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A DIY Guide On Woodworking Jigs
Woodworking jigs are a necessary part of any
woodworking shop. They are great for repetitive tasks in many wood
working projects. They make complex projects easier to manage and
faster. You can purchase pre made jigs or make your own. Although
they are inexpensive, making your own from scrap wood is even
cheaper. Depending on the type of projects you like to do, you will
need a variety of different jigs.
Types of Woodworking Jigs
Dovetail jigs are great for making dovetail joints accurately. These
can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Another option is to make
your own dovetail jig. You can find templates for making your own
jigs on the internet or in most stores that sell wood working
supplies. Many of these templates allow you to make up to twelve
different size jigs.
You may want to puck up a dovetail bit for your router and a
dovetail saw. These are great tools if you intend to make your own
jigs. Templates allow you to make variable spaced or fixed dovetails
for a variety of projects, including cabinets, drawers and small
boxes. Some systems come with bits and templates together in one
kit. These save money compared to purchasing the components
separately.
Dovetail saws are used to cut not only dovetails, but other fine
joints for projects. The blades on these saws are thinker than other
saws. This allows for greater accuracy. It’s important to purchase a
good quality tool for making tight joints and professional looking
projects. Look for about fourteen to seventeen points per inch in a
good quality saw.
A dowel jig is used for making quality, consistent dowels. If you
are using a thick timber, get a self centering jig for better
accuracy. There are a variety of sizes from a quarter to one half
inch. Complete kits are available that include the dowel jig with
several hundred dowels in a variety of sizes. Glue is sometimes
included in these kits.
A kreg jig is great for cabinet making. Perfectly positioned slides
are necessary if the movement in the drawer is to be smooth. Using
kreg jigs save time because you won’t need to measure and mark the
spaces for drawer slides. These make it easier to mount metal drawer
slides. They can be used for center, bottom or extension mounted
drawers. This is an inexpensive, yet versatile piece of equipment.
Making Woodworking Jigs Yourself
Making your own woodworking jigs saves money in supplies. Use
inexpensive materials and scrap pieces of plywood for making your
own jig. Since you use the jigs for one project only, you don’t want
to spend much on materials. If you plan to re use your jigs, use a
stronger hardwood to make them.
You can find instructions for making your own jigs in woodworking
books or magazines. Instructions are also available on the internet.
You can print these out for future reference. Consider getting a
good binder to keep your jig making instructions organized in your
workshop. Using plastic page covers will protect the instructions
from getting dirty, ripped or damaged.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
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