crapenterallday

What does everyone use for their jigs, plywood or mdf? Also, what plywood is best after baltic birch? I have three, 2x4 sheets of 3/4 mdf I want to use up and want to know what jigs to build. I dont have anything made up right nowas far as jigs go.

Rob

Though it cuts like butter and is great for jigs, I hate using the stuff as a full sheet is too heavy for my old bones and the dust/mess it makes is not worth it.
I use a lot of Baltic Birch. From what I can gather, Russian Birch is next on the quality line. Personally, I think it's marketing, but you can get a thing called Russian Birch.
As far as jigs, whatever you need for present and future projects. A nice cut-off sled comes to mind. There are literally thousands of plans available for sleds. The latest and greatest is in Shop Notes magazine. Simple to make and as precise as you and your table saw allow it to be. MDF would make a good sled base there.
I have an 8' straight edge for my circular saw. This was designed specifically to accurately cut sheet goods. The saw guide is 3/4" MDF.
Templates for different angles for any saw you are using. Make them up in 22.5, 45, etc. and keep them on hand for future set-up.
It seems like I have to make a jig or two per project. The ones I will be using again, I make 'em accurate and good looking. The ones that get tossed are accurate and disposable.

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LarrySch

I use mostly MFD 3/4" - would love to use Baltic Birch - but the only thing they have around here is 5 x 5 - 3/4" sheets at $65 dollars and they will not cut them. SO MFD for me. The only thing I do not like about MFD is the factor of it not accepting screws very well.

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Larry

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woodman42

I use some 3/4" MDF for jigs and staight edges, but prefer 1/2" because of its lighter weight.

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Gerry KIERNAN

My biggest problem with mdf is that if you get it anywhere near water it will swell up like a puffer fish. If you don't have any moisture issues it will do fine. I would go with plywood myself.

Gerry

dbhost

WOW, Birch ply sure is expensive up in Idaho. 3/4" Birch plywood at HD here in Houston runs about $24.00

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