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One really good indicator of tool quality is the opinion of its users, which is why I decided to test the Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig. I have always toyed with building, but as my home ages, I’ve decided to get serious about woodworking in order to collect the tools and develop the skills to build new cabinets. One of my bigger concerns was constructing acceptable dovetail joints for the drawers.
Well-made dovetails are strong and durable, but they’re complicated. Since I don’t have the time or patience to measure, mark, and cut dovetails by hand, I spent an afternoon researching dovetail router jigs to work with my router. The Porter-Cable jig kept popping up on discussion boards and review channels as one of the easiest to set up and use for a variety of joints, and it was said to be one of the most durable options. Although it may not be perfect for everyone, I am happy to report that it has worked for me exactly as expected. In this review, I will share the pros and cons that I’ve encountered while testing this tool, and why I am glad that I chose the Porter-Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig.
Porter-Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig: At a Glance
Our rating: 4.8/5
Top Pick
Porter-Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig
| Porter-Cable 4216 Dovetail Jig Specs | |
| Maximum board width | 12 inches |
| Maximum board thickness | 1⅛ inch |
| Number of templates | Three |
| Joint types | Through, half-blind, and sliding dovetails, box joints, mini dovetails |
| Accessories | Four template guide collars, four router bits |
Testing the Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig
The jig includes a base unit that mounts on the edge of the bench with four bolts (not included). Since I don’t have enough shop space for a permanent dovetail station, I mounted the jig on a 2×12 board that I clamp to the workbench or a set of sawhorses. This allowed me to store the unit out of the way when not in use.
Porter-Cable offers different dovetail jig kit combinations that include the base unit with one, two, or three aluminum router templates. This “Deluxe” model 4216 includes all three: one for half-blind and sliding dovetails, one for through dovetails and box joints, and one for miniature dovetails. It also comes with four router bits (one straight and one dovetail bit with ½-inch shanks, and one each with ¼-inch shanks) and the proper router guide bushing to use with each bit.
After comparing an early test comparison for a guide to the best dovetail jigs, I spent 3 months working with the Porter-Cable dovetail jig in my workshop. I made every type of joint out of scrap lumber, plywood, and synthetic sheet materials, experimenting with different material thicknesses and router bit speeds. In addition to learning how to make acceptable joints, I want to become competent at troubleshooting and fine-tuning the adjustments before I dive into a big cabinetry project.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Durable steel and aluminum construction | Fixed fingers are incompatible with custom dovetail work |
| Includes templates for a variety of joints | Some may only need one or two of the three templates |
| Designed for fast, accurate, repeatable joints | |
| Cuts up to 12 inches wide |
Testing the Porter-Cable 12-inch Dovetail Jig
When it comes to build quality, accuracy, consistency, and convenience, the Porter-Cable 4216 deluxe dovetail jig checks all the boxes. It includes everything needed to create most dovetail subtypes in workpieces up to 12 inches wide and 1⅛ inch thick.
As noted, this Porter-Cable 12-inch dovetail jig includes aluminum templates for half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, through, and sliding dovetails, as well as box joints and a mini dovetail/box joint jig. The adjustable edge guides ensure consistently accurate board placement, and the sandpaper-backed cam-type clamps quickly secure boards in place. The jig also includes built-in adjustable router bit depth stops to eliminate measurement errors.
Although the Porter-Cable 4216 kit appeared complex during unboxing, I found the instructions fairly clear. After reading the manual and watching a couple of short user videos, it only took about 15 minutes to assemble and adjust the jig and set up our router to start cutting. The results could not have been better—a perfect through dovetail joint on the first try. I ended up testing all three of the reversible templates and made joints with woods of both equal and unequal thickness. Resetting the jig required close attention to several critical details, but following the directions each time led to nice snug joints.
Lots of Moving Parts, But Easy to Set Up and Adjust
By carefully following the printed and illustrated instructions that came with the kit, it was fairly easy to get started; in fact, even my very first joint went together without a hitch. I used four carriage bolts to attach the jig base to my 2×12 portable benchtop, and then clamped the 2×12 onto my workbench. From this point, it was a matter of installing a router template onto the jig body and a router bit and guide collar into the router.
This unit is made for easily repeatable routering, and the key to success is adjusting it properly. Several moving parts come into play that may seem intimidating at first. With a little bit of practice, though, it all makes sense. My standard procedure is to clamp sample workpieces into the cams, position the router template for accurate placement of the dovetails or pins, and lock it in place. Then, I center the workpiece and tighten the left offset guide, which allows for quick, accurate placement of successive pieces. Lastly, I install the correct router template collar and router bit.
Certain features make this process go quickly without marking or measuring on the Porter-Cable. The jig body uses single-lever cam clamps to secure horizontal and vertical workpieces. Matching pins and tails router templates are on opposing sides of the same templates—simply unlock the template from the base and rotate it 180 degrees to complete the project. The router template mounting system on the jig base includes a set of brass nuts that can be threaded in or out to change the depth of the cut. Also, the jig templates include alignment lines and router bit depth gauges to speed up setup without needing to measure. The ease of adjustment meant I got perfectly matched dovetails every time.
Includes Templates for Different Joint Types and Material Thicknesses
The Porter-Cable 4216 is one of the best, most comprehensive dovetail jigs when productivity matters. It’s true that it is not fully adjustable, since the fingers on the templates are fixed in place, but the included templates give it a good amount of versatility for working with different material dimensions. To me, the regular dovetail template and the half-blind/sliding dovetail template make joints that look best in workpieces thicker than ½ inch, and the miniature template makes attractive joints in thinner materials down to about ¼ inch thick.
This system works with boards up to 12 inches wide, but not every width within that range will look as good as those that are “optimal.” Because of the fixed template fingers and how that translates to centering the board on the template, the two regular templates work best with board widths in 1-inch plus ¼ inch increments (for example, 11⁄4 inch wide, 2¼ inches wide, 3¼ inches wide). Optimal board widths for the mini template are 1-inch plus ⅛ inch increments (1⅛ inches wide, 2⅛ inches wide). Although they will work in the templates, other board widths are less attractive because of the irregular cutoff points.
Low Learning Curve for Quality Results
When I say that this system was “fairly” easy to get started, that is to say I was able to follow the instructions and make a passable through dovetail joint on the first try. I did not feel confident that I could just look at the parts, assemble the jig, and start making dovetails. I read the instructions completely before I started to assemble anything. Different users might have varying experiences with the instructions depending on their existing knowledge and skill levels. I thought they were clearly written and well illustrated.
After the first attempt, since I was still working with scrap wood, I was confident to work my way through the other templates. I ran into some minor problems with tear out while working with hardwood plywood. Most of the problem areas were hidden within the assembled joint, but enough was exposed that I wanted to find a fix.
The instructions suggested clamping a scrap over the workpiece for added support. This helped. Other woodworkers suggested using the router to “climb cut” part of the way through before finishing off the piece in the normal direction. This technique also helped, but must be done with extra caution to maintain firm contact between the router collar and the template at all times.
Built Like a Tank But Won’t Break the Bank
Based on the research and testing I did for our guide to the best dovetail jigs, I believe that the Porter-Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig is one of the best jigs overall—and it also happens to offer one of the best values. Of course, options are available to buy the base with only the needed templates for those who don’t require all three templates. The design makes it easy for beginners to accurately cut a variety of standard dovetail joints, while the heavy-duty steel and aluminum components are strong and durable to withstand many years of regular use. The $200 price tag is fair, and quite a bit less than other premium dovetail jigs.
Buy the Porter-Cable 4216 Deluxe Dovetail Jig on:
Product Comparisons
| Porter-Cable 4216 | Rockler 22818 See our review. | Leigh RTJ400See our review. | General Tools 861See our review. | Keller 135-1500See our review. | |
| Maximum board width | 12 inches | 11 inches | 16 inches | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Maximum board thickness | 1⅛ inch | 1⅛ inch | 1 inch | 1 inch | ¾ inch |
| Number of templates | Three | Two | One | One | One |
| Joint types | Through, half-blind, and sliding dovetails, box joints, mini dovetails | Through and half-blind dovetails | Through and half-blind dovetails, box joints | Through and half-blind dovetails, box joints | Through dovetails |
| Accessories | Four router bits, 4 template guide collars | Three router bits, collet, template guide collar | Four router bits, elliptical guide bushing | One router bit | Two router bits |
| Price | $199.99 | $199.99 | $439.00 | $43.68 | $187.99 |
So, is the Porter-Cable Deluxe Dovetail Jig right for you?
As I get ready to build my new cabinets, I’m glad I followed the positive user ratings to find this system. The Porter-Cable dovetail jig will allow me to spend a fraction of the time constructing strong drawer boxes that I would have spent cutting the joints by hand. It was easy to get started, and the system eliminates most of the variables that could lead to sloppy work.
I really like this tool, but it does have some limitations. The system is big and bulky, so anyone with a small workshop will need to come up with a plan for storage when it’s not in use. And it’s not really an option for those who want to make beautiful custom dovetail joints.
Still, for me, the Porter-Cable 4216 is the right tool for cutting dovetails most of the time. When it comes to cutting out the parts for a dozen identical drawers, I won’t waste time measuring and marking the parts, and I will only have to adjust it a few times. This is a really good production tool that allows users to produce consistently good joints, which is exactly what I needed.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer, product tester, and serial DIYer who lives in an older home. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his home, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about hand and power tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor living goods.
