Benchtop Jig Makes Glue-Ups Easier
This simple-to-make bench helper ensures that your glue-ups are square and accurate.
Squaring up a carcase side or frame-and-panel assembly during glue-up can be a challenge. To make the process quick and accurate, I made a simple jig from 2×4 stock milled straight and square, a door hinge, and some dowels. I use the end vise to adjust the jig for square before starting the glue-up.
To make the jig, connect the 2x4s end-to-end with the door hinge. This makes an articulated right-angle fence that you’ll clamp your workpiece to. The long arm of the assembly is fixed to the bench with dowels spaced to match the dog holes in the top. A dowel also connects the adjustable short arm to the vise. Opening or closing the vise will bring the jig into perfect perpendicular alignment.
To prepare a glue-up, install the jig on the workbench and bring the two parts of the fence into alignment by moving the vise and checking with a square. Apply glue and clamp the workpiece against the jig in both directions for a perfectly square assembly.
Michael Born, Oxnard, CA
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Dubuque Clamp Works Bar Clamps - 4 pack
Jorgensen 6 inch Bar Clamp Set, 4 Pack
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
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