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Introduction to Woodworking Jigs

If you're a beginning woodworker, you've probably heard an old pro talking about using or making a jig. You might think he's off his rocker and about to break into an Irish dance, but what he's really talking about is a type of tool that's a must for any serious woodworker. Simply put, a jig is anything you use to guide another tool through a controlled motion or hold your workpiece in place. One use for a woodworking jig is to allow you to make consistently precise cuts. Here the jig acts like a template allowing you to work more efficiently, and is really great for repetitive tasks. A jig can also be used when you need an extra pair of hands, so you can work on more complex projects without a helper.

There are loads of different types of jigs available. So many that it's impossible to go into all the different types. If you're interested in some of the types of jigs available have a look at the Woodcraft site or Amazon for books on making and using jigs. Instead of talking about all the different types of jigs, lets have a look at some of the tools that can benefit from one. Of all the tools you have in your shop, the router is probably the most versatile and the one most people think of when thinking about woodworking jigs. When using your router for joinery (or any of your tools for that matter), a jig is most important. You need to line up your joints exactly or you're in big trouble. Using a jig as a guide for your router will let you line up dovetails, dado's, or finger joints perfectly every time. Another popular use of router jigs is the circle guide. This jig lets you cut perfect circles like you would use for tabletops. Cutting freehand, this would be almost imposable and would take great care and skill. But with a jig to guide your router, you'll be done in no time with stellar results. That's only two uses for jigs with your router. There really are too many to mention in one place, because for every thing you do with your router, there's a jig to make your life easier.

While we're talking about jigs, let's not overlook your saws. A woodworking jig for your table saw could be something as simple as a piece of wood cut like a triangle used as a brace for your workpiece so you can get a perfect miter cut on your table saw. If you're cutting wide boards on your table saw, use a jig called a sled. It will help guide larger pieces through the saw safely that might otherwise move around while cutting. It's almost like having an extra pair of hands in the workshop.

The topic of woodworking jigs is too big to cover in a short introduction. Whatever you do in your shop, there's probably a jig to make it easier. So look around online or at your local library in the woodworking section. And in the off chance that no one's come up with a jig to suit your needs, why not invent one yourself. Just think about what you do in your shop and how it can be made easier and more consistent. Some jigs you may hold onto forever and use everyday. For these buying a premade jig made of quality materials is your best bet. If it's something you may use once for a particular project and then relegated to some forgotten corner of your shop. You may want to try your hand at building your own. The time invested in making your jig can pay off handsomely in saved time and fewer materials you have to discard because of improper cuts.