Katie Jig Testimonials & Project Photos

I'm a professional furnituremaker in the Seattle area and rarely make drawers that are not dovetailed. I have used a variety of dovetail machines over the years (once having mastered making excellent dovetails by hand) from the old comb style right up through the OmniJig and Keller or more recent years. After taking a close look at the Katie Jig I immediately bought one, that was in 1997. I do believe the other dovetail jigs in the shop have now collected approximately three years of dust. I actually feel guilty about selling them to someone when I know the best one for any woodworker, novice or pro, is the Katie Jig. I have since added the box joint fingers, and just recently bought the new 7/16" version. For through dovetails I didn't think anybody would beat out the Keller Jig for quality and simplicity. You've got the better mousetrap--and you keep making it better. Thanks for a great product.
George Woodruff
Puyallup, WA

The following comments are from Bob Resconsin, a professional furniture builder:

" I have used many dovetail jigs including the Leigh and the Omni Jig and can honestly say that they both make nice dovetails, but both are very, very intimidating to set up. On the other hand the Katie Jig is an absolute snap and a joy to use. I am going to attach a photo of a curley maple blanket chest that I recently dovetailed with the Katie Jig. Thank you for a fine product."

Bob Resconsin

And more blanket chest builders with photographs:

I am attaching several pictures of a blanket chest that my wife, Dawn, and I made as a wedding present for some very special friends. This is the first piece of furniture we have built and are very excited about how the project turned out. The dovetails were cut with the Katie Jig, it performed flawlessly. I can not say enough good things about the Katie Jig or the customer service that has followed it. The design and dimensions of the box construction are courtesy of Bob Resconsin (he was so kind and helpful to answer many questions).

Thanks Again,
Ray and Dawn Lovell


(Click on the small images to see larger images of the chest.)

Marc Canevari has this to say:

"I just want to pass along to you how happy I am with your product. The jig is very simple in design, straight forward to use, and is accurate right out of the box as advertised. I adjusted the spacing of the guides, set the depth of the router bits, clamped the stock in the jig and cut snug fitting joints the very first time."

"This is the only adjustable jig I have used that gives absolutely flat surfaces across the guide fingers. I experienced no wobble on top of the fingers when cutting with the routers. With both the Leigh and Omni jigs the fingers are much smaller and they don't lay flat. The bottom side of the fingers are also dead flat and makes setting up the stock in the jig a snap."

"Again, with the other jigs I always had an uneven surface to set the stock against when clamping it in the jig. I would consistently cut drawers that would not lay flat. The first drawer I built with the Katie jig measured 7" high by 43" wide by 21" deep and it came out perfectly square and flat. When that drawer is closed in the case the face flushes out perfectly in the case."

"Now I'm not saying your jig built the drawer all on it's own, but it is nice to use a tool that can cut a joint as precise as I'm willing to lay it out."

"You have a fine product and I'm more than pleased with my initial test and use results."

The following comments are from Ken Siu, a full time engineer and a part time cabinet maker. He tells us that "My real interest is in furniture making - trying to find my niche." Ken has the 5/8" Katie Jig System and the Blanket Chest Kit:

"I have found the jig pretty easy to use. It is by far the easiest of the ones I've tried - Leigh, Omnijig, Jointech. Where it shines the most is the router table use for 3/4 inch drawers sides. That is where it's logged most of its time."

We operate a small cabinet shop. The cabinet business is very competitive. Several months ago we decided to target the high end market of cabinets. Of coarse we needed to produce a better product. One of the improvements are dovetailed drawers. After some research, we agreed on the Katie Jig. For two main reasons, first, with a two router system, it is setup as a small production line, and second, the price, even with additional purchase of two routers and a table, stayed under $1000.00 dollars.

We are now on our third run of high end cabinets, and have no regrets on purchasing a Katie Jig system. The Katie Jig is closing the gap between time consuming single dovetail jigs and very expensive production machines.

Udo Schmidt
Custom Doors and Cabinets
Fanklin NC

And more from Mr. Schmidt:

I have been using your jig for several month[s] and think it's the only way to go.

Good Job!! I'm the envy of the Woodworker's Club in Springfield, VA.
I'm sure more orders will follow.
Good chatting with you.
Jim M.

Paul Mormile writes:

"Thanks you, Thank you, Thank you. I bought the Katie jig last month and with a little practice I'm cutting beautiful dovetails. The jig sets up in just minutes and with two routers I can have a box dovetailed in 15-20 minutes. I sell music boxes up to cedar chest. People really take to the dovetail, it shows quality work and the look to blend in with antiques. If my sales keep up like this my katie jig should pay itself off in a couple weeks. Thanks again"

Jay Whyte has this to say:

When I was forced to put variable spaced dovetails on boards that were 45 inches long and 26 inches wide, my other two jigs were not even an option. After researching every option available, I ultimately decided on the Katie Jig because of its great reviews. Once I put the jig to use, it became apparent to me that this is without a doubt the best and most productive jig of its kind. This will be a regular tool in my shop, and I can only wish more companies would take this kind of pride in their work. The jig works beautifully. Thanks.

Superior - better than described!! Nothing could be easier to use. A hobbiest wood worker who has tried (owned) another jig - could never get it calibrated! The Katie Jig can not be over rated.

Richard D. Zommerman

Sage, commissioned furniture builder has this to say:

"I received the Katie Jig in record time. It looks great! It works outstanding."

The boxes below were created by Bob Chastain as he was testing the Katie Jig Jr.

(Click on the small images to see larger images of the boxes.)

Have a photo of a project that you've done or an experience with your Katie Jig System that you'd like to share with us? .