The cone is the piece inside the router shaft that grabs the shaft of the router bit.

Originally Posted by Burnsy

With some routers and models yes. Makita for instance make a 1/4 inch 3/8 inch, 6mm and 8mm cone for the 3620. In the manual it shows these parts, I think that in Australia they are generally shipped with a 1/4 and 3/8 inch cone whereas in Europe they ship with a 6mm and 8mm cone. The cone is the piece inside the router shaft that grabs the shaft of the router bit.

Interesting! I didn't think you could have a cone that could fit into a 1/4 inch collet and ramp up the size to 8MM or 3/8.