Reviews

User Comments

Better that users tell it their way, rather than us!

There's no way we can possibly publish all the feedback we receive, so here's a cross-section of comments, good and bad, from warranty cards, emails and discussion forums, etc.

Kudos to you for designing and building the greatest dovetail machine in the world. - J.S.
Dovetailed 70 four-cornered drawer boxes in 60 minutes for three bedroom suites. One was yellow poplar, one was knotty pine and the other was red oak. The DC16 jig is fantastic. - H.M.
Five drawers by noon and I’ve never cut dovetails before. Thanks Akeda. - G.C.
Researched quite a while – your jig is tops! - S.H.
Easy to use. Fine quality tool. – K.G.
Very impressed with the quality of the jig as well as the ease of replicating joints. – N.P.
The most foolproof dovetailing system ever made. I’m excited to use it. – A.G.
To my amazement.... the joint fit perfectly!!!!! On the first try with a new machine! - J.E.
Probably the easiest to use dovetail jig I’ve ever seen. – R.R.
Well built. Easy to operate. – T.W.
There are many references to you, and they are without exception glowing. You are a folk hero among our collection of craftsmen! - J.S.
Great jig. Excellent router bits. – M.N.
For a first time user the instructions are not very clear. – V.F.
This looks like the product I’ve been looking for. – C.W.
Great jig! - V.K.
I have spent six months researching jigs. The deciding factor between AKEDA and Leigh was the simplicity and repeatability of the AKEDA. – J.L.
Great product! In 15 mins. I cut my first HB dovetail! - M.G.
Looks and works great! - D.R.
It’s been great to work with. – E.N.
Jig is well built with fine fit and finish. Set up is fast and user friendly - R.Z.
Get better router bits. You bits are a disappointment - R.S.
Good manual. Jig appears to be well made and much easier to set up and get started than Leigh. – M.D.
This is an amazing jig – the quality is extremely high, documentation superb and the results are everything I hoped for. – M.M.
Nice solid product. I’m still getting started with it but I expect the results will be great. – W.S.
I have found this jig easy to use. A very quick set up. – M.G.
Great jig! - G.K.
Good instruction book. Good directions. – R.S.
So far, so good! - C.N.
Still getting used to using the machine. Great fitting joints. Fairly easy and straight forward to use. Speeds up the process considerably. – J.H.
Wonderful tool, tried it today. Need more info on finger joints, but I haven’t tried them yet so it may be very easy. – M.L.
I still haven’t mastered this dam machine. I’ve spent a lot of money on it including two new routers and still can’t make a dovetail. – C.H.
This built like a tank. I’m impressed! - E.B.
The instruction book is well designed and detailed. – J.P.
Very nice jig. Once I learned the set up it was very easy to use. Thanks! - G.H.
Great results first try ! - G.W.
True work of ingenious art. – H.B.
Just about to purchase the complex Leigh unit but obvious simplicity of the AKEDA design was too good to resist. – P.M.
Super product. It was hard to accept salesperson’s statement of ease of use, but it is just that! - R.J.
Great, great tool! - D.E.
I am extremely impressed with the results that I achieved in such a short time, the precision of the jig, and the end product. Good work! - M.G.
This is a 1st class jig. Easy to use and excellent manual. – O.E.
I have used the jig once. It’s a well engineered device. It was my first attempt at making dovetails and they turned out great. – J.P.
First cut was near perfect. You have a major improvement over others. – R.M.
Manual very incomplete. – R.B.
Great manual ! - B.K.
Best of all, you can vary the size of pins and tails in both through and half blind forms of the joint. I value this feature. The AKEDA jig earned a place in my shop. – D.P.
The first half blind I made on the jig was almost perfect, very unheard of for a dovetail jig. Very nice work. – C.D.
Great clamping system ! ! ! - M.K.
Very easy to cut dovetails. – K.S.
FANTASTIC! Well done! - J.R.
Thank you for such a high quality product. – T.B.
An excellent jig – very impressive right out of the box. Well illustrated instructions. Perfect HB & T dovetails first try. I’ve recommended this jig to a pro cabinet maker. – M.H.
Very well designed unit. And pre- and post-purchase communication and assistance was exemplary. – S.W.
Very impressed with the total product. I did a lot of research. AKEDA won hands down. – R.B.
After the first try I was able to do dovetails and drawers just like a pro. – R.C.
Finally a dovetail jig that works! - R.D.
Well made. Through dovetails were flawless. Short learning curve. – K.F.
Like stability of router platform having two rails. – K.K.
Had a Leigh D4 – (had) - now have a DC16 – easier, faster, quicker, smarter. – B.M.
Well made! Will be able to comment after I use it some. – D.B.
30 minutes after opening the box I had my first perfect half blind dovetail! - A.I.
None yet – your demonstrator at the NJ Woodworking Show was very convincing. I was considering a Leigh until then. – R.B.
Easiest dovetail jig I have ever used. Excellent instruction manual! Quality construction! - D.K.
Was thinking of getting Leigh jig until I saw the demo at the show. – J.W.
Well made, easy to use, great dust collection! - R.H.
Well built quality equipment. – R.H.
Make clear that front clamp can be used to clamp BOTH against front & rear stops. Not clear in manual. – E.P.
Absolutely excellent jig! Easy to set up, precise, and versatile. Your router bits are also quite fine. – A.S.
Looking forward to using it! - R.V.
500% easier and faster than when we used a Leigh jig to make 40 drawers for our workbenches. It took us two weeks to learn how in order to get consistent work. Your jig, 1-1/2 hours to read the manual and get a good result. – E.L.
Works very well. Two items that don’t jump out at you in the cartoon manual: 1. The vertical clamp bar comes transversed to the front and needs to be brought forward to clamp the wood behind it. 2. Pin orientation is not clear. Showing the serrated edge up would clear it up. Other than that, it works very well. – T.C.
Set up was lack (sic) on a couple steps. A buddy and myself both bought the same AKEDA. Had to help each other to understand set up from Trade Show. Book needs more detail steps. – G.C.
Just starting to use jig. So far I really like it. – B.U.
Excellent jig. Faster, easier and more accurate repeatable cuts than my Leigh jig. – C.C.
I used to have an extreme dislike of making dovetails. Now I look forward to the process! - J.C.
The instruction manual could be improved to give more information on layout and measurement. – J.L.
This is the most beautifully designed woodworking tool I’ve ever seen. If it hasn’t won awards for design elegance, it should! - D.W.
If it works like it appears to, I will use on many types of projects for a lifetime - M.B.
Not enough time on jig to form opinion. However, it appears to be a superior design and excellent material and construction. – A.G.
Trade show demo sold me on the quality and ease of use. I will be using the jig occasionally and I don’t want to have to learn a complicated system or spend a lot of time practicing to make quality joints. – T.G.
This dovetailing tool solves the problems of conventional dovetail jigs. I love it. It is easy to learn and use. – L.B.
I found the product high quality, user friendly and furnished with an adequate number of accessories. However, a video indicating use of advanced features would be very helpful. – M.S.
Great tool. – R.S.
Pigs really do fly! This jig has increased my efficiency tenfold. I have tried other jigs my friends own and yours is the only one that keeps my blood pressure low. I am the envy of my woodworking buddies, thanks to you! - J.C.
People... marvel at the joints and make favorable comments as to how good they look. This jig makes dovetail joints flawlessly. Thank you for engineering this jig. - B.M.
Amazing. How simple to set up and use. First try – perfect dovetail joints. – J.W.
Very user friendly. – T.C.
I went to the Tacoma Woodworking Show to buy a Leigh jig and had the opportunity to see both demonstrated. As you know, the AKEDA is much less complicated, safer and has good dust collection. – J.C.
Fool proof. Just love the machine. Had success the first time I used it. – K.H.
I love it! - D.M.
The quality is excellent and in my opinion the easiest unit on the market to learn. It is very user friendly. – L.P.
I used to own the PC 24” Omnijig. This is so much smoother and easier to use. - B.D.
I bought the Akeda because it looked intuitive to use. It really is. Even better is that (the demonstrator) didn't have to exaggerate. He said the first perfect dovetail slides together less than an hour after opening the box. He could have said 30 minutes and there still would have been time for coffee. – S.O.
This tool is very well made and almost foolproof. I am very satisfied. – S.B.
A great jig! - P.D.
Excellent machine. – E.L.
Your jig looks like a great product. – J.N.
Thank you for such a high quality product. – T.B.
Your product stands above other jigs I have seen and your warranty is straightforward. – W.D.
Best tool in my shop! - W.H.
Just got your DC-16 - great piece of equipment: elegantly designed, simple to learn and operate, one of those purchases you are happy about AFTER you use it and get happier the more you use it. – C.H.
Very well packaged. Arrived in perfect condition… …your jig feels like I got my money’s worth, just by weight. Great manual otherwise. – D.C.
Very well conceived, easy to use, repeatable results. – E.G.
Well built and engineered. Excellent instructions. Real geniuses built and engineered this machine. – J.E.
I have spent 20 years designing computer interfaces with the goal of making the equipment easy to learn and use and I love your router jig. The work that went into designing it to be user friendly is amazing. – L.W.
The full support of the router base was a big selling point for me. Close second is the variety of joints it’s capable of. – J.M.
Love the product!! - G.A.
Your jig is not worth it's (sic) value in scrap metal. Hell will freeze over before it will ever cut a single dovetail joint. - T.D.
(The jig) truly performs as the reviews have indicated. I am a convert from my Leigh jig. I am still amazed at your terrific level of customer support. – J.S.
Well designed solidly constructed machine. Brings metalworking precision to my woodworking projects. Congratulations on a brilliant product conception and execution. – B.S.
Your customer service is superb. I am an Akeda customer for life. – T.F.
Great engineering design and ease of use! - D.M.
Very intuitive. Like the large work surface for the router. – J.G.
Impressive quality, nicely finished and packaged. Also bought accessory kit. Wish pin guide bags were labeled though. I have 5 bags and don’t know which is what! Could you please include a videotaped demo??? - L.R.
This is one very well built jig. – A.F.
One of the tail guides broke when it fell on the floor as I opened the package. Otherwise, the jig was easy to set up and use. Excellent results right out of the box! - J.N.
Haven’t put it to use yet. – C.H.
I’ve never had a dovetail jig or ever attempted any dovetails and I consider the instructions a little difficult. – A.M.
Wonderful jig. Works easily first time out of box! - R.W.
Hope it works as advertised and cuts down on dovetail time. – J.S.
Solid, well built, virtually no set up before using. What more can you ask for! - T.T.
Good design. Excellent instructions. Easy to use and well built. – P.H.
Very first route, out of the box was perfect! I also figured out how to cut 1/4” box joints on this jig. Manual shows only 3/8” as smallest. – B.G.
I am extremely pleased with the repeatability of cuts and great job the dust collection does. – C.G.
I love this jig… I’ll never use Leigh again. – J.K.
Would rather watch a video. Manual somewhat hard to understand. – D.B.
Haven’t had the unit long enough to make comments. I anticipate making better dovetail joints with this unit over my old 20-year cheap model. – N.F.
It looks easy to use from reading the directions. – J.K.
Excellent product! Thrilled with the end product! Needs a little more work on manual. Need to explain a little more in detail how to position the vertical clamp. Thank God for the guys at Woodcraft. On page 23-24 you should restate how to position the vertical clamp like on page 3. I realize this would be a repeat but it would have been very helpful. – W.H.
I am totally impressed by the quality of this jig. Manual is great. Set up was quick and easy. – S.K.
Cut great out of the box. Suggest a magnetic (removable) curtain to close off back side of jig, as well as top half of jig not in use. Easier to remove the acrylic curtains. I tried it and it improves dust collection. – J.M.
The inst. Manual could have been more thorough for a 1st time user of dovetail jigs as myself. I also feel it should’ve been more informative about the fitting adjustments of the dovetails. Also the instruction for the sliding dovetails and box joints making. The website needs updating and show more info about all the types of joints it’s capable of making. Also more technical support. – P.B.
First project (Shaker step stool) prototype in pine was a perfect fit. As well as the final walnut version. – T.M.
I researched many jigs before purchasing this one. This is the greatest. I am amazed with the ease of use. Simply the best jig on the market. – R.S.
Anxious to try it – looks great! - D.G.
Fit and finish is very impressive. I would like to say more, however, it’s time now to play. J - J.H.
An instructional video would be nice. – B.R.
I would like a complete set up video or DVD. – E.E.
Very much looking forward to using this fixture. Saw demonstration at Wood Show in Villa Park Illinois. Seemed straightforward and simple. Hope this is true. Leigh jig scared me to death. I use a Craftsman, but very finicky and adjustments are non-intuitive. Will try to give you a better review after I use it a while. – E.K.
I just purchased your jig and accessory kit. I have had no previous experience with dovetail or dovetail jigs. Came out perfectly first time. Made my day. – C.N.
…thanking you for making this wonderful device… I've reviewed several jigs, and searched numerous sites for information… the AKEDA jig always came up as the best, easiest, and most importantly, best supported of all the jigs on the market. Kudos to you and your company! - S.M.
We all know this thing is The Bomb. It's an awesome product. A work of art. I love it. I want to clamp it to my nightstand and admire it. It is like the Apple computer of woodworking tools. - R.C.
Truly, this is an amazing tool!! For a first-timer, that's pretty snappy... It's such a relief to see that I can make something so quickly that is so strong. I can't say enough good things about this jig. This jig is definitely one of my smarter purchases. Thank you for your help, and thank you for producing such a fine piece of equipment. – S.M.
Just received my DC16 this weekend, cut my first pins and tails, and it was success on the first attempt! Having used and owned other jigs, with the Leigh jig being one of them, I can say without doubt this is the best and simplest jig on the market today. – G.H.
Easy, fast and accurate. A pleasure to use! - D.G.
Great jig; Easy to use. – R.L.
I was introduced to this jig by a salesman at Woodcraft. He had used the jig and liked the simplicity of use. He recommended it over other models in their store. I’m a beginner, and he and I felt the simplicity and easy set-up were important. Price was also an issue. – D.H.
I have NEVER put a lapel pin on ANYTHING! I put yours on my jacket. I hope you can bring the price down so that more people can buy it – however – not at the expense of the evident quality. I am interested in any new tool you develop if it is this well engineered. Nice quality tool – Incredible. – W.G.
Tool works well, easy to set up and use once one understands the principles. Video would be nice. Neg side – manual a bit weak, tearout in a few areas. – D.S.
It looks great so far. Your accessory kit seems pricey for what you get. – P.W.
Would have been nice to see product demo’d at woodworking shows. Did see John Lucas review & use on his website. – M.E.
Jig should include one complete bit set at no extra cost. – R. E.
Rubber chip & dust baffle was so kinked (out of shape) out of the box – poor packaging? You must include basic instructions on installation & use of blind pin stops in accessory kit. Woodcraft reproduced copy from separate package for me. Any tips on making longer rounds for chest sides? Dust collection GREAT! Overall design and performance OUTSTANDING. Would adding extensions (middle) or longer mid section give it greater capacity? Price: Reasonable. – D.P.
Have not been able to use since I purchased the jig due to outside work. Set it up today and found this warranty card – I believe your accessory kit is too expensive (sorry!). – B.F.
Tried this jig at Woodcraft – decided it is easy to use and more accurate than my hand-sawn joints. I’ve sold a few DC16’s based on my opinion, recommendation, and demo hands-on personally! I am excited to use my new jig. – M.P.
Have seen it in use at Woodcraft where I work. - P.D.
Excellent machine. – E.L.
I am a Woodcraft employee – use the Keller Jig for thru dovetails, works great – looked at the OmniJig & Leigh Jig for half blind dovetails – too complicated. Your jig looks like a great product. – J.N.
I will use the AKEDA in some of my classes and have more knowledge when selling one. – R.K.
Thank you for such a high quality product! – T.B.
Thanks for the accessory kit deal. It’s a better idea. – B.C.
Learned to use well in one weekend – superior features! - G.C.
Impressed with demo at local woodworking show! - G.B.
Nice compact design. Easy to use. – B.B.
You should consider manufacturing an aluminum base plate for manufacturers that don’t have flat bases seeing as how it is so critical to joint quality. Your guide bushing is great, but if the router base is not perfectly aligned you are going to have mismatch corners so you should make the base adjustable and include a centering pin. – M.S.
Your instruction book should include directions for both pairs of opposite corners not just one corner. Include the need to relocate pins to be exact from right edge as they were placed on left edge. (for through joints). – J.M.
Great product. Tail pins are a bit too long and cause binding on the guide bushing. Good product like this shouldn’t have these kinds of problems. – L.P.
Also purchased the accessory kit. For a first time user of jigs I found the instruction manual very poorly done, incomplete and hard to follow – extensive video also would have helped – too much trial and error cuts. I like the machine now that I have it semi figured out. – E.G.
Very easy to use. Had put off making drawers for chest for 2 years. After receiving this dovetail jig and making 1 test cut, I then finished 9 drawers in ½ day! Thanks. – C.M.
Just used my jig for the first time. The joints were ok. Some of the tail jigs were very tight. Also, a small gap in the joint was common. But the dovetails fit very well. – M.S.
You should have detailed videos available on your Web site and a CD with complete detailed set-up demos should come with the unit or be free on request by purchasers. – S.D
Just a great product both in terms of quality and being user friendly. The manual was very clewar and concise. Well done. - R.F.
Did contact factory for additional guide templates. Good unit – easy to set up. Guide template with acc. Kit – bent!! – too tite tail guides !! – J.D.
Manufacture date was 2004. Has it really been on a shelf that long? Have any updates/changes been made over the last 3 years? – C.T.
The set-up directions for through dovetails are very confusing, no where was I directed to switch the rear rail guide with the front rail guide to cut through dovetails. – S.S.
Quality of workmanship evident in the tool is well above that of similar jigs. – B.G.
Haven’t used yet – suggestion: Make DVD that is comprehensive detailed on use – (important suggestion) I have viewed on-line – less than technical nor desirable otherwise: great looking tool well engineered. – D.C.
Very nice jig! Nice fit and finish and very easy to use. – G.S.
Hands down the best dovetail jig I have ever used. – L.Mc
Great engineered, and so much better than any other jig on the market. - R.E.
The jig is an absolute wonder in terms of design and build quality. You should receive a MOMA design award for it. - C.P.
Please, no unsolicited emails . . . . I’ll keep searching AKEDA on the Internet for new products! – E.B.
Very well made. (I have my router set up now and looking forward to using it.) – G.E.
The ½” to 9mm collet reducer PN 3447 was rust covered inside its plastic bag. Some oil needs to be left on before packaging. It cleaned up with fine sandpaper. I will try to include pictures in an email. Otherwise the unit was perfect. – M.S.
So far, so good! – M.E.
Let me start by saying what a great jig. I could not believe my very first dovetails were absolutely perfect. The AKEDA jig is everything I hoped for, thank you. – R.W.
Purchased 2006 at Wood show. Just took it out of the box in my new shop. Excellent product. Forgot to mail in card at that time. – J.K.
I love using the AKEDA. Have had some defects and Kevan has made good on replacement. – F.L.
Excellent protection for shipping due to substantial packaging material/cushioning. – J.P.
Looks very well built, sturdy, well designed. – V.W.
I seen demo in Houston Woodcraft store and was impressed. When I was ready to purchase you guys had the fire. I now own one and have many project on deck to put it to use on. – B.H.
The more I study the AKEDA design the more I appreciate the thought that went into designing it and the elegant solutions to problems router based dovetail jigs must overcome - by design. - C.B.
I have read great reviews about this product. I was very impressed with the video clips on your website showing how to use the jig. I am a relatively new woodworker, so this very clearly showed how to use it. - A.P.
So far so good. Woodcraft sent used DC Accessory Kit & Used cutter 7* and 9*. Parts missing too. – P.M.
Package missing precision guide bushing. No comments as I can’t use it yet. – R.G.
It’s a pleasure to cut dovetails with it. – J.B.
The AKEDA reflects a great innovative idea, and once received, lived up to the quality spoken of in the many reviews; only topped by the congenial & knowledgeable customer service of Kevan Lear. – G.M.
I have not used my jig yet, but I saw one of them being used a year ago and decided I liked the way it worked and am looking forward to using mine. – A.K.
Best dovetail jig I have used and I’ve tried most of the better ones. Less dust, less time, more work, better results. – M.M.
Haven’t used it yet. Looks very well made and easy to use. – K.B.
High quality, sturdy construction, great dust collection, all-around world class product. – R.L.
WOW, now there's a testimonial to quality. Not a single AKEDA piece selling on Ebay! – (DF)
Completely happy - a great tool for any shop. - W.C.
Well packaged, well put together machine. - E.M.
Solid construction, great design, fantastic dust collection and easy to use. Thanks for a great product! - D.R.
Thank you for your brilliant design. I found the BC24 easy to set up and use. It has added a whole new dimension to the services I offer my clients. - E.M.
Like the clear, well illustrated manual! - R.F.
I've never used a dovetail jig before. My learning curve was fairly steep. Beautiful crafted machine! Kevan, you helped me place my order late at night. Thanks! The manual and I have become great friends. A sample dovetail sold a large job which paid for the jig. Pleasure dealing with you and The Jig Store. Highly recommend both! - C.R.
Love it! - D.P.
My AKEDA still functions as good as new and gets a lot of use. Since purchasing it several years a go, I have tried the new Porter Cable Omni and the Festool. The AKEDA is still my favorite and I sold my Leigh. I... recommend the AKEDA to all my associates. - C.C.
To my amazement... the joint fit perfectly! On the first try with a new machine. I had tried this over and over again with my PC 4212 and never could get a joint close to what I produced the first time with the Akeda. - J.E.
I had a buddy who was managing a Woodcraft store for a while and tried every DT jig he could find. The Akeda was his choice. - (DF)
I got the (DC16) recently, and yep it makes an impression when you pick it up, doesn't it? I have been using a Leigh Super 12" with VRS and the Akeda is in another league. - (DF)
Our (Air Force Base) shop uses the 16” and recently purchased 24” dovetail jigs and we are thrilled with how easy this jig allows an individual to cut perfectly fitting dovetails. - W.A.
Excellent jig. After struggling with a PC4212 and never getting a decent fit, the BC24 gave me a perfect through dovetail the very first time & thereafter. Love the quality and the superb tech service. - J.E.
I'm a believer! I made my first box with your jig and I wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the results. This truly is the easiest, fastest to set up and most accurate dovetail jig I have ever used! - S.H.
What a great jig. I never did any dovetail work before, and got your jig a couple of days ago - on my first try I was making great fitting dovetails! - C.N.
Thanks for your quick and personal response to my problem, I am very impressed by your personal attention and standing behind your product. - S.S.
I cut a test piece as soon as I had the jig installed on my bench, made one slight adjustment, and proceeded to cut all the drawers that evening. My Leigh jig is now in permanent storage. - W.F.
The best way to make dovetails with a router. One of the best kept secrets as far as dovetail jigs go. It's built like a battleship. - S.W.
It produced just what others and the manufacture had said it would. The lack of frustration and the joy of having it come out right were worth it. And, BTW, Kevan Lear, the inventor of this thing is very helpful and will take all the time needed to answer your questions before you purchase and after. I wouldn't part with it for anything. It is so easy to setup and use and I have had perfect through dovetails on every one I've done, including my very first test cut. I have just recently completed 10 small boxes for Christmas presents... and every joint was flawless. - J.E.
I noticed that the guide rail on my Leigh Superjig lifted up when I installed my stock, so I returned the Superjig and bought an AKEDA. Nothing on your AKEDA is ever going to bend, it's so strong. Best decision I ever made. - M.B.
After mounting the Akeda to the mounting board, I had a through dovetail in less than thirty minutes. And that includes reading the manual and getting familiar with the pieces. - B.E.
My Leigh Super Jig is for sale. I upgraded to the Akeda. (discussion forum comment - click here for more)
Just took delivery of my jig and what a thing of beauty! Thanks for a great product! - D.T.
I have one of your jigs in our high school shop and really enjoy its ease of set-up and use. - P.M.
Thanks for the help you gave me concerning the Akeda DC16 Dovetail jig. I might add this dovetail jig is a really fine piece of equipment that makes wood joinery easy and fun. - B.M.
Nice packing job! This is an impressive machine. It looks very simple but very well built. - E.H.
Bottom line, the Akeda Jig is an amazing machine. With absolutely no experience doing dovetails I was able to make some really really good joints. This looks like it will only get easier with practice. - R.G.
Forget about the Leigh system. I had it for awhile but switched to Akeda for machined dovetails. - T.S.
What I like most about the Akeda is it gives you the confidence to experiment because you know the jig is going to do its part every time. – K.T.
I had 23 drawers to make and finish to meet a deadline. The machine performed flawlessly, no problems, and the joints look so much better than the dovetailed boxes I was buying. The jig paid for itself on the first job, those boxes would have cost almost a thousand bucks! A superb design. If you didn’t win any awards you should have. - T.H.
Starting to use an Akeda - it's easy, flexible with layout and has good dust extraction. Comes close to d/t's that look hand-made. (discussion forum comment)
I can vouch for (the AKEDA). I've had it for four years and love it. The dust collection can't be beat and it's repeatability is a great feature. On top of that the customer service that is provided by Akeda... is on par with Festool's. - R.T.
Your product is SUPERB ! - J.B.
I've spent just about the last 3 months... working on getting the Leigh jig to produce as near gap-free dovetail joints as possible. At this point, I've given up and have ordered an Akeda jig. If that pans out, the Leigh jig is most likely going on Craig's list. (Discussion forum comment)
I'll tell ya... I'm one happy customer! This thing is great! It's a rare treat when something's worth what you pay for it. - D.T.
. . . I was able to make perfect box joints first time. Your jig is great and I am fortunate to have it as an accessory in my small shop. Again thank you for your prompt, informative, and accurate advice. - E.M.
The ease of use of this jig is amazing. The reviewers that put this AKEDA product in the same grouping as the Leigh... haven’t taken the 15 minutes that are necessary to figure out how versatile this thing is with different thickness materials etc. Love it! - D.S.
When I bought the Akeda, I had a box with 4 sides through dovetails fit rubber mallet tight in maybe 20 minutes from mounting the 16" jig. Try that with the Leigh. (discussion forum comment)
I have the D4r, the Omnijig and the Akeda. Since I bought the Akeda it is the only one I use.....In fact I have two of them, one set up for tails and the other for pins. And yes they fit together perfectly. Try that with the Leigh or Omnijig. - R.F.
Great jig, great service - a joy to work with on all counts! - C.H.
I'd buy an AKEDA again in heartbeat, easiest learning curve, and Customer Service you're not going to beat. (discussion forum comment)
Just tried making box joints for the first time with my Akeda Jig.
Could it be any easier? I don't think so. One minor adjustment for depth on the first cut, then perfect. (discussion forum comment)
If I ever get another DT jig, it will definitely be the Akeda. I've had a PC 12" and the newest 16" Omnijig. While both gave good results, I just never liked setting them up or using them. (discussion forum comment)
All of my research has lead me to Akeda as being the best jig out there... - D.B.
Attached is a photo of my second try at a half-blind dovetail. It's perfect, and cutting it was easy as could be... This is an amazing product... You've really created the better mouse trap. - K.L.
I have a Leigh D4R that is driving me crazy and am really looking forward to using the Akeda. - B.S.