How to Make a Tubing Jig

Posted on April 17, 2010 by

My Tubing Block I made in College

We metalworkers tend to be tool hounds.  When I get a new catalog, I go through and mark the pages with tools that I just can’t live without, but inevitably can’t buy right now.  Many times I just make do with what I have, but having the right tool for the job can make it so much easier and faster to get things done right.

What to do if you can’t afford a new tool?  Try and make it of course!  (For a great book about doing just that, check out Cheap Thrills in the Tool Shop by Charles Lewton-Brain.)  Today I’m going to show you how to make a tubing jig/block.  Actually, you’ll make two of them, so pair up with a friend to share the work.

Materials

Different Sized Drill Bits
  • 12-15″ section of 2 x 6 wood (the lumbar yard will usually make at least one cut  for you)  You  can use pine or spruce (such as a stud) or make it our of hardwood or delrin plastic for an even sturdier version
  • assorted spade and hole saw drill bits
  • ruler & pencil
  • drill (easier with a drill press, but doable with a hand drill)
  • saw (a band saw would be ideal, but you could use a hand saw or table saw)

Remember, measure twice, cut once

Draw a line down the midpoint of the length of wood.  Mark where to drill, making sure to leave space between the holes.  Drill holes.  I drill pilot holes the whole way through for the hole saw holes since you will need to flip the piece in order to drill the whole way through.  This way it will line up properly.

Pilot Holes for the hole saw

–TIP– Drill most of the way through when using the spade bit and then flip it once you can see the pilot hole.  Drill the rest of the way through.  This will keep the wood from splintering.  Just be careful if you are using a hand drill, it can kick back.

Drill half way down with the hole saw and then flip it

Saw the wood in half lengthwise once all the holes are drilled.  File and sand them if you wish.  Now you have two tubing blocks!

2 new tubing blocks!


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About Wendy Edsall-Kerwin

Metal. To many it is hard, rigid, and immovable. But metal flows, bends, and can be worked over and over again. It is both industrial and
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3 Responses to How to Make a Tubing Jig

  1. Jacqueline says:
    April 19, 2010 at 03:04

    Oooohh! I love this post and just at the right time.

    I’ve been thinking about making one for the past few weeks, but have been putting it off because I thought it would be a nightmare to find a how-to.

    Thanks.

  2. norma says:
    April 19, 2010 at 08:21

    Wendy,
    I am new to the metal world. I just finished my 2nd semester class of metal works at a junior college and plan on taking another. Can you please explain to me how this jig can be used? I have an idea but would rather be sure. I understand about not being able to afford some of the tools that are needed and would love to be able to make some of my own. I have been doing some research but haven’t really found anybody that I can go to, to ask questions on the process of making some of these tools.
    Thanks~Norma

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