Do-it-yourself homeowners that have only experienced cutting or drilling without a jig do not know how a woodworking jig can alter things. It is very frustrating when holes are drilled too deep into a picture frame molding. Things don't square up and the last leg of the project is spent trying to recover the lost shape of the item.
Then, of course, there have been the terrible routing or dovetail cuts that will not line up in the end. Having a job handy will help alleviate this and all other woodworking problems you may encounter.
You don't have to buy pricy or fancy jigs. Most of the time you will be able to make your own jig when completing little jobs. However, for those that are consistent woodworking hobbyist, it is wise to have a variety of jigs to choose from. By a few different jigs and find out how much money and time you can save on your projects.
If you are on a budget when you are stocking your workshop, jigs should be one of the must have items you buy.
A dowel jig will let you cut dowel holes to very accurate diameters and widths. This is a good thing in furniture making because dowels can keep together drawer fronts to the frame or for putting rigid legs into tables and chairs.
The dovetail jig is another must have in the jig department. Dovetail jigs are responsible for that professional looking finish you see on drawers. Look at a bureau that is at 50 years or older. You will notice how dovetails used to be used on drawers. These elegant pieces of furniture have lasted all of this time for a reason. Dovetailed drawers are durable. They will last for decades, possibly even centuries if they are made properly.
Router jigs will support wood while it passes through the saw making the fine, even ornate details that professional woodworking projects are made of. Bevelled edges of tables and the front of drawers make both sides beautiful when a router jig is used on the wood.
The Kreg jig is an excellent tool to have on hand. The Kreg set typically has some face clamps to keep are used to hold these jigs in place. With the Kreg jig you can drill to exact levels and hole sizes for interlocking fitting matches.
There are a few tools that home improvement beginners will want to eventually add to their workshop. When you first start out and the projects are limited, you only need a few tools. However, once you have completed a few jobs. Invest in a few tools that make projects easier. Simple jigs will make work easier.
