The Best Router Leveling Jigs To Make the Right Cuts

Best Router Leveling Jigs Buying Guide

Router leveling jigs are tools that help you to get the best out of your routers. They enable woodworkers to make precise and accurate cuts on their stock. They are particularly useful in making joints on wood. The array of quality leveling jigs on display in our review of the best router leveling jigs has left you with a tough decision to make. This buying guide will guide you through the buying process to ultimately select the jig that best suits your needs. The guide contains factors to consider when buying a jig. In addition, there is a frequently asked questions section in the guide that answers common questions about router leveling jigs.

What Are Some Things To Consider Before Buying a Router Leveling Jig?

Before making a purchase, certain factors have to be considered to ensure you get value for money spent. These factors will ensure that you get the perfect router jig that suits your needs. 

Compatibility 

When buying a router leveling jig, chances are you already have a router table available. Thus, one of the first things to consider is the compatibility of the jig with your router table. The jig should slot into the table’s miter slot seamlessly. Ensure that you compare the size of your miter to the jig before buying. A mismatched combination will negatively affect usability. A slab jig which is compatible with most router bases, is best suitable for making table tops.

Most routers come with two router bits that are of different sizes and are interchangeable. Designed to create wood joints, a router bit is useful for shaping the edges of the wood slabs. In addition to that, a router bit is very essential for creating decorative edge patterns.

Needs

Another essential factor to put into consideration when buying a leveling jig is your needs. You need to understand what your specific needs are before buying. Leveling jigs are often specialized for a particular cut.

There are different router leveling jigs for making various cuts on the wood slabs. For example, you will find leveling jigs used for drilling pocket holes; there are those used for making box joints. Also, you will find jigs for making various forms of dovetail joints and the ones used for tapering. 

Since each of these has a specific use, you are not likely to find a one router jig that fits all product. Thus, you should ensure that the leveling jig you purchase meets your particular needs.

In addition, a router base plate can be used to remove the router from the table.

Durability

It would help if you also considered the jig’s ability to stand up to heavy use. Irrespective of the frequency of use, the jig will be exposed to fast-moving steel each time it is used. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that the jig is made of highly durable material that will not cave in easily. 

Usually, router leveling jigs are made of steel to ensure they are durable. Occasionally, you will also find jigs made of other materials. The most important thing is to ensure that the jig does not feel too flimsy. 

Versatility

Router leveling jigs are typically meant for use on router tables. However, you will find certain leveling jigs that can be used on other fine woodworking tables other than the router table. For example, leveling jigs that can be used on table saws or clamped onto other surfaces offer users more options in their daily usage of the jig. Thus, it would help if you looked out for jigs that allow you to use the template on different surfaces.

Manual

Your router leveling jig will usually come with a user manual.  A user manual is the manufacturer’s instruction that guides users through installation and use. Typical manuals take the form of texts inside booklets or pamphlets. However, some brands take it a step further by offering audiovisual manuals on DVDs. These types of user manuals give a more hands-on explanation. If you want a manual that takes you through every step of the installation process, you should consider jigs that come with DVD manuals.

Waste disposal

As woodworkers, we are used to having waste litter the floor and the work table after a task. This often leaves us with a post-operation clean-up. This situation also plays out itself when we work with leveling jigs. However, certain jig designs allow users to attach a shroud for collecting the shavings. The shroud is then connected to a vacuum for outward removal. This process takes away any post-operation cleaning and leaves your work table free of shavings.

Memory lock

Often, we make repetitive cuts with our router leveling jigs. Therefore, a jig feature that allows user to use a preset measurement enhance the ease of use. Memory lock is a feature that allows users to easily use a measurement that the jig has committed to memory. As a result, it makes work faster and easier. Therefore, you should consider leveling jigs with the memory lock feature if you want an improved working experience.

Final Thoughts on Router Leveling Jigs

A router leveling jig will make your work easier. Ensure you take all workplace safety precautions when using a jig. Depending on the specific cut you want to make, you may end up with more than one jig. Owning multiple jigs means you don’t have to improvise or risk making imprecise cuts when working.

Also check out the video from Walkers Woodworks for some simple ways to create router sled or router jig.

How Much Do Router Leveling Jigs Cost?

The price of router leveling jigs depends on various factors. The type of jig, as well as the size are the two main factors that dictate the price. They typically cost between $55 and $350. You can get a balance of cost and efficiency with jigs that cost between $70 and $200.