Customer Reviews

Keller Dovetail System 135-1500 Journeyman DoveTail Jig

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having heard how easy it was to make good dovetail joints with the Keller system and after a lot of research, I bought the Journeyman Model 1500 system. "Easy" may be a slight reach for a newcomer, but with a bit of reading and understanding of the instructions, it all worked out okay. The instruction manual is written for their aluminum templates with a single sheet inserted for the 1500, but the process is generally the same for both types of templates. The 1500 requires a block of wood 2¼ x 3½ x about 18 inches on which the template is mounted. I don't think these dimensions are very critical. The workpiece is clamped vertically in a vise and the block of wood is clamped on the side of the workpiece with the template projecting over the edge to be dovetailed. It is suggested you put the block on the near side of the workpiece so you route away from you and so the chips don't come off in your face. Keller provides two router bits - one to cut the tails (a dovetail bit) and one for the pins (a straight bit). You cut the tails first, then put the mating workpiece in the vise and lay the just-cut piece with the tails on the edge (line it up good) and scribe the inside of one of the tail cutouts on the new workpiece. Then you align the template pin side OVER the scribed lines and clamp it down. This determines what will remain when you route the pins. The first set came out okay but were too tight. Keller provides instructions on how to loosen up the joint (slide the pin side of the template further onto the backing block). I nearly wore out the screws holding the template to the block of wood with my fiddling around to get the joints fitting the way I wanted. The Keller system makes through dovetails, so if you want half-blind dovetails, this is not the one you want unless there is a trick I am not aware of. IMO I think through dovetails are more elegant than half-blind as you see the artistry on both sides of the joint. I also like the idea of not being limited to a maximum width workpiece. I understand additional router bits are available for box joints.

This is a great jig. The backing block thickness dimension needs an adjustment in order to make hardwood joints that aren't too tight, however - read other reviews. The 3 1/2" depth isn't critical; neither is the 18" length. I suggest milling the block out of poplar, soft maple, or (like I did) salvaged yellow pine in order to get a thickness of 2 5/16" (not 2 1/4", as instructed). Then set the scribed line BACK exactly 1/16" by making your own scribe on the dovetail side and set your screws in. This will allow your pins to be slightly thinner than they would be with the instructed measurements. Then play with the router bit depths between 1/32" and 1/16" extra (beyond your stock thickness and the 1/2" thickness of the jig) to fine tune (a deeper dovetail bit will make the joint tighter). I had perfect joints that just needed a little sanding after only 15 minutes! These were the first dovetail joints I've ever cut in my life (and only the second time I'd ever used a router)!

I've been woodworking for over 20 years, and used to cut dovetails by hand. I looked at the jigs but was always put off by the high price and big manuals. I read a review on different jigs and the Keller was deemed the simplest to use. I bought it and could not be happier. It took me about 5 minutes to screw the jig to a backer board, and 10 minutes later I was putting together the first joint. It was perfect. My only regret is not buying this thing years ago. It's so simple, you don't even need to keep the booklet around, because there is nothing really to set up. Bit depth is not critical, you just set it a hair deeper than the wood thickness. I now can buzz through a whole project's dovetails faster than I used to chop out one side by hand, and they look better too. I'd be surprized if anyone was disappointed with this jig.

I consider myself an intermediate woodworker and have been putting off immersing myself into learning to hand-cut dovetails. When considering the time it takes to become proficient at cutting them manually, it can be intimidating. I bought this jig for its advertised simplicity and ease of setup. The low cost is quite attractive as well. It is on the mark for ease of setup. The only issue is setting up the backing block. I can see that being an issue if you do not have a thickness planer. The manual says that you can use 3 pieces of 3/4" ply but I like the idea of a hardwood backing block. After I milled up the block and screwed the jig in place, I had a perfect dovetail joint in less than 10 minutes. I would recommend this jig to anyone w/ a small to medium shop (or home enthusiast).

I have been very impressed with the ease and accuracy of making through dove tails with this jig. As soon as I recieved it in the mail I put it to work. Instructions were easy to follow, and the bits and jig were high quality. I was done with the joints for my box within 15 minutes. If I had to buy it again I would.

I have this dovetail jig and it couldn't be easier to use or set up. The instructions are great. Some people prefer to us a solid backer block that requires planing. I have a planer, but used baltic birch plywood as it is more stable than solid stock.

I use my band saw to cut veneer and trim it to fit the front. This is essentially serves the same purpose as half-blind dovetails and it is even stronger. Also, if you can't cut your own veneer you can buy veneer. If you don't want to do that, you can always uses 1/2"-3/4" solid stock for "false fronts".

The price is right and from the box to perfect thru dovetails is less than one hour. You also use a bit with a bearing that is more accurate and consistent that other jigs that require collars.

Great buy and great results.

I have used this jig to make a number of joints now and find it to be very easy to use. The jig does require some initial adjustment for the correct fit, but once it's set, it requires no further adjustment. Once adjusted, it produces perfect joints without making any test cuts. With some careful alignment, you can also use this jig to make joints of unlimited width.

I've been trying to make "tight" dovetails for over two years. I've tried hand sawing, chiseling, band sawing and scroll sawing. I made some good-looking joints; but they were usually too loose. I tried the Keller 1500 jig and after 4-hours I was able to make a good looking and tight joint. I set-up the jig using soft pine and spruce. When I tried to make the joint using cherry (a harder wood), it was too tight. Rather than fool with the screws to re-adjust the jig, I put some thin wooden shims between the cherry board and the board on which the jig was mounted. That and some light sanding made a "snug" (not too tight) joint. I found I needed to position a small board on both sides of the "pin" board to eliminate rip-out from the router bit. Also, I removed about 1/16" from the inner side of the dovetails (for the height of the dovetails) to make a better-looking interior corner. I used three 3/4" boards to mount the jig rather than milling a board. That way, I can replace the two outer boards when necessary. Also, it's cheaper. I found it was easier and better to use my router table rather than clamp the wood and hold the router in my hands. I simply clamp the wood to my jig, turn it upside down and slide it into my router bit. Also, it's easier to see what you are doing this way... I really like this jig. Now I can make lots and lots of boxes.

I have never tried dovetail before and have always been intimidated by it. I ordered it from Amazon and came in a small well packed box. Instruction didn't look impressive but I just followed it step by step and found out it is very to make tight (just right) dovetails. 18" length for the backer block does not have to be that accurate. The width should be roughly 2.25" but when I used plywood it is slightly less in thickness but it does not matter. No need to be intimidated!

I received the keller dovetail system today. I immediatly went to work with it in my shop. I have never owned or used a dovetail jig prior to this. I also usually have trouble following directions when I'm learning how to use something new.I was so surprised in about 15-20 minutes I had my first joint done.It was a very tight and precise joint.The directions were extremely easy to follow. Great jig and great directions..