Hand-cut dovetails versus router jigs, what I gave up

Ngl, I learned dovetails by hand in 1998 with a dozuki saw and a chisel that was way too dull. Took me like 45 minutes per corner and they were never perfect but man I felt good. Now I use a Leigh jig and knock out a drawer in 10 minutes flat. Has anyone else gone back to hand cutting for small custom jobs or am I just being nostalgic?

2 comments

2 Comments

patricialee3d ago

Used to think jigs were cheating. Switched to Leigh and never looked back.

the_tessa3d ago

Had a similar change of heart. Thought they took the skill out of it. Once I saw how clean and fast the joints were I shut up real quick.