The Best Dovetail Jigs for Woodworking
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For DIYers looking to increase their craftsmanship during woodworking projects, dovetail jigs could be the answer. These jigs allow users to create strong and accurate dovetail joints for boxes, drawers, and furniture without fasteners. In fact, some craftspeople consider a dovetail jig an essential tool for any woodworking shop.
The best dovetail jigs clamp workpieces in place, allowing users to run a router along a template. This creates an interweaving joint that looks like a series of bird’s tails, just as the name implies. A wood dovetail joint is a very strong, stable joint with plenty of surface for gluing. This guide will help shoppers choose the best dovetail jig for any workshop.
- BEST OVERALL: Porter-Cable 4216 12-Inch Dovetail Jig Kit
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: General Tools E-Z Pro Dovetail Jig
- UPGRADE PICK: Porter-Cable 4210 12-Inch Dovetail Jig
- BEST FOR HALF-BLINDS: Leigh Super12 12-Inch Dovetail Jig
- BEST FOR LARGE PROJECTS: Porter-Cable 4212 12-Inch Dovetail Jig
- BEST FOR SMALL WORKSHOPS: Keller 1500 Journeyman Dovetail Jig
- BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Woodstock D2796 Dovetail Jig With Aluminum Template
- BEST FOR DUST: Rockler Complete Dovetail Jig
How We Chose the Best Dovetail Jigs
Dovetail jigs are something of a staple in old-school woodworking shops, so putting a list together of the top models was no small feat. We had to draw upon our experiences in woodworking and DIY projects to consider the features and capacities we find most helpful just to get started.
With a list of the most important features down, we performed extensive product research to find dovetail machines that we felt might meet our needs. We then compared those products’ quality features, additional items, capacities, and prices to ensure they offered enough value. We tossed out the dovetail jigs that couldn’t cut it, and then gave the models that made it awards based on their strengths.
Our Top Picks
Read on to find a list of some of the top jigs for woodworking projects. Some products have plenty of templates and guides, but others take a more minimal approach to joinery. Check into these products to help find the best dovetail jig for a variety of needs.
Best Overall
Porter-Cable 4216 12-Inch Dovetail Jig Kit
Product Specs
- Capacity: 12 inches
- Fixed/variable: Fixed
- Types of joints: Half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, sliding, box joints, and through dovetails
Pros
- 1-piece construction with solid clamping to prevent slipping and increase grip while using
- Versatile construction; includes jigs for several dovetail types for precision and accuracy
- This kit accepts 2 boards at once for 1-step milling quickly
Cons
- No bits or router collars included; may be tricky for some users
For a dovetail jig combination kit that can check most of the boxes for router joinery, this one from Porter-Cable is the way to go. It comes with almost everything necessary to start cutting a variety of dovetails, save for the router and bits.
This Porter-Cable 12-inch dovetail jig features a one-piece steel base and fixed aluminum templates including half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, through, box joints, and sliding dovetails. It has a 12-inch capacity and sandpaper-backed cam-type clamps for quickly securing boards in place. Also, users will find the onboard instructions helpful when setting the Porter-Cable dovetail jig up. Note that it can handle two boards at once, making cutting dovetails a one-step process. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a bit or router collars—those require an upgrade to the next kit in the Porter-Cable lineup.
Get the Porter-Cable 4216 dovetail jig at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Bang For The Buck
General Tools E-Z Pro Dovetail Jig
Product Specs
- Capacity: 12 inches
- Fixed/variable: Fixed
- Types of joints: Through and half-blind dovetails; box joints
Pros
- Easy repositioning thanks to the alignment tool; suitable for quick working times
- Includes jig and router bit; can be used as a dovetail jig for router table
- Screw-down clamps attach firmly to prevent vibration and slipping while in use
Cons
- No additional templates included; may not provide the results desired
For an affordable approach to dovetails, check out the E-Z Pro dovetail jig from General Tools. This jig’s design allows users to attach it to the board and use it with a router table or handheld router. The design also provides the ability to mill boards of any width, and the open-ended design and alignment tool help in repositioning. The maximum width it can handle without repositioning is six inches.
This kit comes with the jig and router bit—a nice touch for such an affordable model. It also contains several screw-down clamps for clamping the jig securely onto the board. While it doesn’t have additional templates, it does offer an effective way to create box and dovetail joints on boards of any width.
Get the General Tools dovetail jig at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or TEquipment.
Upgrade Pick
Porter-Cable 4210 12-Inch Dovetail Jig
Product Specs
- Capacity: 12 inches
- Fixed/variable: Fixed plates
- Types of joints: Half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, sliding, dovetail dadoes, box joints, and miniature dovetails
Pros
- 12-inch capacity mills 2 boards at once; suitable for completing heavy-duty tasks quickly
- Solid 1-piece base with cam-like clamps for securing to a workbench
- Router bit depth gauges allow for accuracy while milling and cutting
- Comes with heavy-duty Porter-Cable 4211 CNC-machined aluminum template for longevity
Cons
- May take some time to set up ahead of first use
- Some users report difficulty while using the included onboard guide
This Porter-Cable 12-inch dovetail jig is great for anyone in need of having everything necessary to create a wide range of joints. The jig comes with a solid one-piece base and cam-like clamps that properly secure it to the workbench, allowing the creation of accurate joints in a one-step process.
The jig comes with a Porter-Cable 4211 CNC-machined aluminum template for half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, and sliding dovetails as well as dovetail dadoes, box joints, and miniature dovetails. The template alignment lines are also easy to set up for use. Plus, this model comes with router bit depth gauges for added accuracy and has on-board instructions for guidance.
Get the Porter-Cable 4210 dovetail jig at Acme Tools, Menards, or MSC Industrial.
Best for Half-Blinds
Leigh Super12 12-Inch Dovetail Jig
Product Specs
- Capacity: 12 inches
- Fixed/variable: Variable
- Types of joints: Sliding, through, and half-blind
Pros
- Comes with 3 additional router bits for convenience and versatility while dovetailing wood
- Adjustable 1-piece fingers guarantee a half dovetail pin at the edge of each joint
- Specializes in half-blind dovetail joints thanks to the blind bridge and bit
Cons
- Expensive compared to similar options available; too many bells and whistles for simple use
DIYers looking for an adjustable dovetail jig that can handle half-blind joints (as well as others) will want to give Leigh’s Super12 dovetail jig some thought. This jig can handle milling two boards at once, each up to a 12-inch capacity. The one-piece fingers are also infinitely adjustable, allowing the user to create joints of any pattern or spacing. These fingers are also easily positioned, guaranteeing half of a dovetail pin at each edge of the joint.
This jig can cut through and sliding dovetails, but it specializes in half-blind dovetails. It comes with a special half-blind bridge for guiding the router to improve accuracy, as well as a half-blind bit. The entire kit includes three bits, a router collar, and a sliding dovetail fence. Admittedly, it’s expensive, but the accuracy and adjustability it offers may be worth the expense.
Get the Leigh dovetail jig at Amazon or Woodcraft.
Best for Large Projects
Porter-Cable 4212 12-Inch Dovetail Jig
Product Specs
- Capacity: 12 inches
- Fixed/variable: Fixed
- Types of joints: Half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, sliding, through dovetails, and box joints
Pros
- Large 12-inch capacity is ideal for drawers, boxes, and furniture
- Comes with 2 fixed aluminum templates for creating a wide range of joints
- Each template has camlike clamps and sandpaper-backed locking bars for a firm grip while in use
- Preassembled single-piece steel base can be bolted or clamped to a workbench
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty using; may take a learning curve for newcomers
DIYers or professionals can benefit from the large 12-inch capacity and overall versatility of this dovetail jig from Porter-Cable. Coming with two fixed aluminum jig templates, this model is made to create a wide range of joints, including rabbeted half-blind, half-blind, sliding, through dovetails, and box joints. This model is ideal for furniture, drawers, boxes, and more.
As for ease of use, this Porter-Cable dovetail jig has cam-type clamps with sandpaper-backed locking bars for a stable, firm grip and a bit depth gauge for accuracy without taking precise measurements. Finally, this aluminum jig has a preassembled single-piece steel base that can be bolted or clamped to a workbench if desired.
Get the Porter-Cable 4212 dovetail jig at Lowe’s.
Best for Small Workshops
Keller 1500 Journeyman Dovetail Jig
Product Specs
- Capacity: Repositionable
- Fixed/variable: Fixed
- Types of joints: Through, box, or dovetail
Pros
- Small and compact; suitable for workshop use or for transporting to the jobsite
- Versatile pick; comes with router bits for dovetails or box joints
- Unlimited capacity can take on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty projects
Cons
- Repositioning requires a careful eye to ensure accuracy; may be tricky for some users
Small workshops require compact, flexible tools like Keller’s 1500 Journeyman dovetail jig. The Journeyman is a one-piece kit that DIYers can use to cut through, dovetails, or box joints. The kit mounts to a strip of wood and measures 15 inches wide, though it’s repositionable for unlimited capacity.
This model comes with two router bits for cutting dovetails or box joints, complete with ball-bearing guides that ride along the template plate. While the capacity is limitless, repositioning this jig will require a careful eye to ensure accuracy. However, the benefit of this simple design is that it can sit on a shelf or rack until needed.
Get the Keller dovetail jig at Amazon, Walmart, or Keller.
Best for Beginners
Woodstock D2796 Dovetail Jig With Aluminum Template
Product Specs
- Capacity: Repositionable
- Fixed/variable: Fixed
- Types of joints: Half-blind dovetails
Pros
- Versatile, solid capacity of up to 12 inches wide for light- to heavy-duty jig projects
- Easy to use and set up for beginners as well as DIYers
- Comes with easily adjustable knobs to mount the tool to a tabletop
- Vertical or horizontal cam-action clamping system keeps wood in place while in use
Cons
- Router requires a 7/16-inch guide bushing to operate properly
Those who need an easy-to-use tool can rely on the D2796 dovetail jig from Woodstock. This versatile tool comes with a sturdy ½-inch aluminum dovetail template for durability, and the setup is easy for first timers.
As for capacity, this model comes with ½ to 1¼-inch stock capacity for large and small pieces of wood, and the half-blind joints can make ½-inch dovetails. With these capacities also comes the capability of fitting a piece of wood that is up to 12 inches wide.
The large, easy-adjustable knobs help for mounting to a table. Plus, the vertical or horizontal cam-action clamping system also reduces slipping and movement while using. Finally, the sturdy stamped steel construction allows for use for years to come. The only downside to this option is that the router requires a 7/16-inch guide bushing to operate.
Get the Woodstock dovetail jig at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best For Dust
Rockler Complete Dovetail Jig
Product Specs
- Capacity: 11 inches
- Fixed/variable: Fixed
- Types of joints: Through and half-blind dovetails
Pros
- Compatible with dust-collection system to prevent dust and debris particles from circulating
- Light and compact enough to store when needed; doesn’t take up much space while stored
- Comes with 3 bits, a collar, a bushing, and 2 templates
Cons
- While it’s compatible with Rockler’s dust-collection system, this jig doesn’t come with it
Folks tired of sweeping or vacuuming their floors, work tables, and other surfaces between milling every joint will want to give this jig from Rockler a look. It’s compatible with the brand’s dust collection system, allowing users to mill boards at will while drastically reducing the mess involved.
This Rockler complete dovetail jig features one-step milling, clamping two boards in place at once. It can handle through and half-blind dovetails, and the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store away. It comes with the jig, two fixed templates, three router bits, a collar, and a guide bushing for accurate routing. The half-blind bridge will help with accuracy, as well. The main complaint is that the dust collection system is sold separately.
Get the Rockler dovetail jig at Amazon or Rockler.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Dovetail Jig
Dovetail jigs aren’t new technology, but they’re a less popular and approachable method for joinery than pocket hole jigs. That said, dovetail joints are strong and old-school, though new DIYers might not be familiar with them or know what to look for when shopping. The following sections contain some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for dovetail tools.
Material
When choosing the best dovetail jig, consider the materials used in each product’s construction. The dovetail joints of years past were usually cast iron in construction, and if they received regular maintenance, they lasted almost forever. However, they were very heavy and expe