What Is a Router Jig?

A router jig is a great tool to have when you are working with wood. It will help you get the perfect cuts and will make your work a lot easier. There are a few different types of jigs to choose from and it is important to get the right one for your needs.

Making a router jig

A router jig is an excellent tool that will allow you to make multiple dadoes. The jig is easy to construct and provides a handy guide for your router. There are many types of router jigs available, and they can be made from different materials. You can build a simple or elaborate jig, depending on your needs. If you’re a beginner woodworker, you can probably create a jig from basic tools and wood.

The jig should be slightly larger than the router base. This makes it easier to set the bit to the right depth. It should also be able to accommodate the bit’s diameter.

To determine the right size, measure the inside diameter of the router bit. Then, multiply the length of the jig by the width of the router’s cutting diameter. For example, if you’re using a 3/4″ bit, you’ll need a base that’s at least twice the width of the router’s cutting diameter plus the height of the hinge.

Routing an ellipse

Router jigs allow woodworkers to cut perfect ellipses. These curved shapes can be used for a wide range of applications, including frames and openings. They can also be used to create a range of decorative surfaces, such as framed mirrors. Using a router jig to make ellipses is easy.

You can choose a jig that uses two stops to lock in the spacing between holes. This makes it easier to set up, especially when you’re using a plunge router. There are also jigs that use a workpiece to establish the hole spacing.

For more complex ellipses, you may want to consider adding an add-on base plate to your jig. The added base will help to increase the ellipse length-to-width ratio. However, you will need to reposition the jig if you change the thickness of the workpiece.

Most ellipse jigs use sliding pivot points to guide the router. They can be placed over the center of a workpiece, or positioned with screws or double-sided tape.

Routing a circle

If you are trying to cut a perfect circle in wood, the best solution is to use a router and a circle cutting jig. The jig is a compact, sturdy tool that helps you to make sure that you get a perfectly accurate circle every time.

A jig can be made from various materials. Some are made of wood while others are manufactured from nylon polymer. They usually feature guides for different sizes of circular cuts.

The POWERTEC 71212 circle jig is a rugged, yet lightweight, tool that has a metric scale. It is a great tool for routing 256 different sizes of circles. With its TurnLock base plate, it is compatible with most routers.

Another useful jig is the Milescraft CircleGuideKit. This jig cuts large circles, and it also comes with a bonus Offset Base for finishing the edges of your projects.

A circle jig is a great tool for a beginner. It is easy to set up and to use.

Routing mortises

There are several types of router jigs available to cut mortises. Each has different features and is designed to give you a more precise result. Choosing the right jig is as important as using the correct bit.

You can buy a ready-made jig or construct your own. If you opt for a store-bought jig, you will want to consider a unit that has a clear acrylic top. These jigs have centering lines on the top to help you align the jig with the mortise.

You can also use a hand-held plunge router for mortises. This tool can be used to make parallel or double mortises. However, if you need to cut deeper mortises, you need to change your approach. Rather than setting the bit deeper with each pass, you should set it to the depth of the mortise.

A benchtop mortising jig is ideal for repeatable cuts. It can clamp a workpiece in place, and allows you to cut a mortise to the exact dimensions you need.