Precision Jigs FAQ
Answers to what makers ask us most about our Precision Jigs. Still stuck? Contact us.
Which jig size should I choose: M5, M6 or M8?
The size on a jig is the size of the hole it drills. These are the sizes we recommend for each extrusion series:
- 15 series: M5
- 20 series: M6
- 30 series: M8
- 40 series: M8
- 50 series: M8
They are recommendations, not rules. Many makers choose a different size for their own designs and needs, and that is up to you.
Which drill bit do I use?
The drill bit is the same size as the jig. An M5 jig takes a 5mm drill bit, an M6 jig a 6mm bit and an M8 jig an 8mm bit. See our drill bits.
What else do I need to make a blind joint?
Besides the drilling jig, you need:
- A hand drill and a drill bit of the same size as the jig
- A tapping bit, to thread the end of the other extrusion
- A buttonhead hex bolt of the same size
- A perpendicular alignment jig, to hold the two extrusions flush and square while you fasten them
Which jigs should I start with?
The Starter Bundle for your series. It has the six jigs most builds need, at 10% off: 20 series, 30 series and 40 series. See all Precision Jigs.
What is the difference between offset and freehand jigs?
An offset jig drills the hole at a fixed distance from the end of the extrusion, for example 10mm. You do not need to measure or mark anything.
A freehand jig drills the hole anywhere along the extrusion. Measure and mark where you want the hole, then line up the gap on the side of the jig with your mark. The centre of the gap is the centre of the hole.
How accurate are the holes?
Every hole lands to the millimetre, with a hand drill, every time. The drill guide bushings put the bit on the precise spot and keep it there.
How do I drill the best hole?
- Fasten the jig tight to the extrusion before you drill. You rarely need every bolt; use the ones that hold it firm for your job.
- Drill at high speed with reasonable downward pressure, enough to cut through the extrusion, and finish each hole in under 5 seconds so heat does not build up.
- Hold the drill straight. The bushing guides the bit to the precise spot, but you still need to hold your hand drill so the bit stays as straight as possible. A bit held at an angle rubs the inside of the bushing, which builds up heat and wears the bushing.
Will the jigs fit my extrusion?
Yes. Each jig fits every profile in its series:
- 15 series jig: 1515, 1530 and so on
- 20 series jig: 2020, 2040, 2060, 2080 and so on
- 30 series jig: 3030, 3060, 3090 and so on
- 40 series jig: 4040, 4080, 40120 and so on
- 50 series jig: 5050, 50100 and so on
They fit T-slot and V-slot extrusion from any maker, and work perfectly on N series profiles too.
What are the jigs made of?
An ABS body with hardened steel drill guide bushings. Every jig comes with the bolts and nuts to fasten it, ready to use out of the box, and two magnets so it can be stored on any magnetic surface.
Can I buy the STL or source files of the jigs?
No. We do not sell the STLs or source files of our jigs.
The body is only part of a jig. Its accuracy comes from the hardened drill guide bushings, the hardware and the way each jig is assembled in our studio.
Do you make custom jigs?
Yes, when you give us very specific details. Email us the exact extrusion profile, the hole size, the exact position of every hole in millimetres, and a drawing or photo of the joint you want to make. Without specific data and information, we are not able to make a custom jig. A custom jig costs about twice the price of a similar jig in our range. Contact us.
Are there any discounts?
- Bundles: 10% off the jigs inside.
- Alignment jigs: a bulk discount applies automatically when you buy 2 or 4.
- Reviews: leave a review after your order arrives and we send you 5% off your next order, or 10% if you add a photo.
- Workshops and schools: email us for a bulk price.
How long until my jigs arrive?
Jig orders are processed within 1 to 3 business days and ship directly out of our studio in Singapore, with a tracking number. Global shipping typically takes 8 to 18 business days, as per the estimates provided by our local postal service.
Who pays import duties, taxes and tariffs?
You do. We ship from Singapore and we sell on a delivered-duty-unpaid basis. Any import duty, sales tax, VAT, GST, tariff or courier customs fee your country charges is paid by you, usually to the courier before or on delivery.
Can I return a jig?
All sales are final. If a jig arrives broken, or you receive the wrong jig, email us your order number and a photo and we will look into it. Wear and tear from use is not covered.
Do you work in inches?
No. We work in the metric system only. Every jig, hole and thread is metric. One inch is 25.4mm.