Buy It Or Make It?
Jigs, Fixtures, Aids – should you buy something commercially made or would you be better off making it in your shop? The short answer is yes. Yes, you should make some jigs and fixtures specifically to meet your needs and others should be purchased. The real trick is to know when to make it yourself and when to go buy it.
My rule of thumb is if something is simple and I will only use it occasionally, I make it myself and save the money. Mine might not be quite as good or smooth or have a sleek design, but if it gets the job done, that is what matters and all I have invested is a little time and usually some scrap material.
If a particular jig or fixture will get regular or frequent use, is more complicated, or is made from an uncommon material I go for the commercial model. These items have been through rigorous testing before they were released, have stood the test of time, and have been used by many different folks in lots of different situations. I have confidence that they will do the job safely and efficiently. All of us have a finite budget to spend on our hobby and this is my way of getting the most bang for my buck without being penny wise and pound foolish.
I wasn’t always a professional turner or manufacturer of turning related widgets. After many years in the industry, I actually do own most of the commercial widgets from sphere jigs to captive hollowing systems to bowl coring systems, etc. But that was not always the case. I distinctly remember struggling with my decision to purchase my first four-jaw chuck for $209 with a couple of extra jaw sets. I saw the added flexibility a chuck provided but was it that much better than a faceplate? Yes, it was! Money well spent.
When I decided to learn to hollow vases, I struggled with making longer handles for more leverage rather than buy a captive system. So after I healed up the third or fourth time I broke out the cash and bought a commercial system. Yes, it was well worth the money.
The way I got into manufacturing woodturning jigs and fixtures was by making them for my own use in my own shop at first. Since I have a CNC router and a laser I can now make them on a professional level just like any other manufacturing facility. When I see the need for a new widget and can come up with an appropriate solution, I share it with you after thorough testing in my shop and more testing by a few close turning friends. Sometimes you see the need and sometimes you don’t.
I still make lots of one-off jigs for my own use and when I don’t need them anymore, out they go. Or I design a better version and toss out the old one. When I find a new and better material I make the switch and discontinue the old. I once worked as a journeyman master carpenter in a mansion for about 1-1/2 years at the same property. My coworkers came to call me the “Jig Boy”. Even then I used jigs to help me do an expert job.
God gave us good minds and the ability to create ways to solve problems for a reason. We have chosen woodturning as our hobby and it affords us the opportunity to be very creative. Embrace it and always remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this week’s message:
Prov 8:12 KJV I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Jer 32:17 HCSB Oh, Lord GOD! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!
Rom 15:14 NIV I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
The Amazing Ladle Chuck System
Regular Price $179.99
Save $40
Sale Price $139.00
You Can make 5 different sized ladles. Includes 5 templates for perfect spheres. Available to fit 1x8 or 1-1/4 x 8 spindles
More Cool Stuff!
Free means Free. These downloads are available for immediate download. 1) You must be registered on the website, 2) You must be logged in, 3) You must follow the instructions to the letter, 4) You must click on each file individually to download it.
.
Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one down-loadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
.
