Fastener preferences for shop fixtures and jigs

[smorgasbord]

Over the years, I've found that many jigs are one-time uses. Even with shop fixtures, I end up reconfiguring things because of new/different tools. So, I mostly use screws because they can be undone easily and the wood re-used for other jigs and fixtures. I recently splurged like $20 on a pocket hole jig, so may start using that for shop things.

 

[John T.]

I got a 23 gage nailer several years ago, when there was just one make and model available.

It is like an untamed terrier, ready to take off in directions unknown.

This is great lol

Over the years, I've found that many jigs are one-time uses. Even with shop fixtures, I end up reconfiguring things because of new/different tools. So, I mostly use screws because they can be undone easily and the wood re-used for other jigs and fixtures. I recently splurged like $20 on a pocket hole jig, so may start using that for shop things.

This makes a lot of sense. I did pick up an 18 Ga. brad nailer for spots where screws would be difficult or time consuming, but I'm going to mostly use screws on this clamp rack and cross cut sled.

 

[Packard]

If you are going to make jigs, you will see options for jigs for smaller projects.  Start saving smaller pieces of sheet goods that you formerly would have thrown away. Also smaller piece of 3/4” wood.

I recently had to drill holes in the corners of small pieces (1.25” x 1.25” x .100) plastic.  I wanted uniform spacing for all 40 pieces.  I made a jig using 6” x 6” x 3/4” plywood and 1” x 3” x 1/4” MDF.  The jig took less than 5 minutes to make.  All the dimensions were flexible, so I only had to make two cuts on the MDF.

A little glue and six 18 gage x 1/2” nails finished the job. 

I’m done with the project and I will throw the jig away.  It cost nothing to make (except labor and a bit of glue.

The jig accomplishes two things:

1.  It speeds the operation significantly.

2.  It improves repeatability and thus the quality of the work.

Any time I am doing more than 6 pieces with identical operations, I ask myself, “Is there a jig that will improve quality?  Is there a jig that improves productivity?  If there is, I will generally make the jig. 

The more jigs you make, the more adept you will get at making them.

I make jigs for marking, for drilling, for spacing, etc. These typically are very small jigs and get tossed as soon as the job is done. 

I do keep a few jigs that are particularly useful and likely to come up again.  The smaller the jig is, the more likely I will keep it.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

For me, it depends on the item itself. Some things are "single use" and don't generally get the same degree of intensity.
The original example (of clamp racks) would definitely require some heavier-duty construction. The weight matters and construction methods have to account for it. Glue and screws.
Lighter-duty items, like temporary tapering jigs, might just need a couple of narrow-crown staples.
As [member=384]Scott in Bend[/member] said, a 21ga nailer can be a very useful thing. They make a hole that is nearly as small as 23ga, with more holding power. The fall somewhere between 18 ga brads and 23ga pins....quite literally. The one caveat is that they will not pull a joint together, like staples can. The pieces need to be well fitted (tight to each other)
Many of mine are temporary, so they are made from plywood off-cuts and/or 1/4" MDF.
I also keep a supply of threaded inserts, nuts, bolts (1/4"-20), and knobs to match. They work well for jigs with adjustable fences (slots)

I get rid of drywall screws, like they are some kind of plague, much preferring construction screws that are intended for the cabinet industry. They have #2 Robertson heads, rather than that abhorrent Phillips.

 

[TSO_Products]

[member=74278]Packard[/member]

thanks for the laugh! with your comment about 23 GA Pinner use:
"It is like an untamed terrier, ready to take off in directions unknown."

[member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member] thanks for your FIRST AID kit for 23GA Pinner Use [big grin]

Hans