We all get frustrated at times with quality of products, service and how many tools have been sent off shore for manufacturing. I cuss out the Borgs, and other companies daily. Today, instead of complaining, I thought I would offer up an experience I had this morning with Leigh Jigs.
I bought a D4R in 2005 because I was making some cedar chests that were 24" tall, a few of them, for my daughters. I simply wasn't inclined to cut 8 feet of dovetails by hand, times the number I was building. The jig worked great and I got them all made. I have used the jig off and on over the past 12 years, mostly for making drawers. I had a frustration now and then, one about five years ago when the fingers wouldn't stay in place. I called Leigh and they shipped me a full set of new fingers with the required parts, at no charge. Simply told me it was under warranty. I said 'Thank you' and thought what a great company.
This past Saturday I am again making a bunch of drawers so pulled out the jig. About 10 minutes into setting up and testing, the left side knob that tightens the life / hold for the finger bar froze up. I had just loosened it to raise the bar, but when I tried to tighten it back up, it simply would not turn. I moved it a bit eventually using a set of adjustable grips, but then it froze up completely and would not turn at all.
I took a couple of photos and sent them to Leigh on Saturday, then called them this morning. Two things that amazed me.
1) The gal that answered the phone didn't transfer me to anyone. She asked which product, and what the issue was, and for the serial number. I told her all the info and she then said "Oh, I was just looking at your email, but hadn't had a chance to call you." She clarified a couple of things, then told me that she would send me both the left and right side bars, the end pieces of the jig itself since the frozen one was locked in place so could not be used, two new style knobs, etc. Everything I would need to get back up and running. And this was the person who answered the phone call!
2) I fully expected to pay for the parts as it has been 12 years since I bought the jig. She told me no charge, not even for shipping. I should have the replacement parts in about a week. Again no charge to me at all! She told me the items were being provided under warranty. I got curious and read through the manual and no where does it even mention warranty.
What a great company. I have no idea what the warranty is, but after 12 years, I don't care. Leigh stands behind their products without question. I don't know what all they make, but I am planning on looking for something to buy just because they are such a great company.
If anyone ever wonders which dovetail jig to buy, and there are many out there, there is only one answer - the Leigh jig.
Note - I don't work for Leigh, don't sell their products, have no association with them at all. I just wanted to pass on my experience with them.
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Originally Posted by Mark Blatter
