This project was built and designed by Connor from Shopfix. It’s a clever table saw jig that lets you straighten uneven boards without needing a jointer—perfect for small workshops or budget-conscious woodworkers.
Built from MDF and basic hardware, the jig is fast to assemble and easy to use. Whether you’re cleaning up rough lumber or working with live edge pieces, this jig turns your table saw into a capable edge jointing tool.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Connor’s channel:
Why Use a Jointer Jig?
Not every shop has space or budget for a standalone jointer. That’s where a jig like this comes in—it allows you to achieve jointable edges using the equipment you already own.
Connor’s design is simple and effective, relying on a flat MDF base and a T-track clamp system to hold boards securely while you run them past the saw blade. The result is a straight, clean edge ready for glue-up or additional processing.
Materials and Tools
The primary material for this jig is MDF. Its flatness and affordability make it a great base for shop jigs, especially those needing consistency across longer cuts.
You’ll also need a T-track and hold-down clamps, plus standard tools like a miter saw, drill, and circular saw or table saw. A Forstner bit can help recess fasteners for a cleaner look, but it’s not essential.
Cutting and Shaping the Jig
The first step is cutting the MDF to size. Connor rips down a base panel to a manageable width, creating the foundation of the jig. A second piece is cut for the top rail, where the T-track will be mounted.
It’s important to keep cuts square and consistent, especially if you plan to use this jig for longer boards. A few extra minutes spent double-checking measurements at this stage will pay off in the quality of your cuts later.
Attaching the T-Track
With the MDF panels ready, the top piece is glued and screwed into place. The T-track is secured to this upper section, allowing clamps to be positioned anywhere along the length of the jig.
Connor recommends drilling pilot holes for each screw to avoid splitting. Screws should be long enough to grab both the top and base layers of MDF for added stability.
Trimming and Customizing
Once the core of the jig is assembled, you can trim its length to suit your shop’s needs. Some may prefer a compact version for smaller pieces, while others might build a longer jig for full-size boards.
Using a miter saw makes this quick, and customizing the jig to your typical board sizes ensures better handling during cuts. This flexibility is part of what makes the jig so useful.
Setting Up Hold-Down Clamps
The hold-down clamps are critical to the jig’s performance. They provide pressure to keep the board steady and prevent shifting while you push the jig across the saw.
Connor installs the clamps into the T-track and adjusts them to different board thicknesses as needed. The more secure the clamping, the cleaner the cut—and the less likely you are to experience kickback or misalignment.
Checking for Straightness
Before using the jig, it’s essential to ensure the edge that rides along the fence is perfectly straight. If the MDF base has any curve or imperfection, it will affect every board you run through the saw.
If needed, you can straighten this edge with a hand plane, belt sander, or even run it through an actual jointer—ironic, but helpful if available. Once squared, it becomes the reference edge for every future cut.
Using the Jointer Jig
To operate the jig, align your rough board so it overhangs the jig’s edge just slightly. Clamp it tightly using the hold-downs, raise your saw blade above the board’s thickness, and guide the entire jig along the fence.
The table saw blade removes a sliver of wood from the high spots, creating a straight reference edge. Once done, you can flip the board and run the other side using the table saw fence for a parallel edge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your results aren’t as straight as expected, check the alignment of the jig’s reference edge against the fence. Even a slight bow can throw off the entire cut.
It’s also worth confirming that your blade is square to the table and that your clamps are holding the board firmly. These small checks can dramatically improve your results.
A Useful Shop Addition
This jointer jig may not replace a dedicated machine, but it comes surprisingly close. For anyone without a jointer—or just wanting a backup solution—it’s a fast, flexible way to clean up rough lumber.
Connor’s 30-minute build demonstrates how shop-made tools can solve real problems without much cost or complexity. With basic materials and thoughtful design, this jig adds a new capability to almost any workshop.
Please support Connor by visiting his website: https://www.shopfix.services/.