Need ideas-plans for jigs and shop

[Benjimin Young]

First, I just joined the group so here is a quick bio. Before changing careers and migrating to a desk job, I had worked 20 years in the commercial construction sector however, I am new to doing fine woodwork, which is strictly a hobby for me. I have a 16x32 insulated garage/storage/workshop (not yet heated) and live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, so winter heating is a challenge. I was recently laid off but when I was employed, there was little time to enjoy the hobby and lots of money to spend on the workshop; new table saw, jointer, planner, router/jessem-table/woodline jigs, etc. over two years. Now I have plenty of time, no spare cash for the hobby and loving every minute of this temporary retirement.

I’v been milling reclaimed/salvaged wood and playing with the router jigs practicing on small boxes. I'd thought I take a step sideways and fix up the shop though. My plan is to build some basic jigs for the saw, router and drill press (have nothing yet) and then use these to help build better shop storage, workbench, etc as I find spare cash, or more reclaimed/salvaged material, the later is fun and somewhat fulfilling.

I have quite a few old books and magazines but thought the group may be able to assist in the idea/design end of things. If you have any plans/pictures/ideas that you can share, I would love to see them; cross cut sleds, miter jigs, safety jigs, shop storage, work surfaces, etc.

Having a blast;)
Ben

[John Bailey]

Ben,

Welcome to the Creek. I think you'll find it an informative site. If you'll do a search on different subjects, you find a wealth of information. There've been many shop-building projects and jig-making projects that have been documented in various threads.

Good luck, and again, welcome to the Creek.

John

[Larry Fox]

Benjimin, my advise would be to pick a shop-improvement project and build any jigs that you need to in order to complete the project as the need arises. Complete the project, pick another project, build jigs as necessary. Repeat.

However, in the name of full-disclosure, I have to admit that I detest building jigs so I only build them when I need them.

Just my $0.02

[glenn bradley]

I on the other hand, like jigs. They are worth the time and effort to me for often repeated tasks or those once in a lifetime weird things that you might have to do. Here's some "Stuff" I've done to make my shop time more pleasant:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=44502
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=40640
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=39333
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=38427
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=37662
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=36816
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=35940

Enjoy.

[Keith Beck]

Glenn,

Those are some very creative and resourceful jigs and tips you've come up with! I hope you don't mind if I borrow a few of those. :)

Keith

[Robert Goodwin]

My most used jig in the shop is my cross-cut sled. There is nothing like being confident in square cuts :)

[Dave Ray]

Hey Glenn, I really like your jigs and ideas. Thanks

[glenn bradley]

I second Roberts cross cut sled. My slam-bang version is funtcional but not worthy of pictures. If the thing will just die, I'll build a nicer one. This might even contend for your FIRST jig.

[glenn bradley]

Kieth,

Borrow away, I'm sure I didn't just dream them up. I get a lot of ideas here at the Creek!

[Jerry Olexa]

I love my cross cut jig or TS sled!!! Great for accurate, square cuts on panels...

[Paul Kinneberg]

Ben I'm with Larry build em as you need them.

[Travis Porter]

I totally agree with Robert. I had been using the CMS for years, and a cross cut sled I now realize is a must have.

[Allen Bookout]

Add me to the list. Number one most used "jig"-------crosscut sled.

[Bob Powers]

Try the book "Making Woodwork Aids and Devices" by Robert Wearing, published by the Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd.