135-1500 Journeyman Dovetail Jig Template

This dovetail jig is totally brilliant. I have used routers for over 30 years and have other jigs. This one is the best, so simple to use and the results are fantastic really made me smile. It is a bit expensive but there are no cheap jigs that work, and this one certainly works😁. I just wish I had brought one years ago. If you are thinking about it don’t worry go for it.

I ordered this on 08/02/19 and delivery was supposed to be by 23/03/19 which seemed long even coming from USA. Then item was subsequently shown as unavailable on website which concerned me as it had not been dispatched at this point. However, it arrived on 21/02/19 which was actually earlier than expected.Only used it a couple of times so far. Out of the box it does seem a little pricey for what you get and you have to install a wood block to make it useable (easy enough though).However, after you set it up and start using the jig, it is apparent that it is precisely made and accurate and the cutters that come with it are pretty good quality. It's quite simple and easy to use and gives nice tight joints. I like 4 feature in particular1. It uses bearing guided router bits rather than a collar (easier to set up and accurate).2. In theory there is no limit to the length of board you can use it on.3. Can use on router table as well as free hand (in fact I have only used on router table so far).4. The wood block you install provides support that reduces tear out, although using different thicknesses of work pieces (and therefore cutter hight) may reduce this effect when cutting tails.Previously i have favoured box joints as I made an jig that cuts them fairly fast. Hand cut dovetails took me ages, so long they were not really viable. This jig cuts dovetails faster than my box joint jig cuts similar size box joints. May be my new "go too"!Edit - used item a bit more now. no longer so impressed! Originally gave 5 stars but while the advert states the jig will cut material as thin as 1/8" this is only achievable with an additional set of "small bits" that cost $69 (about £50) from Keller. This is not clear from Amazon advert. From the included instructions, the standard set are supposed to go as thin as 3/8" (about 9.5mm) but at that point the bearing guide is almost off the jig. Personally I am wary at any material less than 11mm thick. So if you need to cut thinner stock, factor in the cost of extra bits.I actually ordered a "small bit set" from Keller for $69 (which website converted to pounds as it recognised i was for UK). After payment was made and accepted I subsequently received an additional iinvoice for $29.70 for shipping. So thats an additional $98.70 for items that I believe the original advert should have eluded too.I have reduced score to three stars because of this (and that's being generous).

I made my first box with dovetail joints after just one practice with cheap softwood. The result was spectacular. I am trying to contact Keller to buy some spare cutters.