Guide Bushings and

Adaptors for Most Routers

Because the router industry isn't standardized, you may need an adaptor to fit your Leigh guide bushing to your router.

All Leigh guide bushings utilize the most common design — a threaded bushing and nut. Many routers accept these bushings directly or come with an adaptor. For those that don't, Leigh offers several adaptors. Check for your router make/model in the Guide Bushing and Adaptor Selection Chart in order to determine the correct adaptor. If your router isn't listed, please email Leigh your router make/model, along with precise dimensions of your router base opening and screw hole centers as shown in the router diagram above. A photo of the router base is also very helpful.

Leigh Guide Bushing Dimensions Measure the opening in the bottom of your router to see if it accepts the Leigh bushing size.	Router Bottom Size If your router isn't listed, send Leigh your router bottom dimensions, using the example below.

What is the Leigh VGS? Leigh's Variable Guide Bushing System was designed for use only on Leigh Isoloc Templates and F1 and F2 Finger Joint Templates, for accurate adjustment of joint fit. Learn more about the VGS at http://www.leighjigs.com/isoloc.php. Why does Leigh use guide bushings, not bearings? Conventional guide bushings are much more versatile than shank mounted bearings. Bearings severely limit the range of board thicknesses, joint sizes and pin/tail spacing. Shank mounted bearings cannot provide the precise fit adjustments possible with Leigh's elliptical guide bushings and the VGS.

What router does Leigh recommend?
Leigh recommends a midsize router, from 1-1/2 to 2-1/4 HP (9-13 amps) with a 1/2" collet, for dovetail and finger joint routing on all Leigh dovetail jigs. This size provides great power to weight ratio. Fixed base routers are ideal to use on Leigh Dovetail Jigs and Finger Joint Templates because they have a lower center of gravity with handles mounted to the router base rather than the motor as with plunge routers. However, if you are proficient with the use of a plunge router, it works just as well. A plunge router is recommended for Isoloc Templates and is required for the M2 Attachment, Leigh FMT Pro and Super FMT jigs. When buying a router, also consider ergonomics, switch location, a good plunge mechanism and easy, accurate adjustment of bit height.

Note: Some manufacturer's guide bushings have very short barrels and are not recommended for Leigh dovetail jigs. The barrel length on Leigh guide bushings is .265" (just over 1/4"). Shorter barrels or barrels recessed in the router base may cause the router bit to come in contact with the finger assembly.

Guide Bushing and Adaptor Selection

Three easy steps to selecting a guide bushing and/or adaptor for your router

GBS Guide Bushing System

For all Leigh dovetail jigs and
templates, except Isoloc and F1/F2
Finger Joint Templates.

Open Selection Chart

Find the make and
model of your router
in columns 1 and 2.
If required, choose
the adaptor for your
router from column 3.
If required, choose the guide bushing for your router. Select the 7/16" or 5/8" guidebush, or e7 (~7/16"), e8 (~1/2") or e10 (~5/8") e-Bush from columns 4, 5 and 6, as determined by your bit selection.