PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig vs CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig
Both made our Best Dovetail Jig 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig if you want covers through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints in one jig -- the most versatile. Choose the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig if you'd rather have extendable rail system handles wide carcases and table aprons beyond the base capacity. Overall we rank the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Dovetail Jig 2026 list.
Winner overall: PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig
PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig vs CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Dovetail Jig 2026 | #2 of 8 in Best Dovetail Jig 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Premium |
| Brand | Porter-Cable | CMT |
| Key features | Through and half-blind dovetails; Box joints; 12-inch capacity | Through and half-blind dovetails, box joints; Wide capacity via extendable rails; Italian-engineered aluminum body |
| Biggest strength | Covers through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints in one jig -- the most versatile | Extendable rail system handles wide carcases and table aprons beyond the base capacity |
| Main trade-off | Setup time is longer than simpler single-purpose jigs | Significant learning curve before producing consistent joints |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | buyers who want the best overall package |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig if…
- Covers through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints in one jig -- the most versatile
- 12-inch capacity handles standard drawer box and case side widths
- Porter-Cable 4216 is the most commonly recommended production dovetail jig by cabinet makers
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig section.
#2 pick · Best Premium
Choose the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig if…
- Extendable rail system handles wide carcases and table aprons beyond the base capacity
- Italian CMT engineering with tight template tolerances
- CMT jigs are used by professional furniture makers who cut dovetails daily
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig section.
Pros and cons of each
PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig
Pros
- Covers through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints in one jig -- the most versatile
- 12-inch capacity handles standard drawer box and case side widths
- Porter-Cable 4216 is the most commonly recommended production dovetail jig by cabinet makers
- Solid aluminum construction -- withstands daily production use
Cons
- Setup time is longer than simpler single-purpose jigs
- Requires the correct router bits -- sold separately
CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig
Pros
- Extendable rail system handles wide carcases and table aprons beyond the base capacity
- Italian CMT engineering with tight template tolerances
- CMT jigs are used by professional furniture makers who cut dovetails daily
- One universal jig body covers through, half-blind, and box joint templates
Cons
- Significant learning curve before producing consistent joints
PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig vs CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig: common questions
Which is better, the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig or the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig?
Choose the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig if you want covers through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints in one jig -- the most versatile. Choose the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig if you'd rather have extendable rail system handles wide carcases and table aprons beyond the base capacity. Overall we rank the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Dovetail Jig 2026 list.
What is the difference between the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig and the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig?
The PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig stands out because covers through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints in one jig -- the most versatile, while the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig stands out because extendable rail system handles wide carcases and table aprons beyond the base capacity. The trade-offs differ too: the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig's main caveat is that setup time is longer than simpler single-purpose jigs, and the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig's is that significant learning curve before producing consistent joints.
Is the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig worth it over the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig instead if setup time is longer than simpler single-purpose jigs is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig instead of the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig?
The CMT300 Universal Dovetail Jig suits buyers who want the best overall package, while the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig is best for buyers who want the best overall package.