The PORTER-CABLE 4216 is fundamentally the same as the 4212 except it comes with an extra template ideal for making much smaller cuts.
Coming fully assembled, you won’t need to mess around when your package arrives, you’ll get everything you need included except for the router. Check out our study of the best routers right here if you don’t already have one in your workshop.
Before we dive down in a bit more depth, here’s a snapshot of the core features of the 4216…
If you frequently carry out a lot of dovetailing work and you want to get this done quickly without sacrificing precision, the PORTER-CABLE 4216 is a smart bet.
You’ll be able to work with material from ¼-inch right through to 1 1/8-inch at the upper end giving you a great deal of flexibility.
Unlike many less complete packages, you’ll get everything you need thrown in except that router. Assuming you have the correct adapter and collet, the 4216 is compatible with any router on the market widening your choice out completely.
Along with the base and 4 router bits so you’re ready to roll, you’ll get the following templates:
- Template for half-blind, sliding dovetail and rabbeted half-blind joints
- Template for miniature throughs, miniature box joints and half-blind dovetail joints
- Template for through-dovetail joints and box joints
4 template guides, supports nuts and bolts are also thrown in.
These templates allow you to get creative with a full gamut of joints ideal for even more ambitious projects. Made from machined aluminum, they might look fragile but they’re built to stay the distance.
Like any new power tool, looking at the PORTER-CABLE might intimidate a beginner. Creating precision joints is also not a task for a complete beginner. Assuming you’ve got some basic skills in place, though, take your time to read the instruction manual thoroughly and you shouldn’t have any problem with this user-friendly piece of kit.
Indeed, it’s the ease of use and the fact this tool comes fully assembled that seem to be the key selling points for the legion of satisfied users delighted to have added this jig to their workshop.
Build quality is first rate with the base constructed from a single piece of stainless steel.
Cam-type clamps are remarkably heavy-duty and come with sandpaper backing on the locking bars so you’ll get a sure grip on any work-piece.
The proprietary alignment and holding system lets you line up your material with ease then lock them in place with the security of those clamps so you can focus on your work without fear of instability.
Another leading benefit of this endearingly popular dovetail jig is the way you can set the bit depth without needing to fiddle around measuring up. This comes in especially handy if you’re working on larger projects as the time you’ll save adds up over the course of a day.
Although this jig comes assembled, there are a number of complex pieces bundled so take the time to read through the comprehensive manual so you get a clear idea of what’s what before trying to steam ahead with some joints.
The 3-year warranty is class-leading and PORTER-CABLE take things a stage further. You’ll also benefit from protection against any parts that wear out during the first year, even if this is due to normal wear and tear. Customer service is responsive and helpful so you’re in safe hands every step of the way.
Take a look at the principal advantages and drawbacks so you can see at a glance whether this dovetail jig makes the right fit for your requirements…