Picking the right tools is a great way to make things easier. With the following buying guide, we will help you find the best corner jigs in 2021.
What Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Corner Jig?
Following are the key considerations to keep in mind when looking for the right corner jig.
Size
The size of the corner jig depends upon the intention for use. Professionals working with more significant components like furniture may require larger jigs with added sturdiness. At the same time, hobbyists can use a smaller tool that is easy to use and store.
Material
The durability and resilience of your corner jig depend on the quality of material you opt for. Normally, people prefer metallic jigs made from heavy-duty materials such as aluminum and steel, but you can also find their plastic counterparts at lower prices. One thing to note here is that plastic clamps are not as durable or precise as metallic ones.
Safety
High-quality corner jigs come with safety mechanisms to avoid inconveniences. You must look for the tightness of the tool, adjustment system, and, most importantly, bolts.
Tightness
The tightness of your clamp ensures how easy it would be to keep your pieces stable. The jaws of your corner jig must have adequate friction to hold the material along with sufficient width to avoid any slips. Wooden boards require more friction and tightness as they are flexible, but when dealing with brittle material like glass, opt for medium strength.
What are the Types of Corner Jigs?
Following are the 4 types of corner jigs that can help you get things going.
Quick-Release Corner Jigs
These are possibly the most convenient corner jigs available for users because the quick-release handle does not require any added pressure. A quick-release corner jig features an ergonomic design that minimizes strain on the wrist.
Single-Screw Corner Jigs
A single screw controls the entire movement of your jigs. Perfect for home use, these are light-duty jigs that can hold together lightweight workpieces of different materials such as glass, wood, plastic, and even paper.
Double-Screw Corner Jig
Unlike its single screw variant, this corner jig allows the user to control two jaws. However, you need to make sure that all pieces are at a precise angle exactly where you want them to be before tightening the jaws. The design makes it ideal for heavy-duty clamping with high precision.
Welding Corner Jig
Welding corner jigs allow the users to weld corners together. Made from sturdy heavy-duty material, it comes with robust features that can handle metal and its counterparts. Although perfect for metal welding and wood drilling, a welding corner jig may not be ideal for dealing with plastic and glass.
What are the Parts of a Corner Jig?
The primary purpose of corner jigs is the same, with slight variations in their models. Therefore, the most common parts of this reliable tool include:
Jaws
Jaws are responsible for holding the under-construction workpiece together. The jaws have an accurate ‘V’ shape in corner jigs to ensure that both board pieces meet at a perfect right angle.
Screws
You can find either one or two threaded screws in a corner jig to control the movements of the jaw. They come with steel sliding pins that determine whether your tool can handle heavier objects. The screws can also determine the number of handles on the jig.
How to Maintain Corner Jigs?
Corner jigs are usually made of metal, so exposure to excessive moisture can cause rusting. Besides keeping in a dry location, it is ideal to oil the screws and jaws with a dash of linseed oil.
Conclusion
A corner jig is an ideal tool for joining two wooden pieces at right angles. The choice of the product also heavily influences the precision of your work, so make sure to opt for the best corner jigs.
Features like material, size, tightness, and safety are key considerations when looking for the right product. There are plenty of corner jig styles available in the market, but you must opt for the one that completely matches your intention of use.
Corner Jig FAQ
Q: How many corner jigs does a professional woodworker need?
A: Depending on the type of use, a professional woodworker may need to hold more than one corner at right angles. Therefore, a minimum of 3 corner jigs is ideal for keeping things organized.
Q: Are plastic corner jigs suitable for professional use?
A: If you deal with plastic and glass material on a professional scale, then plastic corner jigs might be a suitable choice. However, for sturdier objects, you must opt for a material of similar capacity.
Q: Are there automated variants of corner jigs?
A: Corner jigs require manual labor, but some jigs automatically adjust the pieces at 90 degrees without any additional settings.