Page 1
Isoloc (Equal Locking) Templates for
Leigh 16” and 24” D-Series Jigs
and Super18” and Super24” Jigs
LEIGH ISOLOC
JOINT TEMPLATES
Page 2
Isoloc Joint Templates
Contents
Understanding Symbols and Terminology ........................................................... 1
CHAPTER 1 - Mounting and Template Alignment ................................................ 5
CHAPTER 2 - Using Your Template Safely ........................................................... 11
CHAPTER 3 - Operation Concepts & Basic Template Functions ........................ 13
CHAPTER 4 - The Variable Guidebush System (VGS) ......................................... 17
CHAPTER 5 - Board Width Selection ................................................................... 19
CHAPTER 6 - Half-Blind Isoloc Joint Procedures ................................................. 23
CHAPTER 7 - Rabbeted Half-Blind Isoloc Joint Procedures ............................... 29
CHAPTER 8 - Inlaid Half-Blind Isoloc Joint Procedures ...................................... 31
CHAPTER 9 - Through Isoloc Joint Procedures ................................................... 37
CHAPTER 10 - Isoloc Joint Symmetry and Asymmetry ........................................ 39
CHAPTER 11 - Routing Procedures, Hints and Tips .............................................. 41
Appendix I - VGS Guidebush and Bit Selection ................................................. 45
Appendix II - Joint Specifications ........................................................................ 49
Appendix III - Template Parts List ........................................................................ 51
Appendix IV Customer Support .......................................................................... 55
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1
Isoloc Joint Templates
Understan ding Symbo ls and Te rminology
I18 and I24
Isoloc joint templates have dual inch and metric settings and may
be used with either
5
⁄16"or 8mm diameter bits. Only one variable
guidebush (No. 713V; included) is required.
Note: All operating references to D1600 jigs and I1600 templates throughout this guide apply equally to the new I18 and
I24 templates on Leigh Super Jigs.
Carefully follow the mounting instructions for your jig model in
the first section of the manual. Then read the rest of the manual,
following along with the basic functions. We suggest you rout
some practice joints in scrap wood before you rout any precious
hardwood work pieces.
If you have any questions that are not answered in the manual,
please call the Leigh customer support line**.
*Leigh Isoloc joints, Isoloc templates, and Variable Guidebush
System are protected by U.S., Canadian, and European patents.
**See Appendix IV – Customer Support
Your New Leigh Isoloc™ Joint Template
The Leigh Isoloc* (equal locking) Templates and Variable
Guidebush System (VGS)* are used on all 16" and 24" D-Series
jigs, plus Super18" and Super24" jigs. They will allow you to rout
uniquely beautiful half-blind corner joints, plus end-on-end, all
with perfect fit thanks to the VGS.
This manual is common to all Leigh Isoloc joint templates. Almost
all illustrations show only the “A
”
template mounted on the D4 jig
in the “Key
”
joint pattern mode. However, the joint icons are
identical on all templates and all Isoloc templates work in exactly
the same way …regardless of the jig or template model.
The same joint icons and pattern letters are engraved into the later
model I1 templates, similar to the I1800
.
The I1 template scales are different in shape to the I1600, I18
and I24 scales. Where scale readings are illustrated, the I1 scale
will appear at the top
.
I1 Scale I18, I24 Scale Illustrated Engraved template
4
10
1
2
3
20
1
30
40
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Isoloc Joint Templates
Understan ding Symbo ls and Te rminology
There are three templates in the Isoloc Series. Each template has
two Isoloc joint patterns for a total of six available joint shapes.
Each template is identified by letter; A, B, or C
, and each joint
pattern is named in texts for reference, as below:
“Mirror Key”
A
“Key”
“Bears Ears”
B
“Clover”
“Wave”
C
“Ellipse”
Scale Icons
The scales all feature the same icon which
(this way up) indicates the active scale.
Template Icons
Indicates the template position for vertical
pin boards.
Indicates the template position for
horizontal socket boards.
How to Read the Symbols
To help you understand the instructions and illustrations in this
manual, we have used a number of international symbols, plus
a few special ones of our own. They are all explained below. You
needn’t worry about memorizing these symbols now, because they
are repeated quite frequently in the manual, and you will soon
get used to them.
1
Only the
Isoloc
A
“Key”
template pattern is used in
this manual. Procedures
for all other joints are
similar.
¬
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Isoloc Joint Templates
Understan ding Symbo ls and Te rminology
Isoloc Joint Terminology
It’s a novel joint with a unique name, but we thought we would
keep the joint part terminology simple. It is similar to typical
dovetail terminology and should be easy to remember. Straight
parts, cut in line with the grain are “pins”
. Curved parts, cut
across the grain are “sockets
”
.
Which Way Round Should the Board Go?
Most joinery done on the Leigh Isoloc templates is for boxes,
In nearly all the illustrations we have indicated which side of the
board faces you when it is in the jig. Note: On all Isoloc joint boards
except end-on-end joints, the inside
of the board faces away from
the jig body.
Indicates the side of the board that will face outward.
Dotted icons are on the other side of the board.
Boards are clamped in the jig both “face in” and “face out”
for alternate end cuts; e.g. all regular end-on-end Isolocs are
routed this way.
The following symbols indicate:
This edge against side stop
This edge against side stop
As above, other side of board
Caution: use special care for this operation
Numbered References in text
Centreline of board or layout
p
Plus/Minus
Equals
x
Does not equal
^
Approximately
1
2
Page 6
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Isoloc Joint Templates
Understan ding Symbo ls and Te rminology
Page 7
5
Mounting and
Template Alignment
ISOLOC - CHAPTER 1
Mounting and
Template Alignment
Mounting and
Template Alignment
ISOLOC - CHAPTER 1
Assembly and Mounting
First, before you begin mounting your Leigh Isoloc template to
your Leigh jig, make sure you have all the necessary parts.
1. One only complete Isoloc template assembly.
Make sure it is the model you ordered (see next page).
2. 1 user guide
3. Variable Guidebush System consisting of:
1 storage box
1 713V Guidebush
1 700V holder complete with lock ring
1 701V holder
1 pin wrench
6 bush plugs (on one tree)
1 Allen key (used on I24 only)
If any of these items are missing from your order, please notify your
supplier or Leigh Industries immediately.
Your Leigh Isoloc template comes fully assembled and requires only
mounting and indexing to your Leigh jig body. This procedure is
critical to the accuracy of the finished joinery, so please follow
the mounting instructions carefully.
1
2
3
Illustration shows I1
A
See next page for your template model.
Page 8
6
Chapter 1 Isoloc Joint Templates
MOUNTING AND TEMPLATE ALIGNMENT
Check that you received one of the templates shown below:
Page 9
7
Chapter 1Isoloc Joint Templates
MOUNTING AND TEMPLATE ALIGNMENT
2
1
1
2
1-1 Mounting the 24" Template
For I1600, I18 and I24 Isoloc mounting go directly to 1-10. Mount
the 24" D Series dovetail jig body firmly to a bench as per that jig
’
s
instructions. Clamp the spacer board into the rear clamp.
The spacer board should be approximately
3
⁄4" x 6" x 23"[20 x
150 x 575mm].
1-2 Support Bracket Markings
D1258, D1258R and D3
jigs have short brackets marked with an ‘arrow’ for scale line-up.
Shade the arrows with a black felt pen for better visibility.
D4 and D4R jigs have either long or short brackets with lines
in the correct location.
Brackets supplied with the optional M2 or VRS systems may be
used as-is.
1-3
To ensure the accurate joints your Leigh Isoloc was
designed to produce, check that the jig side stops are correctly positioned as per the original jig body instructions,
i.e. 24
1
⁄8"[613mm] apart and equidistant from the cen-
treline . D4R side stops are machined as part of the body.
2
1
2
1-4 Loosen the two scale bar set screws , and the two scale
thumb screws at both ends of the template.
1-5 Slide the template assembly onto the jig support brackets
with the set screws toward you and lower the completed assembly gently onto the spacer board . Tighten the support bracket
knobs . Do not tighten the set screws . Make sure the scale
reading is the same on both scales, say on the 1"[25mm] mark,
then tighten the thumb screws .
2
4
1
3
1-6 The template bar must now be centred between the two scale
assemblies . The following instructions show how to do this.
= =
==
1 1
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8
Chapter 1 Isoloc Joint Templates
MOUNTING AND TEMPLATE ALIGNMENT
1
2
3
1-12 Slide the finger assembly onto the support brackets, in the
“single” joint pattern (key, clover or ellipse) to the front and
the scale lock screw to the rear and set on
3
⁄4"[20mm]. Tighten
both thumbscrews
.
2
1
1
1-11 Mounting I1600, I18, and I24 Isoloc Templates
Install the two thumbscrews a few turns into the scales . Loosen
the scale lock screw at both ends (by one turn only).
1-10
Mount a Superjig or D1600 jig body firmly to a bench as
per that jig's instructions. Clamp the spacer board into the rear
clamp.
The spacer board should be approximately 3⁄4" x 6"[20 x 150mm]
x 1"[25mm] less than jig length.
1
2
2
1-9 Taking care not to move the template and template bar,
tighten first one scale bar screw , then the scale screw at the
other end . The template bar is now centred.
= =
=
=
1
1
1-8 Move the template with its template bar left and right in the scales
until the scored lines at each end of the bar are approximately equidistant
from the scales . You can do this by eye; the human eye is an excellent
comparator. If the gap appears the same, it is close enough. If you’re
more comfortable using a rule or dial caliper, by all means use it.
Note: The scored lines are illustrated in red for clarity.
1
1-7 Discard the plastic shipping plug from its hole in the template. Move the template until you can insert the template pin
through the rear right hand hole and into the bar.
Page 11
9
Chapter 1Isoloc Joint Templates
MOUNTING AND TEMPLATE ALIGNMENT
3
2
2
1
1
1-14 Taking care to not move the template, pull up on the template bar while pushing down on the scale to ensure the bar
is touching the two registration pads inside the scale. Maintain
pressure and tighten the scale lock-screw. Repeat at the other end.
The template is now centred.
To maintain correct assembly alignment, follow this procedure
whenever you remove the scales from the template assembly.
N
= =
==
2 2
1
1-13 Lower the template onto the spacer board. Discard the
plastic shipping pin from its hole in the template. Move the template until you can insert the steel template pin through the right
front hole . Move the assembly left and right until the scored
lines (illustrated in red for clarity) at each end of the template
bar are about equidistant from the scales. You can do this by eye.
If the gap appears the same, it is close enough. If you are more
comfortable using a rule or caliper, by all means use it.
Page 12
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Chapter 1 Isoloc Joint Templates
MOUNTING AND TEMPLATE ALIGNMENT
Page 13
11
Using Your Template Safely
ISOLOC - CHAPTER 2
Safety is not optional.
Read and follow the recommendations in this chapter.
2-4 Always disconnect the power source from the router when
fitting bits or guidebushes, or making adjustments.
Before connecting the router to the power source, make sure the
bit and collet revolve freely in all the areas you plan to rout, and
the bit does not touch the guidebush or jig.
2-3 Never drink alcohol or take medications that may cause
drowsiness when you will be operating a router.
2-2 Most importantly, always wear approved safety glasses when
using a router.
Always wear hearing protection when using a router.
Protect yourself from harmful dust by wearing a face mask.
2-1 Read the owner’s manual that came with your router. It is
essential to understand the router manufacturer’s instructions
completely.
Page 14
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Chapter 2 Isoloc Joint Templates
USING YOUR TEMPLATE SAFELY
2-8 If you have never used your router before, be sure to follow
the router manufacturer’s instructions for its use. Make plenty of
simple open-face practice cuts without a guidebush before you try
to use the router on the Leigh jig. You must, of course, always
use a guidebush when routing on the Leigh Jig.
N
2-7
Do not rout at face level.
2-6 If you insist on removing the router from the jig while it
is still revolving, always pull it straight off the jig horizontally,
and do not raise or lower the router until it is completely clear
of the jig.
2-5
Do not tilt the router on the jig.
Keep the router flat on the jig assembly.
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