Woodworking On The Cheap

This rail coping jig is simple to build and inexpensive. Use it to precision cut the coped ends of rails with a rail & stile bit set easily.

The hardware consists of 1 1/8” and 2” long screws, a 2.5” T-Bolt, five-star knob, and a small toggle clamp. The most expensive part is the toggle clamp. Clamps like the one pictured here can be found at Harbour Freight for less than $5. The T-Bolt and 5-star knob can be purchased from Woodcraft, Rockler, or just about any other woodworking supply store. You should be able to build this coping jig for less than $10 if you have some particleboard or MDF, and some scrap lumber / hardwood laying around. Even if you end up purchasing a few parts, you’ll easily be able to build something every bit as accurate as the $60 Rockler jig ($40 on sale) for way less.

Read on for notes, drawings, photos, and the project archive download.

To build the jig, you’ll need at least one straight router bit that’s at least 3/8″ or less in diameter.  It’ll be best if you have a 9/16″ and a 3/8″ router bit on hand. If not, you could certainly make due by making multiple passes with a smaller bit.

Full instructions (in PDF format), measured drawings, and a Google SketchUp model is included.