Top 13 Best Dovetail Jigs 2021: Reviews and Buying Guides

Your house is almost perfect, but you are passionate about woodworking and want to make a lot of cool things to decorate your room with your own hands. Also, you randomly want to show off your design skills or build your own wooden cabinets according to your own preferences. However, you are confused about how to create the perfect box joints? Which dovetail tools should you choose? Which products are the best dovetail jigs for you?

These questions always come up before you decide to do any woodworking project. These questions make you hesitate a lot and make you spend a lot of time and effort to find the jointing jigs that are best for you.

However, rest assured, we will take care of your concerns. Carefully read the following best dovetail jig reviews to find the best to help you create your own unique masterpiece.

Our Top Pick

Top 13 Best Dovetail Jigs Reviews 2021

1.Leigh D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig

‎Leigh Industries is a well-known company for creating the dovetail jigs that are chosen by many woodworkers. Despite not having a long history, Leigh is always the go-to name when you want to create box joints because their variable dovetail jigs are of good quality. Specifically, the Leigh D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig has long been appreciated by everyone.

At first glance, the D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig is no different from normal machined aluminum templates when made from non-abrasive materials. However, its special point implies flexibility when you can freely adjust movable guide fingers as you want and in the most reasonable positions.

In addition, you also don’t need to worry about the dovetail joints don’t fitting together anymore because this jig will ensure you the most accurate cut tails thanks to the set of depth gauges at both ends of the bar. You can freely adjust to choose the tail mode and pin mode that best suits you to create perfect finger joints.

The above two features are the answer to the question of why Leigh D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig is a bit more expensive than other jigs but is still chosen by many people so far. This best dovetail jig also comes with three carbide router bits that make your woodworking projects even easier to complete.

Moreover, the Leigh D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig allows you to work with wood materials with a maximum thickness of up to 1 ¼ inch and a maximum width of 24 inches.

Besides, it also has adjustable cam action clamps to clamp your workpiece securely.

2.Leigh Super 18″ Dovetail Jig

Another name from ‎Leigh Industries, Leigh Super 18″ Dovetail Jig deserves to be considered as one of the best dovetail jigs.

We can notice the biggest difference of this Leigh Super 18″ Dovetail Jig compared to the Leigh D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig is right in the name. It only allows boards with a maximum width of 18 inches.

However, this is also a great choice for you because its price is a bit more affordable than the product above. Also, it has all the strengths that Leigh jigs should have.

First of all, it allows you to flexibly adjust movable guide fingers until you are most satisfied. Also, a set of depth gauges at either end of the bar allow you to create pins and tails with the highest precision and matching.

At first glance, the above two characteristics are nothing special, but they are the biggest plus that makes woodworkers want to own Leigh jigs the most.

Furthermore, you can also easily secure the workpiece securely with the included cam action clamps and aluminum clamp bars. The structure of this whole dovetail jig is very solid so don’t worry it will make it difficult for you to create the perfect dovetail joints.

Last but not least, it also comes with 3 router bits that let you comfortably create the most beautiful and convenient wooden boxes.

This is such a perfect product in every detail, so don’t hesitate and get your hands on it!

3.Leigh RTJ400 Router Table Joinery Jig

This is another product from the manufacturer ‎Leigh Industries. It seems that when it comes to the best dovetail jigs, this company always prevails because they only specialize in producing dovetail jigs. Although Leigh jigs are famous for having products with a bit high prices, this Leigh RTJ400 Router Table Joinery Jig is in the mid-range price of the company so you can consider choosing it.

Unlike the two brothers above, this product is one of the fixed dovetail jigs, so its advantage is that it is very easy to use. You don’t need to be too tired to adjust the pins and tails modes to the most accurate to create the perfect dovetail joints.

However, this product still has great versatility as it can produce a wide range of through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints. Especially with this dovetail joint template’s super-close teeth system, you can also create perfect miniature dovetails.

Also, the guide bushings are the most special feature of this jig that makes every work you create is guaranteed to be absolutely accurate.

Solid construction comes with a clamps system to help ensure your working process becomes smoother and without any accidents. Besides, this Leigh RTJ400 Router Table Joinery Jig accepts boards with a maximum width of up to 16 inches, so it is suitable for a variety of cabinet drawers.

4.Leigh Super 12 inch Dovetail Jig

Leigh once again has a high-quality candidate on the list of top best dovetail jigs. The Leigh Super 12 inch Dovetail Jig seems to meet all the requirements of the most demanding woodworkers.

Just like its brothers, the Leigh Super 12 inch Dovetail Jig has an aluminum template that includes lots of adjustable one-piece fingers. Also, it is equipped with a set of depth gauges at both ends of the bar. The Leigh Super 12 inch Dovetail Jig allows you to easily create finger joints and cuts with the most reasonable depth.

However, the difference of this device compared to the brothers above is that it only accepts boards with the largest width up to 12 inches. This number may not seem large compared to the products above, but it still allows you to do some woodworking projects.

Last but not least, this jig also comes with a full clamping system. The wood workpiece will be securely held so that you can create the result with the safest process.

5.Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig with Mini Template Kit (4216) 

Porter-Cable is a reputable brand in the production of mechanical tools. The porter cable Dovetail Jig with Mini Template Kit has been praised by many as both high quality and affordable. Although not specialized in the production of jointing jigs, Porter-Cable has been very successful in getting a lot of people to buy and appreciate this porter cable Dovetail Jig with Mini Template Kit.

The porter cable Dovetail Jig with Mini Template Kit is equipped with three templates, four router bits, and four template guides so you can create joints in a variety of shapes and sizes. Besides, you can create miniature dovetails because of the templates it comes equipped with for you.

Furthermore, it can accommodate the largest widths of up to 12 inches and ranges in thickness from ¼ to 1 ⅛ inch.

It is also equipped with a system of cam-type clamps with sandpaper backed locking bars to ensure your work is as safe and easy as possible. Also, template alignment lines and depth gauge help you create the most accurate, even, and beautiful sliding dovetails.

Last but not least, Porter-Cable always leaves a mark in the hearts of customers with the most perfect quality and the Porter Cable Dovetail Jig with Mini Template Kit is no exception. It has extremely sturdy construction with a steel base and machined aluminum template, so it is without a doubt the most purchased joinery jig product.

6.WoodRiver 12-1/2-Inch Dovetail Jig with Half-Blind Template

WoodRiver is a well-known brand that is no stranger to most woodworkers as it consistently produces fairly good quality woodworking tools. WoodRiver 12-1/2-Inch Dovetail Jig is a standout product of this company because its price is not too high, but the quality and performance it brings are excellent.

As the name implies, the WoodRiver 12-1/2-Inch Dovetail Jig can withstand the largest widths of materials up to 12 ½ inches. Also, the thickness that this tool can withstand ranges from ½ to 1 inch. In terms of thickness, it does not seem to be very appreciated because this fluctuation index is not large, and you cannot use it for many different thicknesses of wood.

The biggest advantage of this product is that its structure is extremely solid, and the appearance is a combination of red and black that is extremely strong and beautiful. It also comes with a non-abrasive half-blind dovetail template so you can create box joints smoothly and precisely.

However, it has the biggest downside that it doesn’t give you the flexibility to create different types of curved dovetails as it only comes with a half-blind dovetail template and a bit router. But beginner woodworkers are very suitable for this jig because its advantage is that it is very easy to use and creates superior cutting accuracy because you do not need to align and calculate too much.

7.O’skool Complete Professional 12inch Dovetail Jig

O’skool is not a well-known company in the creation of woodworking tools, but the O’skool Complete Professional 12inch Dovetail Jig product is quite appreciated by us in terms of quality and efficiency. If you don’t want to spend too much money but still want a full joinery jig, you can consider this product.

The jig has extremely sturdy construction with a base made from heavy gauge steel. Also, it comes with an equally sturdy clamping system that makes your job done easier, more convenient, and safer. These templates are completely easy to use for people who don’t know anything about dovetail joints, and it also has long durability.

Furthermore, this product is suitable for materials with thicknesses ranging from ¼ to 1 ⅛ inch so you can use it for a variety of jobs. Besides, the maximum width of material that this jig can accept is 12 inches, which is a number that is also quite suitable for many different projects. Both the width and the thickness of the wood material that this product allows are ideal numbers that you can use for many woodworking projects.

Last but not least, if you don’t know how to use it, the manufacturer provides video tutorials on YouTube to make your use even easier. A product that is both affordable and easy to use like this is worth buying and trying once.

8.Keller Dovetail System 135-1500 Journeyman DoveTail Jig

The Keller Dovetail System 135-1500 Journeyman DoveTail Jig is a product worth experiencing because of the excellent performance it offers but the price is too affordable.

First of all, the Keller Dovetail Journeyman DoveTail Jig System 135-1500 includes a 15-inch template that allows you to create tails and pins of the most suitable shape and size. However, to be able to use this template, you need a wooden backing block. This woodblock will not be sold with the product, but you can make it yourself with the most suitable parameters of 2.25 x 3.5 x 18 inches.

In addition, the Keller Dovetail System 135-1500 Journeyman DoveTail Jig also comes with a set of screws to fix the template to the woodblock and 2 router bits so you can easily create cuts of the desired shape and size. want.

This Keller Dovetail System 135-1500 Journeyman DoveTail Jig is very easy to install and use, so it is bought and appreciated by many newbies of woodworking. It is also only suitable for wood materials with a thickness of 3/8 to 3/4 inches, so you need to consider it before deciding to buy it.

9.Leigh Through Dovetail Jig – Model TD330

If you are looking for a dovetail jig to create through dovetail joints for many of your projects, the Leigh Through Dovetail Jig – Model TD330 is probably the most suitable choice.

Leigh Through Dovetail Jig – Model TD330 is suitable for wood materials up to 12 ⅞ inch wide and 13/16 inch maximum thickness.

The template is also quite special as it is made from tough 30% glass-filled nylon, which also offers quite a bit of durability.

Although you can’t freely adjust your fingers to the position you want with this tool, it has the advantage of being very easy to use and providing uniformity. In addition, it also equips you with a ½ inch 8-degree dovetail bit and a ½ inch straight bit. These bit depths make your projects even more workable.

Last but not least, it also comes with an e10 guide bushing. The included guide bushing will fit a counterbore insert ring with a diameter of 1 ⅜ inch so you need to check your machine carefully before buying.

10.LEIGH Box Joint & Beehive Router Jig, Model B975

We’ve mentioned Leigh Industries many times so far, therefore, you know how reputable Leigh is in creating dovetail tools. The 10th product in the best dovetail jig reviews is also the last Leigh product that we would like to introduce to you, which is the LEIGH Box Joint & Beehive Router Jig, Model B975.

This is a very versatile product, you can create different types of dovetail joints with it.

LEIGH Box Joint & Beehive Router Jig, This Model B975 allows you to work with wood materials from 1/8 to 13/16 inch thick. Also, the maximum width of the wooden board when you use this dovetail jig for router tables is 9 3/4 inches. This width is not a large number compared to other dovetail tools but enough for you to do many types of projects.

Just like the brother above, this template is made from tough 30% glass-filled nylon. This material is considered to be durable for a long time and is also quite special with other products made of only steel and aluminum. This is probably also the highlight and strength of Leigh when its products are always made from special materials and offer high durability.

If you want to find a new dovetail jig that gives you good quality, high efficiency, and guaranteed affordable price then you can’t ignore this product!

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11.Rockler Router Table Box Joint Jig

Rockler is a famous brand in the production of woodworking tools and the Rockler complete dovetail jig is known to any woodworker. However, in this article, we do not mention the Rockler complete dovetail jig, we would like to introduce to you a product that is also of high quality, especially easier to use and more affordable, which is the Rockler Router Table Box Joint Jig.

Rockler Router Table Box Joint Jig allows you to create box joints for all your projects from big to small on the router table more easily. It is equipped with aluminum indexing keys so you can create 1/2 or 3/4 inch joint fingers.

The special feature of this product is that it does not limit the width of the wood workpiece, you can comfortably do large and small woodworking projects. Also, you do not need to clamp the wood workpiece to the bar, which is still easy to manipulate.

This sturdy yet smooth-running steel sled will be the stand for your wood to always be cut precisely.

This is one of the most advanced jointing jigs from the Rockler family. Also, its price is also extremely affordable. Hurry up to own one!

12.General Tools 861 Portable Aluminum Dovetail Jig

At the twelfth place of the list of top best dovetail jigs is a cheap product but also delivers extremely impressive results, the General Tools 861 Portable Aluminum Dovetail Jig is no stranger to some people.

General Tools 861 Portable Aluminum Dovetail Jig has a pretty design with sturdy construction. It is made from one-piece aluminum, so it is durable for long time use.

Also, it can be equipped with a clamping system that allows your wood workpiece to be firmly stabilized before work begins. However, any wood boards of different widths can be used with it as it is not limited to the ends.

It comes with a ½ inch 14-degree router bit so you can easily use it with a handheld router or router table. However, the comb teeth are slightly spaced, so you need to pay close attention before using them.

13.WoodRiver Fixed Through Dovetail Template

 

The final product on the list of top best dovetail jigs is the WoodRiver Fixed Through Dovetail Template. Although the WoodRiver Fixed Through Dovetail Template is not a complete dovetail jig, we still include it in the list because we want to present you with the best quality dovetail tools.

This template will come with the WoodRiver 12-1/2-Inch Dovetail Jig we mentioned above to enrich your cut tails in shape and size. Or in the unfortunate event that you lose the half-blind template that comes with it, you can consider this product.

This WoodRiver Fixed Through Dovetail Template is 12 1/2 inches long. The space between the comb teeth allows you to create very even and beautiful fingers. To make this template easy to use, the kit also comes with a guide bushing with a lock nut.

Besides, the product also comes with 2 bits including 1/inch” x 8-degree router bit with 1/4 inch shank and 1/2 inch straight router bit with 1/4 inch shank. You are very much at creating the smoothest cuts.

All parts in this kit are made from strong, durable steel material and ensure your template will not bend or break during use.

What are you waiting for, buy this quality product now!

Things To Keep In Mind To Choose The Best Dovetail Jigs

Before jumping to conclusions, let’s consider the important criteria when choosing the right dovetail jig!

Types Of Dovetail Joint Templates

Usually, dovetail jig has two types of templates as follows:

Fixed Dovetail Jig Template

Fixed templates (fixed dovetail jigs) are simply understood as dovetail templates whose comb teeth are fixed in advance because it is made from one-piece aluminum material. That means you cannot change the position of the comb teeth and you will create pins and tails of the same shape and size.

Usually, this type of template has the advantage of being very easy to use because you don’t have to face any difficulty to align the comb teeth and calculate the distance between them.

Variable Dovetail Jig Template

A variable template (variable dovetail jigs) is the opposite of a fixed template, its comb teeth can be freely moved. You will flexibly adjust the position of the comb teeth to your liking, fix these teeth with the included screw system and loosen the screw if you want to move it to other positions.

The advantage of variable dovetails is that you can create dovetails and box joints with different positions and shapes.

However, they have the disadvantage that you have to pre-design, align and measure carefully so that the pins and tails can fit together.

Size

When buying any woodworking tool you need to check its size to make sure you can use it yourself for your woodworking jobs. Usually, people look at the maximum width and size variation in board thickness that the product allows.

In particular, people often choose jointing jigs that accept wooden boards as wide as possible. Although you may not need to make wooden boards that wide right now, in the future you may regret not choosing dovetail jigs that allow for larger wooden boards.

Besides, you also need to choose products that allow wooden boards to have as large a thickness as possible. If possible, you should choose products that allow large wood thicknesses up to 1 ½ inches. Because like I said above, you might say you don’t need it now, but you might need it in the future.

You also need to pay attention to dimensions such as the distance between the teeth and the bit depth to see if there are any errors in these dimensions.

Materials and Durability

After you have checked the size of the dovetail jigs you want to buy, proceed to consider the type of material from which it is made. Different materials offer different finishes and usability.

Usually, these materials must have non-abrasive features because during use you cannot avoid the collision between router bits and templates. That’s why you often see joinery jigs made from certain materials.

Steel and aluminum are probably the two materials that you most often see in the construction of dovetail templates. These are two materials that are considered to be very sturdy, but still quite light in weight, making your woodwork easier. Also, these are also two affordable materials that are preferred by many manufacturers for their products.

Another material that is little known but used by Leigh is glass-reinforced nylon. This is also one of their secrets when producing dovetail jig templates when creating templates made from special materials. And more especially, this material is not abrasive and is guaranteed to be as light in weight as the metals above.

The above materials will determine the durability of the product. When buying any product, no one wants to use it only once or twice and then throw it away. Especially for dovetail jigs, you need them to be durable because you can also use them for a variety of woodworking projects.

Certainty

When we talk about sturdiness here, we mean both the structural strength of the joinery jigs and its ability to hold the board firmly. You should look to buy a product that has a solid structure and can hold the wooden board well for you during work. The firmly held wooden board will help you make smooth cuts, ensuring uniformity and precision in each cut.

Often the sturdiness is greatly determined by the clamping system. The system of clamps will help clamp your wooden board and prevent it from moving during the furniture-making process.

Reputable Brand And Return Policy

When you buy a product, it is inevitable that you will feel dissatisfied with the product and want to return it. Therefore, you need to carefully study the return policy of that brand before buying. Especially if you buy online, the return policy is even more important to you because you never get to try the goods first.

Usually, we believe that reputable brands usually have a good return policy. Also, we recommend you buy dovetail jigs from some reputable manufacturers such as porter cable dovetail jigs, dovetail jig harbor freight, Leigh jigs, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQlPI18Qds8

Conclusion

Making your own wooden cabinets, wooden boxes, or wooden tables at home and enjoying the results you make is a very interesting experience. We believe that with the top 13 best dovetail jig reviews and information on how to choose the best dovetail jigs, you will soon find yourself a new dovetail jig that suits you best!

Also, here are 5 products that we consider the best in the top 13 best dovetail jigs 2021.

Best dovetail jig for all features: Leigh D4R Pro 24″ Dovetail Jig https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JZE1X0/

Best dovetail jig for accuracy: Leigh Super 18″ Dovetail Jig https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B0XM30/

Best dovetail jig for cleverly working: Leigh RTJ400 Router Table Joinery Jig https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010FLL08E/

Best dovetail jig for flexibility: Leigh Super 12 in Dovetail Jig https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M08SK7L/

Best dovetail jig for an affordable price: Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig with Mini Template Kit (4216)  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGL59M/

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