Introducing the Leigh TD330 Through Dovetail Jig

Quick and simple to use, Leigh's TD330 Through Dovetail Jig will create classic through dovetails. This makes it perfect if you want to build boxes, drawers, and cabinets, for example. Use to create a wide range of joinery products such as toy boxes, desktop drawer units, stacking utility boxes or kitchen counter cabinets and much more!

What is a Dovetail Joint?

Made up of two boards with interlocking tails, (similar to a dove's tail) and routed pins, these are fitted together to create a corner joint. See the image below for a visual representation of a through dovetail joint.

What is a Dovetail Joint

Simple Jig Operation

Routing through dovetail joints on the Leigh TD330 jig is straightforward and simple.

  • Firstly, rout the tails using the included 8° carbide tipped dovetail bit.
  • Next, rout the pins. Matching pin boards are routed with the included 1/2" carbide tipped straight bit.
    Please note: Pin and tail boards may be different thicknesses. For example, you could have a deep cutting depth with a thick pin board and a thin tail board. Alternatively, you could have a shallow cutting depth, thin pin board and a thick tail board. Likewise, you could have a deep cutting depth with the same thickness of both the pin and tail boards.
  • Next, assemble the joint, and adjust for fit, if necessary.
  • For perfect board edge alignment, the adjustable side stop positions the tail and pin boards.
joining differing board thicknesses

Features & Benefits

  • Firstly, the shape of the tails and pins in the joint make it nearly impossible to break. Glue is used to strengthen the joint; no screws or fasteners are necessary.
  • Secondly, make joints in boards of various sizes. The TD330 Through Dovetail Jig makes through dovetails in a wide range of cutting depths; board thicknesses range from 1/8"(3.2mm) to 13/16"(20.6mm) and board widths from 1-1/4"(32mm) up to 12-7/8"(327mm).
  • For convenience, it is possible to join pin and tail boards of different thicknesses.
  • Furthermore, a patented Leigh e10 eBush guides the router with installed bit in and around the comb of the template to rout the dovetails. The unique elliptical design of the e10 eBush barrel, 5/8" nominal OD, allows extremely fine fit adjustments. This allows you to make joint fit adjustments in increments of 0.001"(0.025mm). A quick turn of the eBush changes its active diameter which results in a tighter or looser fit.
  • Next, the template is made from strong 30% glass filled nylon. It is then machined to precise tolerances for increased durability.
  • For flexibility, the TD330 Through Dovetail Jig is ideal for both router table and portable workbench use. It can also be used on a workbench with a vice. This provides quick and easy routing of through dovetail joints.
  • The jig comes with two 1/2"(12.7mm) shank Leigh branded carbide tipped router bits; 1/2" 8° dovetail bit and 1/2" straight bit.
  • For ease of reference, all jig functions are detailed in the fully illustrated user guide and the instructional video available online. To view these, click here.
completed work pieces

User Made Beam

It is possible to make a simple beam and attach the TD330 Template and side stops to it.
Suggested beam material: Two pieces of 3/4"(19mm) MDF laminated together, or commonly used 2x4.
Beam dimensions: 1-1/2"(38mm) x 3-1/2"(90mm) x 19"(480mm).

Router Requirements

Handheld Router
For an impressive power to weight ratio, Leigh recommends a midsized router, from 1-1/2 to 2-14 HP (9-13 amps) with a 1/2" collet. Choose from a fixed base router or plunge router. With handles mounted to the router base rather than the motor, fixed base routers have a lower centre of gravity. However, if you are confident using a plunge router, this will work equally as well. A plunge router is recommended for Isoloc Templates and is required for the M2 attachment.

Adaptors for your router
The Leigh Through Dovetail Jig requires a router fitted with the Leigh e10 guide bushing. For a range of guide bushing adaptors to fit the most common routers, please see here.


Router Table
The Leigh Through Dovetail Jig is guided around a guide bushing, mounted in the router table. As Leigh guide bushings, known as eBushes, are designed around the Black & Decker/ Porter Cable industry standard you'll need to use an insert ring. The ring will fit the eBush to your router table or router plate. To fit the eBush to your router table insert plate, you need a 1-3/8" diameter counterbore insert ring. We suggest that you check with your router table or router plate (router lift) manufacturer, as to what adaptation, if any, is required.

Discover more…

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we've got plenty of other Leigh related Knowledge articles. Why not take a look at our Leigh Dovetail Super Jigs article which covers a range of models including 12″, 18″ and 24″ versions. Versatile and meeting the needs of every woodworker, the Leigh Dovetail Super Jigs tick all of the boxes when it comes to achieving more!

Next, the Leigh D4R Pro Dovetail Jig, your work will take on the unmistakable look of a craftsman. As the most user-friendly dovetail jig available, the jig allows you to create perfect dovetail joints of all kinds. Moreover, if you're looking to buy a router, it's important to also consider a number of other factors. These include switch location, ergonomics, a good plunge mechanism and simple, accurate adjustment of bit height.
Interested in learning more about routing? Axminster offer a range of Routing Courses which will introduce you to a variety of skills; simply choose your course today! Alternatively, pop into any of our Axminster stores to see our range of jigs from leading brands.


Get in touch!

Finally, if you’ve bought any Leigh products, we’d love to hear from you. Comment below or get in touch via our social media platforms. Find us on Facebook or connect with us on Instagram using #leigh to @AxminsterTools.