Gifkins or Incra iBox

I am looking at getting into a jig for my router table to do dovetail/finger joints and the choice comes down to an Incra iBox (finger joints only) or a Gifkins Jig. I have researched on the internet but would like some comment from anyone who has used either one or preferably both of these jigs. Both seem to have their strengths and weaknesses.

Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike,

i have both of these jigs. I get more use out of the Gifkins jig, because I prefer dovetails on my boxes. Both are easy to use once you've set them up. Happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

cheers,

ajw

I bought the gifkins 'the lot'. Package and think it's a great package. Very easy to setup and use for consistent results. I use it with my triton router table setup

Is there anything specific you wish to know?

Can you do hidden dovetails (I think that is the correct terminology) with the Gifkins Jig?

Cheers

Technically no. Not proper half blind dovetails. I have another dovetail jig made by Sherwood thst i use my hand he'd router on to make half blind.

Gifkins version of making a half blind is to cut a thin verneer off the board you intend having as the half blind ( say the front of a draw) then cut a regular set of through dovetails then glue and clamp the veneer back on. Giving the appearance of a half blind

Thanks for that.
I think I will go for the Gifkins Starter Pack (http://www.gifkins.com.au/) to get me going. Is there anything else that you recommend to get for a start?

Cheers
Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikeJ

is there anything else that you recommend to get for a start?

Cheers
Mike

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Not to get started. You will have everything you need. Then you just add new cutters and templates as you want them :)

Can I suggest you mill up some timber to test your setup. The instructions are straightforward, but you need to take your time to get the calibration right. If your experience is the same as mine, you'll need to cut 3 or 4 joints until you get it right. You use paper shims to fine tune the setup.

Make sure you mark the outside faces of your pieces, it's critical to getting a good fit.



ajw

Completely agree. It will help if you make reference to how many papers shims are
Required per template. That helps instead of trying to remember each time :)

Thanks delbs and ajw. Starter kit for my birthday. Is the A10 jig the best to start with for "normal" size boxes?
Cheers
Mike

I think the A10 does timber up to 13 mm thick. This is ideal for jewellery boxes in my opinion. I've also got the smaller jig for thinner timber, but that's a recent purchase.

if you haven't already come across them, google SmartHinge to see these easy-to-use hinges. They're expensive, but work really well.

i look forward to seeing what you produce.

cheers

ajw