Jigs

[Digit]

OPJ commented about a box assembly jig I used and that started a train of thought.
I use a lot of jigs, we all know Niki does :lol:, I use them for two reasons.
One, with only one eye you lose your ability to judge distances, especially close up, so I use them to keep my fingers clear of those nasty whirly sharp things.
Two, to be honest, to help cover for deficiencies in hand skills, so okay, I should practise more, but just how many sub standard mitre joints can one job stand?
Any opinions?

Roy.

 

[OllyK]

Yup, Yup, not really

 

[TheTiddles]

A jig is a tool, a tool like any other. If anyone wants to complain about their use, go split some flint open and start making a gate-leg regency table with it, I dare you!

Aidan

 

[Digit]

Any takers? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Roy.

 

[Woodmagnet]

Nothing wrong with using jigs Roy, i will be making a few
myself when i can, and it will be to help me with my
physical disabilities just as much as an aid to improving
my woodworking. Just the same reasons as you really.
I have a collection of them stored on my computer so i
can compare them when i'm ready to start making them,
some of them do the same job as another but are easier
to make, and that's another thing, do i need to make a jig,
to make a jig. :? :lol:

 

[Digit]

do i need to make a jig, to make a jig.

On occasion, yes! :lol:
I get a lot of satisfaction as well when a jig or fixture that I've made produces the desired result over and over again.
Is that just me?

Roy.

 

[Philly]

Roy
Nothing wrong with using jigs - they allow you to work to a higher standard, regardless of if your using a power or hand tool.
Remember - jigs don't have to be super special contraptions that take two days to make. :wink:
Cheers
Philly
Who has just finished routing using a quick mdf jig....

 

[Digit]

I must admit Phil that I tend to make jigs to as high a standard as I can as I dislike the idea of picking something up that looks rough.
Just as an LN plane looks nice, so I like my jigs to look finished.
Personal thing as they work just as well anyway of course.

Roy.

 

[MikeG.]

My problem with jigs is that I have hundreds of them, and I can never find the one I need. So, I make another one............which will be just the same as half a dozen I made previously and couldn't find.

As you might imagine, mine aren't the prettiest things in the world.......always made from scrap, but always accurate.

Mike

 

[Digit]

I've just put up another shelf so that I can find them! :lol:

Roy.

 

[Niki]

Hi Roy

Well, as you said, I love using jigs because....like you - my hand skills are very close to zero.

I started the woodworking hobby with power tools and for me, a tool that is not connected to a cord or battery - is not a tool......but, I have a (very) few hand tools.

If you noticed, I never make a "Custom jig" but rather, a "General jigs" so, they are not so many.
In some cases, I use existing jig as a "Multi-purpose jig" just by adding a few knobs, T-nuts and alike to change it from one task to another

Usually, in almost any of my projects, I use almost all the jigs again and again.

And yes, I love to make them ........like you didn't know

niki

 

[Digit]

Yep! There is something uniquely satisfying about using a tool you've made yourself.

Roy.