How to Make Router Jigs

A router jig is a device that you set on your workpiece when using a router. It is a guide or a template for your router. Jigs are usually used for making repetitive motions and duplicate items. It will save you time to make a jig prior to doing the work if you will be making more than one of the same item. Router jigs are made from wood and are simple to construct. If you are a woodworker looking to create cuts and designs with a router and you'd like to make a jig to simplify your work, read through the following steps to learn how it is done.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lumber 2-by-4-by-16 inches
• Lumber 1-by 3-by-36 inches
• Carpenter's Square
• Wood Scrap
• 4 Wood Screws 1 5/8 inches
• Screw Gun
• Router
• 1/4 inch Gouging Bit

1. Lay out a piece of lumber 2-by-4-by-16 inches vertically. Lay a 1-by-3-by-36 inch piece of lumber horizontally across the first piece of ply with only 6 inches overlap on one end. This is your guide rail.

2. Make sure the 1-by-3 overlaps the 2-by-4 at the center point. Use a carpenter's square to make sure the board crosses over at a 90-degree angle.

3. 
    

   Place a piece of scrap wood under the opposite end of the 1-by-3 to hold it up off of the floor. Attach the wood pieces together at the crossover using four wood screws.

4. 
    

   Put a 1/4-inch gouging bit into your router and make a groove on each side of the 1-by-3.

5. Line up your router jig groove line with a line on your panel you wish to groove. Using the groove line on the jig as your guide, route a groove on the panel by resting the router up against the guide rail.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many different router jigs made for different projects. Use the one above for cutting grooves in panels. Use it also as a basic template for making other types of jigs.
• Always wear goggles and a mask when working with routers or other woodworking tools, to prevent inhaling dust and debris.