PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig vs General Tools 861 E-Z Pro
Both made our Best Dovetail Jig 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. 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 General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig if you'd rather have 12-inch capacity at a significantly lower price than premium jigs. Overall we rank the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Dovetail Jig 2026 list.
Winner overall: PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig
PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig vs General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Dovetail Jig 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Dovetail Jig 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Mid Range |
| Brand | Porter-Cable | General Tools |
| Key features | Through and half-blind dovetails; Box joints; 12-inch capacity | Half-blind, through, and edge-to-edge joints; 12-inch capacity; Integrated clamps |
| Biggest strength | Covers through dovetails, half-blind dovetails, and box joints in one jig -- the most versatile | 12-inch capacity at a significantly lower price than premium jigs |
| Main trade-off | Setup time is longer than simpler single-purpose jigs | Fixed spacing -- cannot adjust pin and tail spacing |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
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 General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig section.
#3 pick · Best Mid Range
Choose the General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig if…
- 12-inch capacity at a significantly lower price than premium jigs
- Integrated clamps hold the workpiece without bolting the jig to a bench
- Half-blind, through dovetail, and edge-to-edge joints in one jig
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
General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig
Pros
- 12-inch capacity at a significantly lower price than premium jigs
- Integrated clamps hold the workpiece without bolting the jig to a bench
- Half-blind, through dovetail, and edge-to-edge joints in one jig
- Compact, portable aluminum design for shops where bench space is limited
Cons
- Fixed spacing -- cannot adjust pin and tail spacing
- 12-inch capacity is smaller than dedicated wide-carcase jigs
PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig vs General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig: common questions
Which is better, the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig or the General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch 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 General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig if you'd rather have 12-inch capacity at a significantly lower price than premium jigs. Overall we rank the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Dovetail Jig 2026 list.
What is the difference between the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig and the General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch 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 General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig stands out because 12-inch capacity at a significantly lower price than premium jigs. 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 General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig's is that fixed spacing -- cannot adjust pin and tail spacing.
Is the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig worth it over the General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig instead if setup time is longer than simpler single-purpose jigs is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig instead of the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig?
The General Tools 861 E-Z Pro Dovetailer II 12-Inch Jig suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the PORTER-CABLE 4216 Dovetail Jig, Super Jig is best for buyers who want the best overall package.