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Best Router Jigs

Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit

Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit

Router Circle Cutter Jig For Cutting/Routing


Let’s get real: Your wood router is a beast, but without the right jigs, it’s like a Lamborghini stuck in first gear. Router jigs are the ultimate wingman for your tool—turning it into a joint-cutting, pattern-making, edge-profiling machine. Whether you’re tired of botching dovetails, eyeballing circles, or wasting cash on single-purpose tools, this guide will show you how jigs can save your projects, your wallet, and your sanity.

What Are Router Jigs? (And Why They’re Not Just “Fancy Guides”)

Router jigs are custom templates or attachments that transform your router into a specialized tool for specific tasks. Think of them as GPS for your router—they eliminate guesswork, boost precision, and let you replicate cuts like a CNC machine (without the $10K price tag). From dovetails to sign carving, jigs are the secret sauce of pro woodworkers.

5 Router Jigs Every Workshop Needs (No Excuses)

Still freehanding everything? Here’s what you’re missing:

1. Dovetail Jigs (e.g., Porter-Cable 4211)

  • Why You Need It: Cut flawless dovetails for drawers, boxes, or furniture joints.
  • Pro Tip: Use a spiral upcut bit for clean, tear-out-free results.

2. Circle-Cutting Jigs (e.g., Jasper 200J)

  • Why You Need It: Perfect circles for tabletops, speaker holes, or clock faces.
  • Pro Tip: Clamp the jig to your router base and pivot around a center pin.

3. Edge-Guide Jigs (e.g., Milescraft 1212)

  • Why You Need It: Rout straight dados, grooves, or inlays without wobbling.
  • Pro Tip: Add a sacrificial fence for zero tear-out on plywood.

4. Box Joint Jigs (e.g., Incra BoxJoint Jig)

  • Why You Need It: Craft rock-solid finger joints for jewelry boxes or cabinets.
  • Pro Tip: Pair with a ¼” spiral bit for buttery-smooth cuts.

5. Template Jigs (e.g., Woodpeckers Multi-Template Kit)

  • Why You Need It: Duplicate shapes for signs, guitar bodies, or moldings.
  • Pro Tip: Use MDF for cheap, durable templates.

Buying Guide: How to Pick Router Jigs Without Wasting Cash

1. Material Matters

  • Aluminum Jigs (e.g., Incra): Durable but pricey.
  • Plastic Jigs (e.g., Kreg): Budget-friendly but less precise.
  • DIY Wood Jigs: Free if you’ve got scrap plywood and ambition.

2. Compatibility Check

Ensure the jig works with your router’s base plate (most brands list compatible models).

3. Adjustability

Look for micro-adjustment features (Incra’s 1/32” increments) for surgical precision.

4. Top Brands

  • Incra: The Ferrari of jigs ($$$ but lasts forever).
  • Kreg: Affordable for hobbyists.
  • Milescraft: Versatile and beginner-friendly.
  • Rockler: Great for specialty jigs like sign-making.

Router Jig Hacks: Pro Secrets for Perfect Results

Steal these tricks before your next project:

  • Double-Sided Tape Fix: Secure templates with carpet tape instead of clamps.
  • Zero-Clearance Inserts: Cut a custom insert from scrap wood to prevent tear-out.
  • Speed Control: Slow your router down for hardwoods or intricate patterns.
  • Sharpie Markings: Label jig settings on masking tape for repeatability.

5 Projects That Scream “Buy a Router Jig!”

  1. DIY Floating Shelves: Use a dado jig for seamless bracket grooves.
  2. Custom Picture Frames: Miter jigs for perfect 45-degree corners.
  3. Engraved Coasters: Template jigs + V-groove bits for monograms.
  4. Toy Chest: Box joint jigs for kid-proof corners.
  5. Live-Edge Clock: Circle jig for a showstopping centerpiece.

DIY Router Jigs: Build Your Own for Pennies

Why buy when you can build?

Project: Simple Edge-Guide Jig

  • Materials: ½” plywood, T-track, knob clamps ($15 total).
  • Steps:
    1. Cut a 12”x4” plywood base.
    2. Attach a T-track parallel to the edge.
    3. Mount your router and adjust the guide for precise cuts.

Why It Rocks: Customizable, cheap, and just as accurate as store-bought.

Safety 101: Don’t Lose a Finger

  • Secure the Jig: Use clamps, not hope.
  • Wear a Respirator: MDF dust is sneakier than a cat burglar.
  • Test on Scrap: Dial in settings before butchering your good wood.

Why Router Jigs Are Worth Every Penny

Let’s math it out: A quality dovetail jig costs 300 for a jewelry box, one sale pays for the jig. For hobbyists? It’s about skipping the “Why is this joint crooked?!” meltdown.

(Jake “The Jig Master” Malone is a furniture maker and host of The Dusty Workshop Podcast. When not obsessing over router templates, he’s arguing with his dog about who sheds more sawdust.)