Akeda 24" Dovetail Jig

[Ray Scheller]

I just saw an advertisment for the Akeda 24" dovetail jig. Is this their answer to the criticisim their jig took for years that it wasn't as big as the Leigh jig? Does anyone have one of these new Akeda's yet? I saw their 16" jig used several years ago and was impressed by its stoutness and its versatility to layout variable dovetails. The only drawback I heard at the time was that it wasn't wide enough to handle the longer joints such as those used in blanket chests. I'm in the market for a dovetail jig and I would be interested in the comments from this distinguisehd panel on how the Akeda jigs match up with the Leigh jigs. Have any of the woodworker's mags done a comparison of the new Akeda jig with other compariable jigs from other manufacturers.

[Jim Becker]

I've seen the ad or an article, but nothing live, to date. I seem to remember there was wording relative to carcass construction. I suspect the Leigh will still have the "total flexibility" advantage over the Akeda if they built it the same as the smaller one (fixed, although small, increments of adjustment) but I bet it will be a winner with owners. Akeda has a good reputation.

[Tim Dorcas]

I have the 16" version and really like it. It's very simple to use and I can crank out drawers very quickly. I imagine the 24" version is more of the same.

[Steven Bolton]

Is tear out much of a problem?

SB

[Tim Dorcas]

Tear out happens but you can minimize it by the way you route the wood and by using backer boards where available.