Jigs are a part of every woodworker’s life it seems, especially for power tool users. However, when you only have hand held power tools, I personally believe they’re absolutely essential. After rough cutting the parts for the bookcase, I came to a sudden realization that I suck and freehand cutting. I already knew I’d suck at rips, hence my purchase of this little beauty:
This is the Accu-Rip. It’s apparently put out by Craftsman, though I picked it up at Lowe’s for about $30. This thing worked wonderfully, and a review will be posted soon about this wonderful piece of hardware.
However, the Accu-Rip can only do 24” of capacity, which is great for rips, but it meant I’d have to free-hand it for my 30+ inches of shelves. Well, here’s where my reminder came in. Luckily I was only rough cutting, so I can fix the mistakes, but I knew I’d need something to help me out. So, I built my own “cross cut sled”. OK, so it’s just a guide, but I’ve decided to call in The Sled™. So, without further ado, I present The Sled™!
It’s basically a thin piece of luan with a rail screwed to it. The rail is screwed on square to the edge of the luan. I then ran the circular saw down the side of the rail to create the new edge of the sled. Pretty straight forward. I figure that this little puppy should help out with straight cuts just fine.
Also, since I’ll have to cut dadoes into the bookcase sides, I needed a jig to help with that. This is a simple little jig I saw on Fine Woodworking’s website so I freely admit I’m ripping it off.
Now, while not exactly “fine woodworking”, it is essential woodworking. They ain’t pretty, but they weren’t made to be pretty. They’re made to help me make pretty things instead. I think they’ll work just fine for that!
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!
5 comments so far
Beginningwoodworker
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4123 posts in 566 days
posted 327 days ago
Nice progress!
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Scott Bryan
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20575 posts in 715 days
posted 327 days ago
Jigs, such as you are making, are as essential as any other tool in the shop. These look pretty good and certainly will help improve your woodworking skills.
It does look like you are having fun!!
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Tomcat1066
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776 posts in 689 days
posted 327 days ago
Thanks CJ.
Scott,
I agree completely. Frankly, I wouldn’t even want to think about doing some of this work without something to help keep things straight and accurate! This is no exception! ;)
And I’m having a blast :D
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!
clieb91
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683 posts in 828 days
posted 326 days ago
Tomcat, Good plan and they look help and hold up. I went out and bought a rail guide as well before the holidays in order to help with the playhouse cuts I had to make. NO clue why I did not buy one sooner.
CtL
-- Chris L. "Don't Dream it, Be it."
Tomcat1066
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776 posts in 689 days
posted 326 days ago
Chris,
I hear ya. The repeatability alone makes it worth the investment. Especially since several of the rail guide systems have base plates for routers as well, making them multifunctional.
Really, today, it’s not so bad trying to make furniture without a table saw with all the tracked systems floating around :)
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!