Leigh Dovetail Challenge & Speed Run

[@LeighTools]

Tools: Leigh D4R Pro 24-inch (610mm) Dovetail Jig Leigh Dovetail Bit # 80-8 - 8° slope, ½” (12.7mm) diameter, 8mm shank Leigh Straight Bit # 140-8 - 5/16” (7.9mm) diameter, 8mm shank Leigh e7 eBush (guide bushing) Leigh ½” to 8mm Collet Reducer (All these accessories are included with the D4R Pro) Wood: 6” x 4” x ¾” (152mm x 101mm x 19mm) Poplar (routs cleanly and is relatively inexpensive) Router Requirements: Minimum 1.5hp with a 1/2" (12.7mm) collet Must accept 1-3/8” (35mm) industry standard guide bushing thread either directly or with an adaptor If using dual routers, they must be able to adjust for concentricity

[@richseifert2026]

Guys, I ordered a D4R Pro a couple of days ago. I’ve wanted it for over 10 years now and finally did it. The point is that after you do get it all set-up, you log your “recipe” … one for 1/2” boards, another for 3/4” boards, and another with 1” fronts, and, and, and. But if you’re making a bunch of drawers, once you get your setup dialed in, then you’re effectively doing the “speed-run” to make a ton of drawer sides. Imagine doing all the tail-boards for a whole kitchen of 48 drawers. Then you get your pinboards dialed in and start your “speed-run” all over again. I have a Porter Cable 12” and it works fine for drawers - it even cuts the tails and half-blind pins at the same time. But it also takes fiddling with bit-height to dial it in perfectly. Don’t get me wrong - it’s honestly a great jig too. But this D4R Pro will do a full 24” wide box and allow flexibility to cut wide tails for a much nicer appearance. Sure, Rob Cosman can do hand-cut dovetails with 2mm wide pins where this one is limited to the geometry of the router bit, and he can do it “almost” as fast, as can a bunch of you too, but most of us can’t. For what it’s worth, I also ordered the F3 finger joint accessory. I’m sure this will be a great addition to the shop!

[@mwrcrft]

I miss Frank and his lectures. I have the D4 that is updated and thankfully I am not in a hurry to make mine.

[@DuncanEdwards.]

It's easy when you have everything all set before you start

[@mikeduffey3082]

I just purchased a Leigh dr4, time to try this challenge!

[@baraksinz]

The setup is what takes so much time when using these jigs. If you can dedicate two routers to the jig then you’re golden. Otherwise, it takes quite a while.

[@triangle379]

super motivation, but i don't want to hurry

[@rojer9542]

Two routers are also key to doing this fast.

[@jamespotter4878]

I like the leigh jig and like the idea of the video, but you cant do this right w/o putting the set up in the time too. Sorry, gotta be fair

[@travisg1759]

Oh, bout a day and a half I reckon.

[@ralphturney2125]

I had the premium Leigh jig years ago but ran into hard times and sold it before I had a chance to use it for a project. I bought the Super 24 last year and now I’m making a chest of drawers. I wish you’d make a video of a first time buyer setting up for the first time. All the videos with this tool only show the positives and are unrealistic. SHOW THE MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE SO I CAN AVOID THEM! Then we could learn something. These videos have nothing to do with the real world and are nothing more than sales tools.

[@christinahaddrell2110]

What about the 2 hours of testing the fit and adjusting the bit ? Left out that nugget eh ?