My Budget Router Jig

**sheperd80** · 10th February 2013, 06:01 PM

Diving into my first box project and thought Id show my homemade router table, sled and finger-joint jig.

Im sure you folks with full professional wood shops will have a laugh but hey ive got to work with what i have right!

uploadfromtaptalk1360479320883.jpg

Reclaimed bunk beds provided the lumber for the table and sled.

uploadfromtaptalk1360479376789.jpg

Thats a $10 circular saw rip guide riding in a routered dado lol. But it makes for a pretty smooth and straight ride.

uploadfromtaptalk1360479432593.jpg

And a Rigid trim router screwed on underneath.

uploadfromtaptalk1360479533178.jpg

My first sample joint is a bit off as you can see. The fingers are slightly undersize and i had some depth issues. I think i was lazy on a few and didnt get my piece down tight enough on the table. But it goes fast, i put both pieces on the sled offset and made 2 cuts with each pass. That little router is pretty tough for its small size.

I'll fine tune it tomorrow and hopefully start my first box.

But for a total of $10, some free wood and a few screws ive got a workable jig for my little trimmer. If youre on a budget like me give it a try.

)

**artme** · 10th February 2013, 09:07 PM

If it does the job AND it's safe then whacko!!

**sheperd80** · 11th February 2013, 05:04 AM

Well as we say in the shooting sports, "safety starts with you".

My hands are well clear of the bit while passing boards over it. A more accesible power switch would be nice.

**Ticky** · 7th April 2013, 10:15 PM

Hey Shep,

Well mate, being broke is nothin to be ashamed of, ...... It's just Blody Inconvieniant!!

I think you have done what most of us have had to do from time to time, & that is improvise.

Some times its because we can't aford what we need, of maybe we could afford it but it's a lot of money & we may not use it often enough to justify it, but more often than not it's because we need it now & we haven't got it so we knock up a jig that will do the trick.

Anyway, I think you have done great job. You have used what you had & made it work.

My brother made a lathe once. First thing he made with his new lathe was a better lathe.

keep up the good work

Steve

**orraloon** · 9th May 2013, 09:20 AM

Thats what woodworking is about. Get a result with what you have.

Regards
John

**Rod Gilbert** · 27th July 2013, 02:28 PM

Hi Shepard80,
Ticky has got it spot on if it works for you it not only gives you another useful jig you also gain the experience and other skills associated with problem solving to design and construct the jig. By having a crack you soon find out what will an what won't work, always consider first and foremost where you're body parts throughout the entire action of the jig.
Regards Rod.

**captainkirk** · 29th July 2013, 04:57 PM

Nice job on this budget jig. I'm also working on a tight budget for tools, and I'm inspired to make something similar to take my box corner joints up a notch.

**Ross** · 30th July 2013, 08:56 AM

Well done.

Ross

**Glenrob** · 12th August 2013, 06:41 PM

Using whatever you have and making it work for you is what we are all about. Something about a silk purse and a sow's ear?.

Good on ya,
Bob

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My Budget Router Jig

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Great effort Mate

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