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I have shaky hands. I have to brace my elbows when I solder and sometimes even hold one wrist with the other hand when soldering something really delicate. Don’t *even* talk to me about FILING. Whether it is sheet metal or tubing, I often cannot get a straight/level edge, and I’ve had hours and hours of practice. Enter the Miter Jig.

A miter jig is essentially a vise (that word does not do it justice!) that holds/secures metal sheet, tubing, wire, bezel wire, etc. You can use it to file or saw a perfectly flat edge. It has small notches which will secure tubing and wire, allowing you to get a precise angle on your piece. I can’t remember who I saw using one of these miracle tools, but I was hooked!

Below are learning resources plus a few vendors that sell the jigs. I purchased my French manufactured jig from Rio Grande (see below). It’s pricey (twice as much now as when I purchased mine!), but I believe worth it if you spend a lot of time fabricating. If possible, try a friend’s jig first to see if it’s worth it for your purposes. I have no experience with less expensive models but have included a few below if you’d like to shop around.

• Learn: There is an excellent tutorial on how to use the miter jig on FDJ Tool’s website. The tutorial is accompanied by an excellent photo showing what the various parts of the jig do.
• Learn: Jewelers Miter Cutting Vise (YouTube) — Cool Tools
• Learn: [How to use a] Miter Cutting Vise Jig mdash; Nancy LT Hamilton blog (her blog is a great learning resource for lots and lots of jewelry making topics)
• Learn: TOOL TIME — The Mighty Mitre Jig! — London Jewellery School Blog
• Buy: Miter-Cutting Vise and Jig — made in France, $229 — Rio Grande (this is the model I have)
• Buy: Various models of miter jigs from value to a French model — Otto Frei
• Buy: Jeweler’s Miter Jig — Micro-Mark
• Buy: Pepe Tools brand jig — Contenti