Reading the book is not clear on how to alline the vertical board on my Porter Cable 4212 dovetail jig

Return it to place of purchase as a hazardous defect. Store will likely swap it out, if under a year old.

Or call Porter Cable Consumer Service... not the repair centers, but the main consumer line.

I would be surprised if they did not take good care of you. Most manufacturers of consumer products are quite liberal with the end users.

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly

You can go to this site:
http://powertool.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/portercable/4212_(29550).html and click on
GET THIS MANUAL then save it to your computer.
or
http://servicenet.deltaportercable.com
which will get you to this link if you enter 4212 upper left side of the page
http://servicenet.deltaportercable.com/Products/Detail/4212 ( The link wil tell you that there is a Type 1 and a Type 2 model. You will have to select one of the Types and then you can download the Instruction manual. The supplemental instruction manual AND the parts manual. I recommend you download all 3 manuals from the rt side of the page. .
Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

You can get the manual on the link below.

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0802689.pdf

Hi, W/D at your service.
Apparently, there are several types of bits compatible with your model.
Here's a link that gives you a better idea:
http://www.toolup.com/porter-cable_4216_12-deluxe-dovetail-jig-combination-kit.aspx
Best regards, --W/D--

You might check this out, I found it in another forum. It looks like Ryobi made this dovetail jig for Sears.
1-800-525-2579 is their customer service line. I would ask for Ryobi Tech Services.

Look at eReplacementParts.com and the parts diagrams

remove or replace spacer bushings with smaller ones

Here is a direct link to your owners manual. You can print it if you want a hard copy or you can order one from porter cable.

http://www.dewaltservicenet.com/Products/DocumentView.aspx?productid=65507&typeId=14816&documentId=30657

Hope this helps.
Richard

This may not be related to your jig. It may be movement in the vertical axis resulting from:

1. The router bearings being worn allowing the bit to move up and down.
2. The router bearings worn allowing the spindle to deflect side to side which changes the bit height slightly (cuts on the edges, making the cut a hair deeper).
3. The router collet or router spindle worn, allowing the bit to move during cuts.
4. The jig guide plate deflecting or no longer flat.
5. Excess vibration in the router causing the wood to move in the jig.

To check the bearings; try routing the cut with a straight bit first to clear the wood for the dovetail bit. Then cut with the dovetail bit (a new one preferably) using very light feed pressure. Is the joint tighter? If so then the bearings are worn. Have the router serviced or replace it.

Check the end-play by pulling on the router shaft, does it wiggle slightly in and out? If so this is your problem. Have the router serviced or replace it.

Be sure the wood is flat and the faces planed parallel, if they aren't the dovetail line will be straight but when you assemble there will be slight end gaps in sections of the dovetail.

You will need your model #
Here is where to get your manual

http://www.dewaltservicenet.com/

Good luck and let me know if I helped