The Complete Handbook of Jigs

Jigs are the quiet workhorses of the workshop and the production line. A good jig turns a risky, inconsistent operation into a fast, repeatable one, and a bad one costs you in scrap and rework. This handbook is for the professional, the business owner, and the serious hobbyist who wants to know exactly what a jig does, how to pick the right one, and how to keep it working.

The first half covers the core engineering: the different types, from drill guides to router templates to weld fixtures, and the specifications that actually matter, such as material, tolerance, and wear characteristics. It shows you how to match a jig to your specific workflow, whether you are making ten parts or ten thousand. Detailed setup and usage chapters cover alignment, clamping, and cutting parameters, and a troubleshooting section walks you through common failures and fixes.

The second half expands beyond the single tool. It profiles the brands and suppliers by tier, and it outlines concrete business opportunities, from reselling to private-labeling, servicing, renting, and consulting. A forward-looking chapter covers where jig technology is headed, and a glossary and FAQ round out the reference. If you work with your hands, this book will pay for itself on your next job.