These jigs ideas are by Billy from Newton Makes. These 7 workshop jigs are practical, easy to build, and will dramatically improve your workflow, accuracy, and efficiency in the shop.
From cutting perfect miters to ripping boards without a jointer, Billy shows how simple setups can solve everyday woodworking problems. Each jig is a time-saver designed to make your builds more consistent and enjoyable.
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Why Jigs Matter in a Woodshop
Jigs aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. They remove repetitive setup steps, reduce errors, and allow you to focus on craftsmanship instead of constant measurements.
Billy emphasizes how a well-designed jig simplifies difficult tasks. Whether you’re framing artwork, joining boxes, or breaking down lumber, having the right jig on hand can make a huge difference in results and speed.
1. Picture Frame Sled
Picture frames can be frustrating to get right. Billy’s sled is designed to solve that, using a plywood base and a drywall square modified to align with the table saw blade.
A stop block on the sled makes it easy to dial in the length of frame sides without remeasuring. It produces accurate miters and eliminates guesswork, making it great for building frames at scale.
2. Spline Jig for Wood Boxes
Adding splines to wooden boxes strengthens the joints and adds visual interest. Billy’s spline jig is mounted on a sled that rides in the table saw’s miter slots, holding the box at a perfect 45 degrees.
A quick pass through the blade cuts spline slots that you can fill with wood, brass, or contrasting materials. The jig might look simple, but it produces strong, repeatable results with every pass.
3. Compact Miter Joint Sled
For small projects or repeated miters, Billy built a compact sled with a fence and clamping setup. The base rides in the miter slot, and the workpiece is held firmly while cutting at 45 degrees.
It’s fully adjustable—if it ever gets out of square, the runner can be reset. This makes it a reliable option for projects like picture frames or boxes that require tight, clean miters.
4. DIY Table Saw Fence Extension
Billy extends his existing table saw fence by building a tall auxiliary fence. This upgrade is especially useful for handling larger boards, making it easier to keep cuts straight and safe.
The added height gives you more control when working with vertical pieces or when flipping boards for multiple passes. It’s a simple upgrade with a big impact on versatility.
5. Spline Jig for Picture Frames
Picture frame corners are often weak because of end grain-to-end grain contact. This jig reinforces them by cutting spline slots directly into the corners.
Mounted on the table saw fence, it has angled supports to cradle the frame while cutting. The result is stronger joints that can be decorative or hidden depending on your style.
6. Board Edge Ripping Jig
If you don’t have a jointer, this jig helps you rip a clean edge on a rough board using your table saw. It clamps the board securely and runs along the fence, guiding the cut.
Billy uses it not just for straightening edges, but also to control grain appearance by angling the board slightly. This helps preserve heartwood and remove sapwood, improving both the look and yield from each board.
7. Crosscut Table Saw Sled
A table saw sled is one of the most useful tools in any shop. Billy’s sled has a sturdy base, front and rear fences, and rides smoothly in both miter slots.
It’s perfect for making accurate, square crosscuts on wide or long boards. An extended fence option and adjustable runners make it easy to dial in precision and support larger workpieces safely.
Smarter Builds Start with Better Jigs
Each of these jigs is designed to solve a specific problem—and they’re all simple to build. Billy keeps the designs approachable and explains how each one contributes to more accurate, efficient woodworking.
Many of these jigs use plywood scraps and basic hardware, so they’re great starter projects that pay off every time you use them. Whether you’re cutting miters, reinforcing joints, or refining rough stock, having the right jig makes all the difference.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Billy’s collection really highlights something I’ve learned over the years — the best jigs are often the simplest ones. When you’re building these, focus on getting your measurements dead-on during construction. A jig that’s off by even a hair will multiply that error across every cut you make with it.
Safety-wise, remember that jigs bring your hands closer to the blade in many cases. Take extra time to think through hand placement and consider adding push blocks or hold-downs where needed. That spline jig for boxes is particularly handy, but keep those fingers well clear of the blade path.
One thing I appreciate about this approach is using what you’ve got. Most of these jigs can be built from shop scraps and basic hardware you probably already own. The key is taking time to tune them properly once they’re built — check square, adjust runners, and make test cuts before committing to your good lumber.
The table saw sled really is a game-changer if you don’t have one yet. Start there if you’re only going to build one jig from this list. It’ll improve almost every crosscut you make and give you confidence to tackle more complex joinery down the road.