kitchen jigs and router

[scotty 82]

hello, i'm thinking about getting myself a kitchen worktop jig the unika 700mm contract jig and the hitachi m12ve router. i'm just woundering if anyone has used them before and would you recommend them to be used together. i have used routers and jigs before but only ever makita from hire shops! thanks

[royaloakcarpentry]

Unika are ok for a budget jig, not a clue about Hitachi router.

I use Trend jigs mainly but do have a few Unika ones, I also use Trend routers.

[big-all]

i have the old hitachi and its absolutly fine although not shure if it has a 30mm bush

[joinerjohn]

As RoyalOak says, Trend jigs are probably the best. I prefer my Elu router though. But each to his own
I suppose any good 1/2" router will do, just as long as you use a new router bit in it. I like the Trend bits with replaceable blades. Work out far cheaper in the long run than buying the contract sets.

PS, with the contract sets, I usually keep a couple of old bits for routing the holes for the dogbones to go in. (worktop bolts)

[scotty 82]

thanks for the advice looks like the trent jig for me then.

what trent jig would you recommand i get cos only do about 2 worktop joints a year so don't want to be spending loads.

cheers

[Colour Republic]

if you only do 2 a year I would unika

Or if you're feeling flush then I can't fault mine, although I got it at £250 just before the price went up
http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/product/C ... 000mm.html

One thing I am disappointed with is the trend carry case I bought for it, £25 and no pockets for guides, what the hell is that all about!!!!

[royaloakcarpentry]

Same as my large jig, that one.................I don't put it in a gentlemans sponge bag though lol.

[fin]

i always hire a jig and router but may look to buy as hire costs are a bit daft.

id look at the trend jig as they all seem fairly decent. the ones i hire have a replaceable insert (i guess it makes sense for a hire jig) not anything like that trend one linked though unfortunately. just a basic jig.

i prefer the dewalt or elu 1/2 inch routers. ive used the hitachi one but for me the controls seem to be slightly awkward compared to the dewalt model. (for example im sure the switch goes the oposite way. and feels wrong. though it could be because its an ancient hire machine like lol)

[Blakey]

I use the Dewalt DW626 router, and the Trend Combi1002 jig, I have loaned both to a friend who earns his crust fitting kitchens, thought the router was great, liked the jig once he got used to it.

Blakey

[marc1106]

i have the WHITE trend jig bout half the cost of the others and just as good, but having said that i still use my old screwfix jig most days!

[fin]

the trend jig i use from the hire shops is slightly different from any on the trend site in that the inner part is replaceable. having looked on the trend site just now whats the craik with the cheapest jig. that must be a pita to set up for the joining bolts???

the white one. it comes with plastic guide bushes instead of the alloy ones. what are they like? easily lost? are they a tight fit?

obviously its gonna be a lot different but i remember once using a cheapo jig (toolstation special sh*t make???) the plastic bushes werent a decent fit. and the jig no matter how tight i clamped it would still move. it went in the skip and i hired one in the end and have done so ever since.

[marc1106]

the trend jig i use from the hire shops is slightly different from any on the trend site in that the inner part is replaceable. having looked on the trend site just now whats the craik with the cheapest jig. that must be a pita to set up for the joining bolts???

the white one. it comes with plastic guide bushes instead of the alloy ones. what are they like? easily lost? are they a tight fit?

obviously its gonna be a lot different but i remember once using a cheapo jig (toolstation special sh*t make???) the plastic bushes werent a decent fit. and the jig no matter how tight i clamped it would still move. it went in the skip and i hired one in the end and have done so ever since.

sorry Fin but only a numpty (NO OFFENCE MEANT ) losses their jig pegs!

seriously though its half the price of the combi jig the plastic pegs are tappered so they are nice and snug and although the bush guide isnt replacable it is a great bit of kit! not sure why you think itd b a PITA to set up for bolt holes though!?

[fin]

i meant the cheapest jig they do. it just has 1 joining bolt hole. not the white one you said you own.

think that ones like £120 whereas the cheapest is like £60 odd

[marc1106]

i meant the cheapest jig they do. it just has 1 joining bolt hole. not the white one you said you own.

think that ones like £120 whereas the cheapest is like £60 odd

oh i didnt know trend made one like that, my mate grabbed one of them from screwfix as he'd forgotten his own. gave it to me to use for a laugh MAJOR PITA measuring every slot position and all that jazz!

[fin]

lol i thought itd be twatfull to use.

the trend jigs ive used have 3 pegs (alloy type) how many plastic pegs do you need to use with the one you own?