Now, so here we go on another topic: Jigs. According to Wikipedia, “A jig's primary purpose is to provide repeatability, accuracy and interchangeability in the manufacturing of products. A jig is often confused with a fixture; a fixture holds the work in a fixed location. A device that does both functions (holding the work and guiding a tool) is called a jig.”

So long story short: A jig is something we use to make the work go faster, help us cut things all to the same length, sand things to the same shape, design things exactly the same way as the next thing, or even the one before. Jigs in a wood shop are priceless. PRICELESS!! They are especially important when doing large orders that require them all to look exactly the same.

Here are some examples of jigs we have at the shop. These are definitely not ALL that we have but here in some we have used the past few days while doing ties and making parts for kaleidoscopes.

This jig helps cut out tie knots out evenly and perfectly every time. 


This jig is used to drill holes in the knots we've cut so they can be even on each side and match the holes at the top of the ties. We clamp it down so it doesnt move and use another clamp to hold it in place so they are clean and precise.

 For our kaleidoscopes, this one is for cutting glass pieces evenly so they fit snuggly in the barrel, and help so we don't get cut.

This other one is for making the ends of our kaleidoscopes. (DON'T try this at home). Fingers get too close sometimes in jigs and this one was a little too near.

Jigs are priceless... and the best thing about them is that they are completely made up of your own design and making. Jigs are things you create to help you create, which can kind of be a conundrum, but its fun all the same because you get to stretch your mind and abilities in the shop to make the things you need.

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