Essential Bench Jigs for Crosscuts and Miters

A key component of any woodworking setup is a well-designed bench jig. These jigs enable woodworkers to make precise cuts with ease and safety. In this article, we will explore two essential bench jigs: a saw hook for crosscuts and miters, and a saw block for small parts. ## The Saw Hook for Crosscuts and Miters The saw hook is a versatile bench jig that allows woodworkers to safely make crosscuts by hand. It consists of a cleat and a fence with slots for the saw at 45° and 90° angles. To create the slots, a shallow dado is first run for the fence. The fence is then precut into blocks at the chopsaw and reassembled as they are glued into the dado. A card scraper is used to space the blocks, resulting in a slot that is slightly wider than the sawkerf. This prevents the saw from binding during a cut. ## The Saw Block for Small Parts For small, thin stock, a simple rabbeted block can be used in place of the larger saw hook. This block is clamped in the vise and used in conjunction with a Japanese pull saw for trim work. The block is oriented with the fence toward the woodworker (or away from them for a Western saw). To create the kerfs, the saw itself is used in combination with a square for alignment. The saw hook and saw block are two essential bench jigs that can greatly improve the accuracy and safety of crosscuts and miters. By using these jigs, woodworkers can achieve precise cuts with ease and confidence. Whether working with large or small stock, these jigs are a valuable addition to any woodworking setup.