How to Make and Use a Jig

Jigs are, in essence, a template for your project. Jigs are an important tool for any woodworker to learn to make because they ensure your work is held accurately and safely. A jig is an essential part of your kit whether you want to make your own doors, windows, cabinets or any wooden object that requires accurate and repeatable cutting quickly.

You can build simple one-use temporary jigs for your current project or you can create complex jigs that last a lifetime for projects that you will continuously repeat. Whatever the purpose is for your jig, it will make your project is easier.

Making your jig

1. Choosing the right materials

Your material will depend on your jig’s purpose, but for most applications plywood and MDF and is sufficient. It is advised to choose wood that is already flat and straight to avoid spending time faffing around making the jig materials smooth and flat.

Hardwood is great for higher accuracy projects and for longevity.

2. What is the jig being used for?

Your project dictates which type of jig you need to build. Here are a few examples of Jig types:

·         Table saw jigs – the table saw is one of the most used and versatile woodworking tools in most workshops.

• Panel cutting jigs
• Feather boards – these can be used with a table saw or on a router table.
• Table saw jointer jigs – a jointer is designed to provide a smooth, flat edge on one of the long edges of a board.
• Band Saw circle cutting jig – perfect for producing smooth and circular pieces for small round table tops.
• Circular saw measuring jig – great if you only have a circular saw and straight edge that can be clamped especially if you are away from your workshop.
• Dovetail jigs
• Tapering jigs

There are numerous step-by-step videos available on YouTube – one of my favourite jig making videos is ‘How to build a jig’ from the Yankee Workshop.

      3. How to secure your jig

Securing the various wooden parts of your jig together depends on how often it will be used and if you need to dismantle and change it. For example, if you are going to fasten using glue you need to ensure you have clamped the glued surfaces together straight away to prevent the two pieces from slipping out of place. For secure placement you should spread the glue, align the two pieces of wood, shoot brads or pin nails into the wood and then clamp firmly together for over half an hour.

Alternatively you can spring clamp the two pieces together in place, shoot in some brads to hold in in place and then screw in some wood screws.

4. Which clamps should you use?

Most jigs require the use of clamp to either hold down the jig onto the work bench or top hold down the work piece still within the jig. You just need to remember to choose a clamp that won’t get in the way of the blade. Here is a selection of clamps that are perfect to use with jigs depending on your requirements:

G clamps

G clamps are simple to use and are great at securing your jig still to your work bench. Heavy duty G clamps are very easy to use and adjust and provide ample clamping pressure.

Spring clamps

Spring clamps are suitable for quick and simple holding which requires low clamping forces. These are great for temporary clamping of a wooden piece, such as, when you are securing a stop block to your jig base whilst you shoot in your brads or nail pins.

Toggle clamps

There is a wide range of toggle clamp (see picture above of a  vertical Toggle Clamp) available on the market depending on your needs. There are horizontal handle toggle clamps that are perfect for products with height restrictions due to their low profile when fully locked in place. You can also purchase vertical Toggle clamps (their handles are vertical when clamped into position) and push-pull toggle clamps which are great for jigs that are being used vertically with presses. All you have to do is screw your toggle clamp onto your jig where you want the clamping pressure to be applied and away you go.