Essential Woodworking Jigs Every DIY Builder Should Know

Jigs are like your secret weapon in the workshop. These clever helpers guide your tools, improve your accuracy, and make repeat cuts and joints faster and more consistent — especially when building cabinets, drawers, or boxes.

Whether you buy them or build them yourself, woodworking jigs are a must-have for serious DIYers and weekend warriors alike.

You’ve got two options:

• Buy pre-made jigs — affordable and ready to go.

• Build your own — even cheaper and completely customizable.

Scrap wood is perfect for homemade jigs. It saves money, reduces waste, and gives you flexibility for one-off or project-specific needs.

Let’s break down the most useful types of jigs you’ll want to have in your workshop:

Perfect for creating dovetail joints on boxes, drawers, and cabinets. You can buy affordable dovetail jigs or build your own using templates.

➡️ Pro Tip:
Look for jigs that support variable or fixed spacing. Some kits even include templates and bits, which can save you money over buying everything separately.

If you’re cutting dovetails by hand, invest in a high-quality dovetail saw. Look for a blade with 14–17 points per inch (PPI) for smoother, tighter joints.

These saws are great for fine joinery and detailed projects — not just dovetails.

Dowel jigs help you align and drill perfectly centered holes for wooden dowels. If you're working with thicker lumber, go for a self-centering jig for best results.

➡️ Look for kits that come with multiple dowel sizes (¼” to ½”), glue, and hundreds of dowels.

Need to mount drawer slides with precision? Kreg jigs make it incredibly easy. No measuring, no eyeballing — just clamp and drill.

Great for:

• Center-mounted drawers

• Bottom slides

• Full-extension slides

They save hours of time and ensure smooth movement for years.

If you’re looking to save money or customize jigs for a one-off build, making your own is a great option.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Scrap plywood or MDF

• Wood glue & clamps

• Basic tools like saws, drills, and squares

• Plans (from books, blogs, or — yep — right here on DIY Den)

For one-time use jigs, cheap plywood will do. For jigs you plan to reuse, opt for hardwood or stronger materials

Want to level up? Print and save your jig plans in a binder. Add plastic page covers to protect your plans from sawdust, glue, and the occasional coffee spill.

A clean, organized shop is a productive one.

Woodworking jigs simplify complex jobs, improve accuracy, and save tons of time. Whether you’re building furniture, cabinetry, or storage boxes, the right jig can be the difference between “just okay” and “perfect fit.”

Start with a few basics. Learn what works for your style. And when in doubt

— make it yourself.

See you in the shop!

— Dave Wainwright
DIY Den with Dave