Multi Table v Leigh M&T

I have the Leigh Mortise & Tenon jig- the steel version. Previously the multi table was considered the versatile, more expensive option for router cut M&T, but I think CNC setups are the current choice. Similarly Dominos became popular for their speed & ease of use at the other end of the spectrum.

The Leigh can cut square tenons (with optional templates) but I believe you need to chisel their mortises square. I don’t think it can do box joints at all. For that you’d need the Leigh dovetail jig with the finger joint template. Same thing for mortise & tenons thou a panel (like a bookcase side)- you’d need the dovetail jig with the M2 Multiple Mortise & Tenon Attachment. You can find Leigh jigs at good prices on the used market as woodworkers age out of the hobby or update their commercial shops and given the simple, well made designs are pretty easy to judge their condition used.

-- Just a Duffer

I have the Leigh FMT Pro. I wrote a review of it. Everyone has their favorite system. Would I buy the FMT Pro again? With options like the Domino and Shaper Origin, I would have to do some serious research. I know a lot more about what I want in a joint making tool after using the FMT Pro for a while now.

You might want to take a hard look at the Shaper Origin too. MLCS or Infinity Tools might have something like the Multi-Table. There are probably some other versions out there as well.

-- Earl "I'm a pessamist - generally that increases the chance that things will turn out better than expected"

Thank you gentleman for the opines. I’ve though the Shaper is a bit complicated to learn, but I will take another look!

I have the Leigh FMT, but since getting a Domino, it’s sat on a shelf.

A factor to keep in mind is that the FMT does its cutting with the board clamped vertically, which limits the maximum length you can work with. The Multirouter and Pantorouter don’t have that problem.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

Yes, the Dominio is a game changer. I have worked w one a few times. Fast, fun, easy! But it wouldn’t suffice for through or decorative tenon work is what I’m thinking. I do intend on buying one in any event.

Yes, the Dominio is a game changer. I have worked w one a few times. Fast, fun, easy! But it wouldn’t suffice for through or decorative tenon work is what I’m thinking. I do intend on buying one in any event.

- SportinWood

I wasn’t suggesting the Domino. I meant that I had the Leigh and explained its limitation with the length of the workpiece. The horizontal machines like the Multirouter and Pantorouter don’t have that limitation.

BTW, the Domino will do through and decorative joints. You can buy mahogany (Brazilian) dominos and it’s also possible to mill your own from any wood you want, and there are tricks to vary the size if you need that.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

Joint making tool. You didn’t mention budget, so.

https://www.woodpeck.com/multi-router-group.html

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!

Alaskan Guy,
Thanks for the clarification. I hadn’t realized I could do through tenons w the domino. Also, pointing out the differences between the Leigh and multi routers was very helpful as I didn’t know that!
I came to the right place!

Alaskan Guy,
Thanks for the clarification. I hadn’t realized I could do through tenons w the domino. Also, pointing out the differences between the Leigh and multi routers was very helpful as I didn’t know that!
I came to the right place!

- SportinWood

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!

I have the FMT pro as well, and think it is one of the better designs for such a jig on the market. It got used quite a bit…until I bought a Domino. It’s so much easier to use that in most cases it gets first call. I suspect my FT hasn’t been used in a couple of years. Absolutely no experience with the Multi Table.

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.