Jig

A jig is a tool, normally used in woodworking, that can be set up to make tasks that you repeat over and over again much easier to perform. Since most jobs will have processes that are unique from each other, jigs are often custom made for an individual purpose.

Measuring every single cut when duplicating multiple pieces by hand is very time consuming and often inaccurate. For making the same cuts every single time and creating pieces that replicate each other, a jig is nearly indispensable. While you can not use a jig by itself, when used as a guide with another tool the job becomes more efficient.

Using a jig is like using a template when drawing the same picture over and over. It will allow you to lay out each saw cut or drilled hole exactly the same every time. This comes in handy for repetitive tasks such as building furniture, cutting planks to be jointed together, and mitering.

Jigs are categorized by the type of work, or sometimes the tool, that they will be used in conjunction with.

• Woodworking Jigs. Normally used in conjunction with a workbench in a woodworking shop.
• Drill Jigs. Guides that are used to lay out both the location and the angle of the hole being drilled.
• Miter Jigs. Normally included as part of a miter saw, these jigs set specific angles for strips like floorboards and crown molding to joint perfectly together.