Depending on what sort of woodworking project you are undertaking, there are several different tables saw jigs that you may need to utilize at any given time to ensure that only the most premium cuts are being made.
Let’s say, for example, that you need to construct a joint for a particular project. If this is the case, then there’s a good chance that it will be a mortise and tenon joint, since this is one of the most sturdy and reliable joints you can make. Now, when it’s time to make that tenon cut, you will need a good tenon jig to make sure that you are making the most precise cuts possible.
In this piece, we will give you some insights on some of the best tenoning jigs on the market so that you can be best prepared prior to diving headfirst into that next joinery project.
What Is a Tenoning Jig?
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Before we delve into the best tenoning jigs out there, some definitions are in order. Namely, what exactly is a tenoning jig?
To best answer that, we need to define what a tenon is. A tenon is a projecting piece of wood that you insert into a cut known as a mortise and form what is known as a mortise and tenon joint. Now, there are several different types of tenons and mortises that you can make, but simply put, a mortise and tenon joint is primarily used to connect two pieces of wood at a 90-degree angle.
A tenoning jig, therefore, is simply a device that holds your piece of wood into pieces and helps to guide your saw to ensure maximum precision in the tenoning process.
5 of the Best Tenoning Jigs
There are a number of different tenoning jigs on the market, but here, we will specifically focus on five jigs that are known for their durability, safety, and precision.
1. Grizzly H7583 Tenoning Jig
Available for around $91, this Grizzly jig is fully adjustable and fits both right and left-titling table saws, though some additional assembly is required for the latter. It can also handle stock from up to 3-1/4” thick.
Equipped with two handles to guarantee control as well as an adjustable guide bar to regulate sliding friction and precision in the miter slot, the jig also has an adjustable backstop (from 90 to 45 degrees) and bevel angle (from 90 to 75 degrees).
To ensure consistent and precise results, the jig also has an extra-large clamping handwheel and multi-position control levers.
2. Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Heavy-Duty Tenoning Jig
Made out of heavy-duty steel and cast iron, this tenoning jig is designed to fit any table saw with a 3/4” by 3/8” miter groove.
Equipped with an adjustable backstop that can support stock from zero to 45 degrees, Rockler’s jig, which goes for around $140, also comes with a fine-threaded adjustment knob that is ideal for controlling the width of the cut.
3. Powermatic PM-TJ Tenoning Jig
Costing a little more than $300, this tenoning jig certainly isn’t cheap, though several customer reviews tout it as one of the most precise and well-designed jigs on the market. For added convenience, this jig uses your chisel to configure the appropriate setup, while the adjustable work stop (which includes a magnified angle indicator) and clamp ensure that your workpiece is secure.
Additionally, the control handles are located away from the blade for your safety, while the guide bar comes with set screws to securely fit the table saw miter slot.
4. Delta 34-184 Universal-Deluxe Tenoning Jig
This Delta tenoning jig, which goes for around $185, comes equipped with a universal miter bar to use with all table saws that have 3/8” by 3/4” miter slots. With ergonomic handles, the jig comes with quick release coarse adjustment and can make small adjustments as precise as .004”.
Make the most perfect cuts possible thanks to the 90 to 45-degree backstop, which also comes with an adjustable 90-degree positive stop.
Outfitted with multi-position levers for simple adjustment, the especially large crank handle allows you to quickly and simply clamp your workpiece into place.
5. Woodtek 116738 Tenoning Jig
Perfect for either angled or straight work, this jig constructed out of steel and cast iron can fit either right-tilting or left-titling table saws that have 3/8” by 3/4” miter grooves.
The large crank handle ensures efficient clamping, while an adjustment knob ensures the perfect cut width.
With a sticker price of around $105, the jig is specifically designed for user safety and cutting precision and is equipped with adjustable backstops and positive stops.
Getting the Right Tenoning Jig That Works for You
When determining which sort of tenoning jig you should get, you want to make sure you consider your budget as well as what sort of features will best benefit you as a woodworker.
If your hands aren’t as steady as they used to be, then maybe it would be a good idea to spring for a jig with better adjustment and stability capabilities.
Both safety and precision are key when operating a tenoning jib, and you want to take both factors into serious consideration before making that ultimate purchase.
