Let’s see, the former Leigh FMT (Frame Mortise & Tenon Jig) is now the Leigh FMT Pro, and the new “low-cost” version is the Leigh Super FMT, shown above. The $849.99 (from Highland Woodworking, router not incluced) FMT Pro, shown below, uses aluminum extrusions, while the $399.99 (also from Highland Woodworking, router still not included) Super uses CNC punched steel plate. Both versions claim to do “over 70 standard joints,” handle a large variety of routers, and have similar accessories. The FMT Pro has built-in dust collection with two adapters, but the Super FMT requires an optional two-adapter vacuum box.
Is this worth it if you do a lot of mortises and tenons? Have any Toolmongers used either one of these? Are there reasonable alternatives?
Leigh Super FMT [Manufacturer's Site]
Leigh FMT Pro [Manufacturer's Site]
Leigh Jig Comparison [pdf]
Leigh FMT Via Amazon [What’s This?]
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
9 Responses to Hot Or Not? Leigh Super FMT
Leave a Reply
TM on Flickr
![RICH-CON No. 2 [shows Logo on side of plane]](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7230831382_240f44f2f4_s.jpg)
Recent Comments
{ He should produce it in small quantities,their is so much demand ,but little in the way of products for the disabled.A little reminder,665 confirmed child... } – May 21, 2:06 PM
{ Note the similarity to the Wilton: http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-11127-Opening-Utility-Workshop/dp/B0008JF9PO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1337607288&sr=1-2 @ $100.30 Guess I'll go for the Sears. The Amazon price is beter then a lot on E-bay... } – May 21, 7:40 AM
{ If you need an old vice, there are many on ebay! } – May 19, 6:08 PM
{ I have had little experience with Honda although people I know who own them swear by them. I have owned and used B&S powered lawn... } – May 19, 3:53 PM
{ Not having a starter on my Tiller is BS! I have one on my Snow blower and it works like a champ! No battery just... } – May 19, 2:37 PM
i dont know the ins and outs of these, but router-based mortise&tenoning jig designs are a dime a dozen and you could build something that probably works just as well for much less than 10% of the price. i know that my loose tenoning mortise jig (build from particle board) cost about 50 cents, not including the clamps that are required, and works great for 90º cuts.
if i was a cabinet shop i might have a different opinion, but then i’d also have more $ to blow… but then i’d probably also have a hollow chisel mortiser and a table saw tenon jig.
I’ve been able to use one of these before. They are AMAZINGLY capable–but most of those capabilities are pretty advanced (double tenons on a compound angle, anyone?)
A NOT for home woodworkers: a tenoning jig and dovetail setup will suffice.
A NOT for cabinet shops: If you’ve got the time to use this…you should be out selling jobs.
A HOT for furniture guys: this thing is almost indispensable for chairmaking.
Dave P, what do you mean by a tenoning jig and a dovetail setup? Those are two different joints.
I’ve also used one before and liked it a lot. Most home woodworkers make furniture, don’t they? All the ones I know do. I guess it comes down to whether you can afford one and think you “need” it.
Anything you can do with these jigs, you can do with rip and xcut saw, a chisel or two and a shoulder plane. Just depends on how you like to build.
I think if I was going to drool over a jig like that I would be drooling over one of those Multi-Router jigs
http://jdstools.com/multi-routeroverview.aspx
I would agree that these are very specific for furniture makers. I don’t make a lot of chairs, or other large furniture so i don’t own one. However, i do use a dovetail jig that is indispensable. these can replace many tools in the shot. Everyone who watches woodworks (re-runs) wants the multi-router,,,well this is like that concept but makes more joints and easier.
ShopMonger
Re:
shopmonger Says:
Everyone who watches woodworks (re-runs) wants the multi-router,,,well this is like that concept but makes more joints and easier.
—–
I would love to see a comparison between these tools (Multi-Router vs Leigh FMT Pro) with the Woodrat thrown into the mix as well.
(http://woodrat.com/)
If you have knowledge of such a review, please share.
Re PutnamEco says:
I would love to see a comparison between these tools (Multi-Router vs Leigh FMT Pro) with the Woodrat thrown into the mix as well.
(http://woodrat.com/)
If you have knowledge of such a review, please share.
Here ya go (I’m pretty sure it included the woodrat, but it did include mortisers, slot mortisers, fmt, and the multirouter):
http://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuidePDF.aspx?id=32530
In the past I used the hollow chisel and tenoning jig for the table saw. Setup was always a pain. I could never get anything done fast so I never used it. Then I bought the FMT which I use all the time.
Once you get the hang of the tool, you find all sorts of other uses that you wouldn’t have previously considered – large and small. My current project is building a number of jewellery boxes. The sides of theses boxes aren’t flush with each other, so M&T’s are a great way to securely connect the pieces together. Setup was dead simple and milling out the pieces takes no time at all. In the end I have strong, perfect fitting joints.
I would highly recommend the tool.
PutnamEco: I purchased the woodrat before I bought the FMT. Far too complicated. I returned it and bought the FMT.
Putnameco and Gary, that is awesome, so true, these are great examples of tools that have little differences and would be hard to choose which one to get.
Shopmonger