When you’re just starting out in woodworking, one of the first things you’ll hear about—after “get a square cut”—is jigs.
These simple tools can save time, improve accuracy, and make your work a lot safer. But if you’re setting up your shop for the first time, you’ve probably wondered:
👉 Should I build my jigs myself, or just buy them ready-made?
I’ve asked myself that exact question—and over the years, I’ve done both. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of buying vs building woodworking jigs, share real examples, and help you decide which route makes the most sense based on your skills, tools, and time.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!
Always be cautious and careful when using any power tool.
What Is a Woodworking Jig?
A woodworking jig is a simple tool or guide that helps you make precise, repeatable cuts, holes, or shapes in your projects. It holds your workpiece in place and guides your tool—whether it’s a saw, router, or drill—along a defined path.
Think of a jig as a shortcut: instead of measuring and marking over and over again, a well-made jig lets you do the same cut quickly, safely, and accurately—every single time.
Some jigs focus on improving safety by keeping your hands away from blades. Others make it easier to cut perfect angles or identical pieces. Either way, they’re essential in any workshop.
Buying vs Making Woodworking Jigs: Quick Comparison
| Feature / Factor | 🛒 Buy a Jig | 🪚 Build a Jig |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Speed | Ready to use immediately | Requires time and tools to build |
| 💰 Cost | Can be expensive, especially for quality jigs | Usually cheaper, especially using scrap material |
| 🛠 Customization | Limited — one-size-fits-most | Fully customizable to your project and tools |
| 📦 Durability | Often made of metal/plastic — may wear over time | Can be stronger if made from quality plywood or MDF |
| 🎯 Precision Fit | Generally precise out of the box | Depends on your build quality and measurements |
| 🎓 Skill Development | Minimal learning required | Great for practicing cutting, measuring, problem-solving |
| 🔄 Flexibility | May not work across multiple tools or setups | Can be adapted for different tools and uses |
💡 Tip: If you’re short on time or working on a complex project, buying a jig might make sense. But if you’re learning, want to save money, or need something custom—building it yourself is often the better choice.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Woodworking Jig
Buying a readymade jig has several advantages, but also some drawbacks.
Pros of Buying a Jig
Ready to use right away – No building, no measuring, no cutting. If you’re on a tight deadline or mid-project, this can be a lifesaver.
Reliable precision – Many commercial jigs are machine-made and offer consistent accuracy, especially for specialty cuts.
Good for complex or specialty work – Some jigs are tricky to build correctly (like dovetail or mortise jigs), and store-bought versions can save frustration.
No tool or material investment needed – You don’t need scrap wood, fasteners, or extra workshop time.
Cons of Buying a Jig
Often expensive – Buying multiple jigs adds up fast—especially if you’re just starting out or need several for a new project.
Limited flexibility – Most store-bought jigs are built for general use, not your specific project. You might find yourself modifying them anyway.
No learning value – Buying a jig skips over the opportunity to practice measuring, cutting, and problem-solving—which are valuable skills, especially for beginners.
Not always upgradeable – Many jigs (especially plastic ones) aren’t easily adjustable or expandable over time.
Tip: If a jig is unusually complex, or you need it immediately for a project, buying might make more sense. Otherwise, if you’re working on a budget or want to learn, building it yourself is often the better route.
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Pros and Cons of Making a Woodworking Jig
Pros of Making Your Own Jig
Much cheaper – Most jigs can be made from leftover plywood, MDF, or scrap wood. That’s money saved for tools or materials.
Custom fit for your project – You can build the jig to match the exact size, tool setup, or repeatable cut you need.
Learn valuable skills – Designing and building jigs helps you improve layout, measurement, precision, and tool control.
Easily modifiable – If your project changes or you want to improve the jig later, it’s simple to tweak your design.
Gives you confidence – The more jigs you make, the more comfortable you become working independently in your shop.
Cons of Making a Jig
Takes time – If you’re in a rush, building even a basic jig can eat into your project timeline.
Requires tools and workspace – You need a decent base of tools and a bit of bench space to build accurately.
Not all jigs are beginner-friendly – Some jigs (like dovetail guides or complex router jigs) require precise angles and fine-tuning, which can be frustrating without experience.
Mistakes are part of the process – The first few might not come out perfect—and that’s okay. You’ll learn and improve with each one.
Personal note: Some of my most-used jigs are the ones I made in the early days of my workshop. They weren’t perfect, but they worked—and building them taught me more than any instruction manual ever could.
When Should You Buy vs Build a Jig?
Now that you know the trade-offs, here are a few real-world situations to help you decide whether to buy or build your next jig.
When Buying Makes Sense:
You’re in the middle of a project and need the jig now
The jig is highly complex or requires machining (e.g. dovetail or box joint jigs)
You need extreme precision and don’t want to risk building errors
You’re not interested in building and just want to focus on your main project
You’re short on time, tools, or workshop space
When Building Is the Better Option:
You’re on a tight budget and want to avoid unnecessary expenses
You need the jig to fit a very specific setup (e.g. your saw, table size, or cutting angles)
You’re working on a project that requires repeatable cuts
You’re learning woodworking and want to practice measuring, cutting, and layout
You already have suitable materials like scrap plywood or MDF on hand
Tip: Many woodworkers do both. They build their essential jigs (like crosscut sleds or straight-edge guides), and buy specialty jigs later as their projects get more complex.
Best Beginner Jigs to Build First
If you’re just getting started and want to try building your first jigs, here are a few that are simple to make, low-cost, and incredibly useful in almost every project.
1. Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide
Perfect for cutting long, straight lines in plywood or MDF. Works like a track saw without the price tag.
👉 See the full build guide
2. Crosscut Sled for Table Saw
A must-have for precise 90° cuts. Adds safety and repeatability—great for furniture, frames, and small parts.
👉 Build your own here
3. Router Dado Jig
Helps you cut clean, consistent dados and grooves with ease. Works great for shelving, drawer boxes, and cabinetry.
👉 Try this adjustable dado jig
4. Corner Clamp / Right Angle Clamp
Keeps pieces aligned while assembling boxes, drawers, or frames. Super useful and quick to build.
👉 See the jig in action
5. Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill
If you don’t have a drill press, this stand lets you drill straight, consistent holes with a hand drill.
👉 Make it step-by-step
Start with just one. Pick the jig that solves a real problem in your workshop right now—and build from there.
Conclusion
When I started woodworking, my budget was tight and my tool collection was small. Like most beginners, I had to make smart choices—and building my own jigs was one of the best ones.
Not only did I save money, but each jig I made taught me something new. It gave me more control over my work, helped me improve my accuracy, and made every project feel more manageable.
Sure, there are times when buying a jig makes sense—especially if it’s complex or you’re pressed for time. But if you’re willing to slow down just a bit, building your own jigs is a smart investment in your skills, your workshop, and your confidence.
You don’t have to build them all at once. Just start with one, and you’ll quickly see the value. Before long, you’ll have a collection of custom jigs that work exactly the way you need them to.
And honestly? Making them is half the fun. 😉
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to build your own woodworking jigs?
Yes—especially if you use scrap materials. Most jigs can be made with plywood, MDF, or HDF you already have in your shop. Buying multiple jigs can get expensive fast.
Can beginners build woodworking jigs?
Absolutely. Many jigs are beginner-friendly and only require basic tools like a circular saw, drill, and clamps. They’re actually a great way to build your skills.
Which woodworking jigs should I build first?
Start with a crosscut sled, circular saw guide, or a router dado jig. These are simple to make and useful in almost every project.
Are store-bought jigs better than DIY ones?
Some complex jigs—like dovetail or mortise jigs—are easier to buy. But for most standard tasks, a well-made DIY jig will work just as well (or better) and can be customized to your needs.
Do I need a router or table saw to make jigs?
Not always. You can start with simple jigs using just a circular saw and a drill. As your tool collection grows, you can build more advanced ones.
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