George Vondriska

The Versatility of Multi-Purpose Router Jigs

George Vondriska
Duration:   16  mins

Description

Watch and see a versatile, multi-purpose router jig in action. Unlike many task-specific devices, multi-purpose router jigs (like the one shown in this video) can cut dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints, finger joints and much more. Watch the chips fly and think of all the ways you could use this tool in your woodworking shop.

How Does It Work?

With this multi-purpose router jig setup, the router is mounted on top and it sits upright, and because it’s a plunge router, you can enter and exit the work to start and stop cuts. One unique feature of this machine is that the wood is traversed using the control of the machine. In other words, unlike other woodworking jigs, with this setup you clamp the workpiece and then turn the handle to move the wood toward the cutter. Then, when everything is lined up, you plunge in and machine the workpiece.

Locating the Router for Accuracy

With all woodworking power tools, accuracy is crucial. Unlike simple router jigs, this machine offers several ways to locate your cut. There is a laser “X” you can locate over the workpiece, a digital readout (which makes repeatability a cinch), and a direct-read cursor.

What Can It Do?

After you see just a few of the things this multi-purpose router jig can do, router jigs that only do one thing may seem subpar. Watch as we make through-dovetail tails and sockets, a mortise in end grain for a loose-tenon joint (yes, it is possible), and a raised panel using a non-dangerous climb cut. What about extra-long material? Watch and see how we feed long pieces through the machine using feather boards mounted under the table.

Router Boss provided by Chips Fly. For more information, visit www.chipsfly.com.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
characters remaining

4 Responses to “The Versatility of Multi-Purpose Router Jigs”

  1. cmramsey1

    Do you feel it would have been better mounted to the wall? I really like the way you mounted it to your bench. Can you provide more detail about the material and mounting suggestion. I have a router boss but have not attached it to a wall yet because of your video.

  2. Edgar Saldana

    How did you mount the Router Boss to the workbench? Thanks.

  3. talex

    don't have $600 plus for a router jig, nice commercial though

  4. Jim

    George, What is the jig that you're using, it's not mentioned anywhere. Thanks, Jim

Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!