▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR IMPORTANT INFO▼ -3M sander: lddy.no/19fcc -3M Sander video review: ua-cam.com/video/uHkatzYGQeY/v-deo.html -Video about my carpeted workshop: ua-cam.com/video/L6wWGBc8_Zs/v-deo.html ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Precision Squares from Bridge City Tool Works: bridgecitytools.com/ *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) *Some other useful links:* -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD
I wonder why people use screws when they can use glue. For practical purposes, gluing is as strong as screws and a lot more rigid, specially over the long haul.
@@skwalka6372 Note that the video was mostly about developing the jig, which means a fair amount of trial and error. Glue is "trial and scrap". The pins used in the video can be pried apart pretty easily, and are a lot faster to fasten.
My favorite part of this channel is that it's not usually a how-to, it's a "how-to-approach-to." ...Which has so many more uses in additional disciplines.
So true. Over the last 30 years, I have made a career doing this - in the computer industry. In my case, scripts are my jigs. So much computer administration is manual, editing config files and such. What if you could write a script to generate the config file with exact settings? I do this all the time, and making my "jig" usually takes about 30 minutes and saves many hours of tedious, error prone manual administration.
This is THE perfect example of: Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Having a ‘how to make’ vid is good, having a how to make, but also how to think for yourself and your needs, is so much better. Great channel that works for me !
I like how you showed the process of figuring out your own jig and improving on it until it works right instead of just showing how to make a lap joint jig.
The thought process you impart on your channel is why I keep coming back. You have great ideas and you also share why in addition to how. Woodworking is often about problem solving.
You have helped me immeasurably! From your sharpening videos to your finishing videos I need it all! Nice work and thank you so much. Little by little I’m honing my skills!
Brilliant, James. I feel validated in all the jigs I've made for one-off projects. I have found that my experience making jigs has made jig building more effective and quicker as I've made quite a few now. Then there's all that scrap wood I'm using instead of holding on to for years before finally pitching it in the firepit.
Great jig, even better the concept of using a jig for even small jobs (small in size or quantity). After watching you (and JKM and Tamara and others) make and use jigs so effectively and cleverly, I have become a convert. Part of every project is now... What jig do I need / want!
Just re-viewed this one. Really GREAT video. Required viewing for any prospective woodworker! I love that the jig evolved in several stages: 1) Git 'R done. 2) Modify to let sawdust escape. 3) Modify to make clamping easier. 4) Temporary/test version of dust extraction port. 5) Final/fixed port. It's an approach I need! It DOESN'T have to be an elaborate does-everything jig right from the get-go. But it CAN get there. Awesome. (And a great jig, too. :__)
You are right you were not mass producing the tables, but you needed several lap joints, so the jig makes sense. I am a big fan of jigs. Sometimes it makes sense for a single piece if accuracy can only be obtained that way. Excellent video.
I've been sanding for over sixty years and I have to say that I really love the 3M sander. Also, I think that their sandpaper is the best and a great value.
Some jigs are definitely "one hit wonders". Others will stick around and evolve into something better like yours did, or morph into something else. There are also the ones that find a permanent space in the shop due to their usefulness. Thanks for sharing 👍 I have been looking for a way to maximize my tiny workspace and this may just be the ticket.
Once again, you’ve made a great “no nonsense” video that’s informative and “to the point”. Thank you for sharing this and I agree that making a jig is time well spent and we do get faster at building them.😊
As a guitar builder and repair man I can attest to the invaluable uses of both jigs and templates, I have a ton of them in my shop and yes I use all of them!
Your timing is impeccable. I am getting ready to build a 2x4 stand for a 100 gallon aquarium. I have always used a dado set on the table saw for the joints. This jig and a router looks much easier and more precise. The studs are planed down to a uniform size. I am ready to make the stand this way. Thanks!
That is the first ad I've ever listened to, in its entirety, just because of the poetry of the thing. Well done :). Looking forward to those workbench plans!
I did exactly this, making a project for my daughter and through trial and cursing, found an exponentially more effective chip collection method. I was using the cordless makita palm router so I picked up a matching dust port adapter from makita and attached the shop vac hose directly to the router base. I then added an oversized "plexi" base plate. (I had to drill a few holes in mine because the suction was insanely strong, but that's ok.). The jig is a little longer to account for the oversized base plate BUT 100% of the chips are immediately removed from the cutting area. An added benefit to the oversized base plate is stability of the router; as, there is constantly a reference surface touching the jig (no balancing needed). Proved that little palm router is a workhorse too 😂🤣✌.
I make a lot of jigs in my shop when I'm building just about anything. But the tip about pin nailing the thing together first is like "why didn't I think of that"! Well now it will be used just about every time I build one. Thanks for the awesome videos. Have a cold one, you deserve it!
When I started woodworking I used to sit down after each project and write some lessons learned. One of the ones that always stands out for me was “if you can do it with a jig, do it with a jig”.
Almost skipped over the video but glad your patience kept my attention. Very Cool thing to have in your shop and I have to make one or 2... or 3....lol. Very impressed! Thank you for sharing!
And the one thing I do not do nearly enough. Date the jig and write on it what it is for. I have made some fabulous jigs that I had to throw out a few years later since I just couldn't remember what they were for. And it is nice to pick up a scrappy little jug and see that you have been using it for many years. We have jigs around the workshop that my father made 30 years ago.
print a label on a laser printer, laminate it, and glue it onto the jig. less character, but more information. (I.E. which router and bit you use with it)
Agreed, jigs take time to build accurately. Once you nail it to perfection the task or job just becomes so much easier and precise in every cut. This applies to templates too. Which allow for identical marking and cutting if you use a pattern cutting router bit in conjunction with the template.
Jigs are that one extra employee that never asks for a raise and always show up on time. Great Video! I'm pretty much done with all of my shop furniture and the way it's all laid out, but I will be building this for next month... you know, when I find a better layout because this way is stupid, and the 37th way will the best!
Very nice! I've even used a 3D printer to make fixtures for angled attachments, drilling guides and even pocket hole drilling jigs for special situations. Jigs and fixtures that I thought were only temporary have become indispensable parts of my workshop: a crosscut sled, table saw extension rollers, drill guides, shooting boards for wood planes, etc. You're definitely on to something here.
Routers. I don't use them much. So much so that I turned mine off the other day after attempting a cut two times. They were just test cuts. I decided just to use a chisel to complete the job. Making a jig would have done the trick, but I defaulted to "you only make a jig for repetition." Making a jig also seems daunting. Watching you develop the jig for each problem was a great lesson. I could see that jig being used many times.
Saved the jig we made a few years ago to make 32 sawhorses. Like that one, it was crude pieces of scrap and didn't look very pretty, but the sawhorses are all compatible with one another and look identical, and that was the idea.
Definitely a jig that I would like to build. And yes, totally agree. Many times I have built a jig that was only needed to a particular project. Makes the build easier and sometimes safer.
You are so right James. I make a lot of segmented pens and my jigs has evolved a lot. I now need to make another jig which will take that to another level. Great video. Take care James. Cheers, Huw
I like watching your channel, not only because I learn a lot from you but also the way you speak. Unlike many American on You Tube, the way you present it is pleasant to listen to. BTW, thank you for pronouncing "cen-ter" not "cen-ner" as some Americans do. It annoys me when they do that ( opting for a silent "t"). I know people speak with different accents, but I feel correct pronunciation should be adhered to because UA-cam is watched all over the world.
I wish I had knowledge of such a jig on my last lap joint project. It would have been very helpful. But I'll definitely use it the next time. I do make and use jig. They have become my third, fourth and even my fifth hand. Thanks again for sharing.
I like the tip about using a nailer to get the pieces to stay in place until you screw them. I recently came across this problem but had no good ideas on how to solve it. Thank you! Also thanks for the recommendation on using an uncut spiral bit. I'm going to try that out as well!
Having 1 arm/leg, jigs are vital to everything I do. In fact, I like creating jigs more than building things with them. That said, make a pantorouter. It's the king of jig tools.
Hola! 🖐I'm not at the stage of building jigs just yet, but this video has educated me already. I appreciate the video and the info. Take care and have a good one, Adios!👊
James my boy, will I nick your ideas and thought processes, Yup, absolutely lol just like everything else you have taught me over the years lol. Have a wonderful day James and thank you again mate from Down Under 😎👍👀
That was amazing. I have always wondered how these bizarre looking jigs that do amazing jobs evolve. Now I know. I will be ‘stealing’ this one! Thanks again James
thanks for another great video. I just got one of those 3M sanders from Taytools, and for anyone considering, it's well worth the price tag, especially at 20% off. thanks again for the tip!
I have been making jigs for years. I find that in the end it’s safer, the project goes faster and turns out better. One thing I wish he had highlighted a bit more was the “milled lumber”. Our 2x4s can have an 1/8” or more variance sometimes in the same board. You have to buy SS wood or plane the boards yourself for the jigs to work. Another great video, keep them coming
I assumed he ran them through the planer to square all the edges and get the thicknesses all the same. Makes projects a lot easier with construction lumber.
That was a fund ad for Bridge Squares. I would have added a stop on top of the dust collector to make sure you didn't accidentally cut into it. I like using jigs for consistent cuts. Thanks for sharing.
This jig is kinda brilliant. Next time you make a project out of 2x4, you just gotta remember to mill it down to 3 1/4 and you can use this jig instead of throwing it away for quick and easy repeatable joints and looks all across the shop. I don't personally see a reason why I should make tenon and mortises or box joints when I can just glue a half lap joint and maybe even nail/screw/dowel it to make it quickly. As a sidenote; if I were making such a jig for my shop, I would consider making a top plate that can screw onto the rails that guides the router, right in the middle of the half lap, alongside 4 holes, which could be used for drilling holes for dowels to reinforce the joint... so you only have to remove 2, 3 or 4 screws for that plate and/or add them to have or not this decorative part added. Could also add a piece of wood anywhere that you could butt up your dowel against and cut it with a pullsaw, on the same jig... so you would always have the perfect length dowel for this specific jig. Edit; You could also add a few parts to make it a go-nogo jig for thickness and width validation to ensure proper use of this jig :).... now, I'm inspired
A suggestion. Those stacked plywood sides? I would always use the same material for the side depths with maybe a thin cardboard shim (so he work pieces can slide in and out). Eliminates a step and a complication. But ideally a jig opening is as close to the actual end result as possible (this is why you first tried the bearing cutter). So on a jig like this instead of the cardboard shim, you'd clamp it up from the bottom. Now it will slide in and out, but you won't have to fuss with router depth. and if the material varied in thickness, the cutout would be the same. I had to make two pairs of 12:1 scarfs for a skin on frame kayak I made. I could've winged it on the table saw... but making the jig (for my Skilsaw) was worth the effort and time. Now if someone said we need a 30' 1 x 2 that would bend smoothly over an open curve, I'd say, no problem and make a scarfing jig. And I've cut lap joints before without a jig, They worked but were always inconsistent enough that for a permanent bench set up... a good jig is better. For building cedar wood strip kayaks (not recommended: build furniture or build a plywood kayak, but don't waste time trying to do both) I had to rout curved channels and beads. The wood was so soft, even in a jig, it would get sucked into the cutter. This was a really tough problem to solve, but worth the effort, I learned a lot. I also made a scarfing jig for my tablesaw for these 3/4" by 1/4" pieces. I figured out that one way the cutoffs would have a problem with the saw blade, but raised up a little and the other way, cutoffs would always fall away - safely. That was another really good lesson that I'm sure production shops have figured out.
Yep I'm steal that idea. Great way to make sure everything the same. And the sander love mine !!! Glad you recommend it. My sanding time cut way down its comfortable in my hand well worth it.
Love the simple jig, and jig progression, but really look forward to seeing the garage wall modular bench setup. Oh yes, and to me a jig is useful even for one item, when you want it done right. I knew I wasn’t making more than one Viking slat bed, but I knew I need a jig for all those mortises. Wish I was smart enough to think about doing a jig like this for the tenons.
What I've learned for jigs in wood/metal work is, it's not about the number of parts or projects. It's about the number of cuts. And their complexity. If making the jig takes the same number of cuts as you intend to make with the jig, then make the jig. You'll get the bonus of precision, speed and practice in building jigs.
Speaking of jigs and setups. As hobbyist cnc's become more and more common. I think its important to leverage them for some of these tasks you wouldn't otherwise think to use them for. Like cutting tenons and lap joints. I have recently started setting mine up in such a way that I can easily clamp long and extended parts into my machine. To cut lap joints or mortises. This Probably doesn't work for everyone, less so the traditional crowd (not intended as a jab at anyone btw). Since I design just about everything I build in CAD first. Its become a simple process to standardize my joints somewhat in advance, create one section of code, add a few stop blocks and clamps to the cnc mill. Then Load it up, and work on processing other parts of a project as it does these jobs for me. Since my shop is still growing and i have a limited budget. The CNC mill also fills other roles that you would traditionally use other tools for (like jointers). But its certainly saved me time, and solved many problems, that I never realized I was having before. Food for thought, hope it helps other people out there thinking about utilizing their cnc mills and on a tight tool and space budget.
i've built a loft bed, desk, closet vanity, closet cabinet, storage chest, mitre saw table, and other shop necessities, but the build i'm proudest of is a jig. gather around, children, and i'll tell you "the story of how i saved the great blade." here in central usa we have a finished basement. about 10 years ago we had bad water damage and decided to waterproof the basement with an interior trench and sump pump. that meant i had to remove the bottom 0.5m of the stud walls all the way around the basement. the stud wall was built about 1cm to 1.5cm away from the inside the concrete block foundation wall. i built a jig which i could clamp to the stud i was cutting, and allowed me to use my reciprocating saw to cut the stud without the blade hitting the block wall behind.
Jigs are a triple win to me, they make the job more clean safe and accurate for one, they challenge my creativity because you often have to design them as the negative of the result you are looking for and finally they use uo scraps which validates me keeping 2x6" pieces of ply and all those awkward hardwood scraps
Agree on making a jig even for non-production. Even if I have to cut or route just a few pieces a jig is the best way to go for accuracy and usually it really doesn't take that long to make one.
James, I like the jig, but I like even more your lap-joint workbench idea. Could be a real space saver in my tiny shop. Just wish I had a router to go with the jig. Will probably end up using an old Shopsmith (the only "decent" power tool I have) to make the first bench, then once I have a table surface to work on I can upgrade to a router. Looking forward to seeing your modular workbench plans.
Very nice. Thank you for sharing! I am always looking for ideas like this. The only addition I could see is to possibly add a feed-stop mechanism for repeated cuts. That said, with the jig clamped to a bench, another piece of wood can be clamped to either the jig or table so that every cut comes out at the same place/length.
I am looking forward to seeing your videos and plans for this modular one wall garage workshop. This is exactly what I want to do. I have a two car garage and am trying to setup a shop on the far end wall that still allows cars to park when I am not working on a project.
I have an idea for shelves that I want to build for my studio, and they can be taken apart if I am ever moving. A rig inspired by this will definitely cut down on the time it will take to make all the cuts needed. Thanks for a great idea! As usual.
I have made jigs for years. Sometimes for a one time application and some for a more mass produced affair. The one thing I wish I had done some years ago is to label the darn things so I now knew what that was hanging on the wall.
I made a hand drill/threading guide, and thought i'd only use it once. It's been 12 years later. When you need to make 64 identical bolt holes in aluminium, plan on using a jig.
This is another of your many very good, helpful, and potentially useful tools and techniques videos. Jigs like this are another fine way to make productive use of small scraps and pieces of left-over material as well, which greatly appeals to frugal DIY hearts and minds like my own. The only problem is that once we have built another of these jigs or fixtures, and finished using them, we also then have to find a place to keep and store the goddamn things. But of course we can always tear them down and reuse the parts again too, so problem solved. I'll sleep peacefully tonight.
▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR IMPORTANT INFO▼
-3M sander: lddy.no/19fcc
-3M Sander video review: ua-cam.com/video/uHkatzYGQeY/v-deo.html
-Video about my carpeted workshop: ua-cam.com/video/L6wWGBc8_Zs/v-deo.html
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I wonder why people use screws when they can use glue. For practical purposes, gluing is as strong as screws and a lot more rigid, specially over the long haul.
@@skwalka6372 I guess screws allow replacing parts more easily especially concerning jigs which have certain parts that wear out. But maybe not.
@@Synonomous Not sure, it might be a mix of tradition and impatience (no need to wait for glue to set.)
@@skwalka6372 Note that the video was mostly about developing the jig, which means a fair amount of trial and error. Glue is "trial and scrap". The pins used in the video can be pried apart pretty easily, and are a lot faster to fasten.
The perfect 2x bench method and there's a lot of good ones out there. Thanks bruddah.
My favorite part of this channel is that it's not usually a how-to, it's a "how-to-approach-to." ...Which has so many more uses in additional disciplines.
Precisely and concisely said, like everything about James’ teaching, good call mate, 😎👍
The difference between showing and teaching someone :)
So true. Over the last 30 years, I have made a career doing this - in the computer industry. In my case, scripts are my jigs. So much computer administration is manual, editing config files and such. What if you could write a script to generate the config file with exact settings? I do this all the time, and making my "jig" usually takes about 30 minutes and saves many hours of tedious, error prone manual administration.
This is THE perfect example of: Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Having a ‘how to make’ vid is good, having a how to make, but also how to think for yourself and your needs, is so much better.
Great channel that works for me !
Yep. I need this jig, plus it's giving me an idea for a mortise and tenon jig.
It's not about the time it takes you to assemble a jig. It's about the repeatable accuracy it provides. Stellar!
I like how you showed the process of figuring out your own jig and improving on it until it works right instead of just showing how to make a lap joint jig.
The thought process you impart on your channel is why I keep coming back. You have great ideas and you also share why in addition to how. Woodworking is often about problem solving.
You have helped me immeasurably! From your sharpening videos to your finishing videos I need it all! Nice work and thank you so much. Little by little I’m honing my skills!
James...you are a brilliant "process" guy and a master educator. You could teach anything.
Where were you when I took Calculus 100 years ago? Never mind....I know.🙄
Brilliant, James. I feel validated in all the jigs I've made for one-off projects. I have found that my experience making jigs has made jig building more effective and quicker as I've made quite a few now. Then there's all that scrap wood I'm using instead of holding on to for years before finally pitching it in the firepit.
the poem advertisement about squares was the funniest part this really helpful video. all remaining thumbs up!
Great jig, even better the concept of using a jig for even small jobs (small in size or quantity). After watching you (and JKM and Tamara and others) make and use jigs so effectively and cleverly, I have become a convert. Part of every project is now... What jig do I need / want!
As always I’m impressed , wood worker most of my 72 years and never thought jigs were important. Just one more great lesson from you . Thanks
Just re-viewed this one. Really GREAT video. Required viewing for any prospective woodworker! I love that the jig evolved in several stages: 1) Git 'R done. 2) Modify to let sawdust escape. 3) Modify to make clamping easier. 4) Temporary/test version of dust extraction port. 5) Final/fixed port. It's an approach I need! It DOESN'T have to be an elaborate does-everything jig right from the get-go. But it CAN get there. Awesome. (And a great jig, too. :__)
It's great to not only give someone a fish but teaching him how to fishing. Thank very much.
Modular shop plans...YES PLEASE!!! 🙂
You are right you were not mass producing the tables, but you needed several lap joints, so the jig makes sense. I am a big fan of jigs. Sometimes it makes sense for a single piece if accuracy can only be obtained that way. Excellent video.
I've been sanding for over sixty years and I have to say that I really love the 3M sander. Also, I think that their sandpaper is the best and a great value.
Yes I will steal this idea. Half the reason I watch this channel is for jig tips, and this is a good explaination of the key concepts.
Some jigs are definitely "one hit wonders". Others will stick around and evolve into something better like yours did, or morph into something else. There are also the ones that find a permanent space in the shop due to their usefulness. Thanks for sharing 👍 I have been looking for a way to maximize my tiny workspace and this may just be the ticket.
Once again, you’ve made a great “no nonsense” video that’s informative and “to the point”. Thank you for sharing this and I agree that making a jig is time well spent and we do get faster at building them.😊
As a guitar builder and repair man I can attest to the invaluable uses of both jigs and templates, I have a ton of them in my shop and yes I use all of them!
Always given the best "how to" videos. I watch them over and over again to get inspiration and start the build process
Your timing is impeccable. I am getting ready to build a 2x4 stand for a 100 gallon aquarium. I have always used a dado set on the table saw for the joints. This jig and a router looks much easier and more precise. The studs are planed down to a uniform size. I am ready to make the stand this way. Thanks!
I'm most impressed by that outro plug. I'd never have made it through all those 'squares' without getting tongue-tied.
Well whatta you know! This idea was SQUARELY on target. A simple idea often overlooked but very helpful. Thanks.
That is the first ad I've ever listened to, in its entirety, just because of the poetry of the thing. Well done :).
Looking forward to those workbench plans!
I did exactly this, making a project for my daughter and through trial and cursing, found an exponentially more effective chip collection method. I was using the cordless makita palm router so I picked up a matching dust port adapter from makita and attached the shop vac hose directly to the router base. I then added an oversized "plexi" base plate. (I had to drill a few holes in mine because the suction was insanely strong, but that's ok.). The jig is a little longer to account for the oversized base plate BUT 100% of the chips are immediately removed from the cutting area.
An added benefit to the oversized base plate is stability of the router; as, there is constantly a reference surface touching the jig (no balancing needed). Proved that little palm router is a workhorse too 😂🤣✌.
I make a lot of jigs in my shop when I'm building just about anything. But the tip about pin nailing the thing together first is like "why didn't I think of that"! Well now it will be used just about every time I build one. Thanks for the awesome videos. Have a cold one, you deserve it!
Fantastically easy...except finding an uplift router bit in NZ! Another missing ahead. Brilliant tutorial! Thanks James.
This will transform my garage, on one wall !
Thanks for the outline
When I started woodworking I used to sit down after each project and write some lessons learned. One of the ones that always stands out for me was “if you can do it with a jig, do it with a jig”.
I make a lot of jigs and fixtures in my shop. To me half the fun in wood working is planing and making them.
Almost skipped over the video but glad your patience kept my attention. Very Cool thing to have in your shop and I have to make one or 2... or 3....lol. Very impressed! Thank you for sharing!
I like the way you think. You have great ideas, but I have no need to steal them. Coming up with my own solutions is most of the fun of any project!
And the one thing I do not do nearly enough. Date the jig and write on it what it is for. I have made some fabulous jigs that I had to throw out a few years later since I just couldn't remember what they were for. And it is nice to pick up a scrappy little jug and see that you have been using it for many years. We have jigs around the workshop that my father made 30 years ago.
print a label on a laser printer, laminate it, and glue it onto the jig. less character, but more information. (I.E. which router and bit you use with it)
Agreed, jigs take time to build accurately. Once you nail it to perfection the task or job just becomes so much easier and precise in every cut. This applies to templates too. Which allow for identical marking and cutting if you use a pattern cutting router bit in conjunction with the template.
Jigs are that one extra employee that never asks for a raise and always show up on time. Great Video!
I'm pretty much done with all of my shop furniture and the way it's all laid out, but I will be building this for next month... you know, when I find a better layout because this way is stupid, and the 37th way will the best!
Very nice! I've even used a 3D printer to make fixtures for angled attachments, drilling guides and even pocket hole drilling jigs for special situations. Jigs and fixtures that I thought were only temporary have become indispensable parts of my workshop: a crosscut sled, table saw extension rollers, drill guides, shooting boards for wood planes, etc. You're definitely on to something here.
Routers. I don't use them much. So much so that I turned mine off the other day after attempting a cut two times. They were just test cuts. I decided just to use a chisel to complete the job. Making a jig would have done the trick, but I defaulted to "you only make a jig for repetition." Making a jig also seems daunting. Watching you develop the jig for each problem was a great lesson. I could see that jig being used many times.
My 101 of making = work-holding & jigs. And this jig is a perfect example. Cheers Jim.
Saved the jig we made a few years ago to make 32 sawhorses. Like that one, it was crude pieces of scrap and didn't look very pretty, but the sawhorses are all compatible with one another and look identical, and that was the idea.
Very well spoken. I can appreciate that in addition to the terrific information. Thank you kindly
Probably my favourite video of all I've watched from you so far.
I don't know what's better. The video, the jig, or that limerick ending! Awesome as usual.
Definitely a jig that I would like to build. And yes, totally agree. Many times I have built a jig that was only needed to a particular project. Makes the build easier and sometimes safer.
You are so right James.
I make a lot of segmented pens and my jigs has evolved a lot.
I now need to make another jig which will take that to another level.
Great video.
Take care James.
Cheers, Huw
Thank you for the easy-to-follow and informative content. I look forward to the table build video.
Lost count of the number of times a channel has done a review of an item that immediately sells out everywhere 🤣
I can't stop rewatching this video.
I like watching your channel, not only because I learn a lot from you but also the way you speak. Unlike many American on You Tube, the way you present it is pleasant to listen to.
BTW, thank you for pronouncing "cen-ter" not "cen-ner" as some Americans do. It annoys me when they do that ( opting for a silent "t"). I know people speak with different accents, but I feel correct pronunciation should be adhered to because UA-cam is watched all over the world.
I wish I had knowledge of such a jig on my last lap joint project. It would have been very helpful. But I'll definitely use it the next time. I do make and use jig. They have become my third, fourth and even my fifth hand. Thanks again for sharing.
I like the tip about using a nailer to get the pieces to stay in place until you screw them. I recently came across this problem but had no good ideas on how to solve it. Thank you! Also thanks for the recommendation on using an uncut spiral bit. I'm going to try that out as well!
Thank you for great videos, I love that you take the time to explain your work process.
Having 1 arm/leg, jigs are vital to everything I do.
In fact, I like creating jigs more than building things with them.
That said, make a pantorouter. It's the king of jig tools.
I bought the 3m sander when you first showed it on your show and it’s a very nice sander very little vibration.
I got some great ideas from the compact workbench design. Just in time to finish the left side of my garage wall bench. Thanks for the inspiration!
Great point.
Before I start any project, I have a universal jig that I dance.
The video was excellent, and I also enjoyed how you promoted the squares at the end. Thanks.
Hola! 🖐I'm not at the stage of building jigs just yet, but this video has educated me already. I appreciate the video and the info. Take care and have a good one, Adios!👊
James my boy, will I nick your ideas and thought processes, Yup, absolutely lol just like everything else you have taught me over the years lol. Have a wonderful day James and thank you again mate from Down Under 😎👍👀
Yes. I will. Thanks greatly appreciate it
That was amazing. I have always wondered how these bizarre looking jigs that do amazing jobs evolve. Now I know. I will be ‘stealing’ this one! Thanks again James
thanks for another great video. I just got one of those 3M sanders from Taytools, and for anyone considering, it's well worth the price tag, especially at 20% off. thanks again for the tip!
"Thank You!", Mr. Nubs!
Excellent video even if no 'plans included'.
Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
I have been making jigs for years. I find that in the end it’s safer, the project goes faster and turns out better. One thing I wish he had highlighted a bit more was the “milled lumber”. Our 2x4s can have an 1/8” or more variance sometimes in the same board. You have to buy SS wood or plane the boards yourself for the jigs to work. Another great video, keep them coming
I assumed he ran them through the planer to square all the edges and get the thicknesses all the same. Makes projects a lot easier with construction lumber.
A 2X4 is 3-1/2 inches wide. I said mine were milled down to 3-1/4.
@@StumpyNubs I caught it, but I think some other viewers might have missed it. not worth taking it down and redoing it for.
@@StumpyNubs I’m not denying you did. My comment was about highlighting the milled lumber part.
@@StumpyNubsWas that to get rid of rounded edges??
Really brilliant jig, James! 😃
Thanks a lot for all the tips!!!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
This. I have some half lap stuff coming up and I was pondering a jig. This is a perfect jumping off point. Thank you.
I watch you from our lodge in Botswana Thanks for all the great ideas
That was a fund ad for Bridge Squares. I would have added a stop on top of the dust collector to make sure you didn't accidentally cut into it. I like using jigs for consistent cuts. Thanks for sharing.
Slick as a wet whistle. Thanks for sharing with us James, that is a kool jig. Fred.
This jig is kinda brilliant. Next time you make a project out of 2x4, you just gotta remember to mill it down to 3 1/4 and you can use this jig instead of throwing it away for quick and easy repeatable joints and looks all across the shop. I don't personally see a reason why I should make tenon and mortises or box joints when I can just glue a half lap joint and maybe even nail/screw/dowel it to make it quickly.
As a sidenote; if I were making such a jig for my shop, I would consider making a top plate that can screw onto the rails that guides the router, right in the middle of the half lap, alongside 4 holes, which could be used for drilling holes for dowels to reinforce the joint... so you only have to remove 2, 3 or 4 screws for that plate and/or add them to have or not this decorative part added. Could also add a piece of wood anywhere that you could butt up your dowel against and cut it with a pullsaw, on the same jig... so you would always have the perfect length dowel for this specific jig.
Edit; You could also add a few parts to make it a go-nogo jig for thickness and width validation to ensure proper use of this jig :).... now, I'm inspired
So so so true! Its the biggest struggle i personally have in my own woodworking evolution!
Excellent video, Lap joints are strong and easy. My favorite joint by far for shop fixtures and tables. Thanks.
Genius, just what I've been looking for. The perfect 2x bench method.
A suggestion. Those stacked plywood sides? I would always use the same material for the side depths with maybe a thin cardboard shim (so he work pieces can slide in and out). Eliminates a step and a complication. But ideally a jig opening is as close to the actual end result as possible (this is why you first tried the bearing cutter). So on a jig like this instead of the cardboard shim, you'd clamp it up from the bottom. Now it will slide in and out, but you won't have to fuss with router depth. and if the material varied in thickness, the cutout would be the same.
I had to make two pairs of 12:1 scarfs for a skin on frame kayak I made. I could've winged it on the table saw... but making the jig (for my Skilsaw) was worth the effort and time. Now if someone said we need a 30' 1 x 2 that would bend smoothly over an open curve, I'd say, no problem and make a scarfing jig.
And I've cut lap joints before without a jig, They worked but were always inconsistent enough that for a permanent bench set up... a good jig is better.
For building cedar wood strip kayaks (not recommended: build furniture or build a plywood kayak, but don't waste time trying to do both) I had to rout curved channels and beads. The wood was so soft, even in a jig, it would get sucked into the cutter. This was a really tough problem to solve, but worth the effort, I learned a lot. I also made a scarfing jig for my tablesaw for these 3/4" by 1/4" pieces. I figured out that one way the cutoffs would have a problem with the saw blade, but raised up a little and the other way, cutoffs would always fall away - safely. That was another really good lesson that I'm sure production shops have figured out.
Yep I'm steal that idea. Great way to make sure everything the same. And the sander love mine !!! Glad you recommend it. My sanding time cut way down its comfortable in my hand well worth it.
Love the simple jig, and jig progression, but really look forward to seeing the garage wall modular bench setup. Oh yes, and to me a jig is useful even for one item, when you want it done right. I knew I wasn’t making more than one Viking slat bed, but I knew I need a jig for all those mortises. Wish I was smart enough to think about doing a jig like this for the tenons.
+1 on the planned video for the modular garage bench. Please do that one! :D
+1 on the 2x4 lap joint bench plans
Great Video. I am binge watching your past videos today, as my low calorie thanksgiving treat to myself !
What I've learned for jigs in wood/metal work is, it's not about the number of parts or projects. It's about the number of cuts. And their complexity.
If making the jig takes the same number of cuts as you intend to make with the jig, then make the jig. You'll get the bonus of precision, speed and practice in building jigs.
I have been waiting for the video on the modular workbenches this jig was made for. 😊 This would be a nice follow up. 🙏
Speaking of jigs and setups. As hobbyist cnc's become more and more common. I think its important to leverage them for some of these tasks you wouldn't otherwise think to use them for. Like cutting tenons and lap joints. I have recently started setting mine up in such a way that I can easily clamp long and extended parts into my machine. To cut lap joints or mortises. This Probably doesn't work for everyone, less so the traditional crowd (not intended as a jab at anyone btw). Since I design just about everything I build in CAD first. Its become a simple process to standardize my joints somewhat in advance, create one section of code, add a few stop blocks and clamps to the cnc mill. Then Load it up, and work on processing other parts of a project as it does these jobs for me. Since my shop is still growing and i have a limited budget. The CNC mill also fills other roles that you would traditionally use other tools for (like jointers). But its certainly saved me time, and solved many problems, that I never realized I was having before. Food for thought, hope it helps other people out there thinking about utilizing their cnc mills and on a tight tool and space budget.
i've built a loft bed, desk, closet vanity, closet cabinet, storage chest, mitre saw table, and other shop necessities, but the build i'm proudest of is a jig. gather around, children, and i'll tell you "the story of how i saved the great blade."
here in central usa we have a finished basement. about 10 years ago we had bad water damage and decided to waterproof the basement with an interior trench and sump pump. that meant i had to remove the bottom 0.5m of the stud walls all the way around the basement. the stud wall was built about 1cm to 1.5cm away from the inside the concrete block foundation wall. i built a jig which i could clamp to the stud i was cutting, and allowed me to use my reciprocating saw to cut the stud without the blade hitting the block wall behind.
I'll give you a big "thumbs up"!
Jigs are a triple win to me, they make the job more clean safe and accurate for one, they challenge my creativity because you often have to design them as the negative of the result you are looking for and finally they use uo scraps which validates me keeping 2x6" pieces of ply and all those awkward hardwood scraps
Agree on making a jig even for non-production. Even if I have to cut or route just a few pieces a jig is the best way to go for accuracy and usually it really doesn't take that long to make one.
Excellent information!
Thank you for sharing!!!
James, I like the jig, but I like even more your lap-joint workbench idea. Could be a real space saver in my tiny shop. Just wish I had a router to go with the jig. Will probably end up using an old Shopsmith (the only "decent" power tool I have) to make the first bench, then once I have a table surface to work on I can upgrade to a router. Looking forward to seeing your modular workbench plans.
Very nice. Thank you for sharing! I am always looking for ideas like this.
The only addition I could see is to possibly add a feed-stop mechanism for repeated cuts. That said, with the jig clamped to a bench, another piece of wood can be clamped to either the jig or table so that every cut comes out at the same place/length.
I am looking forward to seeing your videos and plans for this modular one wall garage workshop. This is exactly what I want to do. I have a two car garage and am trying to setup a shop on the far end wall that still allows cars to park when I am not working on a project.
great video , looking forward to the bench build and plans .
thanks for being awesome
Thanks, Stumpy - a great lesson in design.
Thought the alliteration at the end was four square!🤣 I agree with the other commenters about the content and inspiration. Thanks muchly.
I have an idea for shelves that I want to build for my studio, and they can be taken apart if I am ever moving. A rig inspired by this will definitely cut down on the time it will take to make all the cuts needed. Thanks for a great idea! As usual.
I have made jigs for years. Sometimes for a one time application and some for a more mass produced affair. The one thing I wish I had done some years ago is to label the darn things so I now knew what that was hanging on the wall.
There have been times when I've spent more time making the jig than I have on the actual project. But the end results are worth it.
Jigs evolve! Thanks, James.
This will be my next jig as I need it to make a workbench with a lot less fasteners. This will also help with shelving in the basement too
Love making a jig for many different things.
Once again a video I wish I seen earlier. Thanks stumpy for your videos
I made a hand drill/threading guide, and thought i'd only use it once. It's been 12 years later. When you need to make 64 identical bolt holes in aluminium, plan on using a jig.
Interesting timing. I made a very similar jig just a few days ago, for building a quick chicken wire window frame.
This is another of your many very good, helpful, and potentially useful tools and techniques videos. Jigs like this are another fine way to make productive use of small scraps and pieces of left-over material as well, which greatly appeals to frugal DIY hearts and minds like my own. The only problem is that once we have built another of these jigs or fixtures, and finished using them, we also then have to find a place to keep and store the goddamn things. But of course we can always tear them down and reuse the parts again too, so problem solved. I'll sleep peacefully tonight.