Missing Jig Pieces? This DIY Toolbox is the Answer!

Tool companies don't provide good storage options for their tools.
Join me as I build a custom toolbox for my Jessum doweling jig. This is a much better way to store the jig because it keeps all the pieces together and organized, and prevents you from having to fumble around in a box to find the pieces you need.
I think that this is a must-build for anyone with a doweling jig with lots of parts.
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Milling lumber without a jointer: • You don’t need a joint...
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Equipment used in this video (Amazon links are affiliate links: I get a small commission to help support this channel when you use them!):
-Jessem Dowel Jig: www.leevalley....
- Dewalt DW735x planer: amzn.to/4b6Ktr8
- Bow Products Push Stick: amzn.to/3HqVR3q
- Incra Mitre Gauge: www.leevalley....
- Dewalt cordless, brushless drill: amzn.to/3S7bCRT
- Freud Dado Stack: amzn.to/3S5Ib2z
- Jorgensen squeeze clamps: amzn.to/3Hn4MTs
- Kreg Bandsaw Fence: amzn.to/3O9S4LI
- Makita 10" Miter Saw: amzn.to/3tfr3iA
- Miter Saw Blade: amzn.to/3S0OuWB
- 3M Pro Earmuffs: amzn.to/3NDvaff
- Suizan Ryoba Pullsaw: amzn.to/4b2D0Jk
- Dewalt Cordless Brushless Trim Router: amzn.to/3Sls7uV
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If you're curious about what I do for work, check out my church in Pincher Creek, AB: www.abundantsprings.church. We'd love to chat with you about faith and help you get plugged into a church, wherever you might live!

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Great idea. Very inspirational. I’m going to make a similar box, but w/ a removable lid instead of hinges, and perhaps handles on the ends.

[@windfirewoodwork]

Great idea! I hope it turns out well for you.

[@scottss213]

Nice job the only thing I might do is put a block in the dado of the drill bits to keep them from sliding around. I just ordered the new stainless steel jessem kit and it comes with a rack but I like the idea you have much better

[@windfirewoodwork]

Great idea! The only thing to watch for is that you have to accommodate the bit collar being in a variety of positions when you put it away. I definitely made mine a tad too loose though. Enjoy your new-style jessem kit!

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

Have you thought about doing a cut list for your box so we can all be COOL like you?

[@windfirewoodwork]

That's a good idea. It's been a few months since I originally recorded the video, so I'll have to see what I have for measurements sitting around.

[@rickhayhoe]

Yeah, good and useful idea. I need storage for my JessEm Dowelling Kit, but mine is the metric version for which I purchased guides for all four metric dowel sizes. I'll have to think about the layout and box size for that.

[@windfirewoodwork]

Oh, cool: I didn’t realize the metric version had more sizes than imperial! All the best in your box design.

[@AngelVids7]

Very nice box!

[@windfirewoodwork]

I think so too, thanks!

[@kevinhilton8683]

Super sweet box. I really enjoyed the planning and layout. I have the same jig as you, and yes all the parts are still in the cardboard box.

[@windfirewoodwork]

Such a beautiful jig...and a lackluster box, eh? 😆

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

Now that is cool! I Dig it!

[@windfirewoodwork]

I appreciate it, thanks!

[@Dandroid61]

Very nice box! I would also use walnut, because I have a bunch. As far as building another one for a fancy tool in a cardboard box, I have the Woodpeckers auto-line drill guide and accessories. It needs a solution. They do offer a sheet metal one, but it's really an overpriced afterthought. Thanks for the great idea!

[@windfirewoodwork]

I think anything with accessories should come with an effective solution to keep it organized and accessible. I get it's a cost thing, but I hate not being able to find that one part I know came with my tool!

[@Cooper_42]

Look on the bright side, they didn’t saddle you with a garbage, blow moulded case that you’d never be able to figure out how to get the product back into anyway.

[@windfirewoodwork]

That’s one way to look at it, for sure! 😂

[@graysontaylor6673]

The hanger that comes with their new model really is great, although the jig itself honestly isn't as good as the original. The extra miter fence could be useful, and making 1/16th adjustments is nice, but you lose a ton of clamping area and the dowel notch to line up with dowels on a panel is flat so you basically have to eyeball it instead of being able to slide the dowel into the notch itself. Shame they never made a hanger for the original or it'd be perfect.

[@windfirewoodwork]

Thanks for your input. I’d been eyeing up the new one, especially with its 45° bracket…but I definitely felt it didn’t look as nice to use. I agree that a hangar like that for the original would have been a chef’s kiss.

[@MrJacrider]

Great job. I have and love the Jessem dowel jig as well. But you didn't use dowel joinery to make the box? :)

[@windfirewoodwork]

😂 I guess that was a missed opportunity.

[@lpsg405]

You might be able to steam that big dent out the front of the lid just above the hinge with a damp rag and an clothes iron.

[@windfirewoodwork]

Great idea! I'll give that a go next time I'm out in the shop!

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

So do you like the first version that you have OR… would you like the newer version better. You are so right about Jessem Supplying a nice box. I was all set to copy your build that is sweet… but I am now thinking on buying the new Pro Version with the (3) jigs. I am the same guy that asked you about posting up the cut list for your storage box. I like it!

[@windfirewoodwork]

I’d probably do the new pro version at this point. It comes with a wall mount, there’s no swapping out plates for different size dowels, and the 45° add on is pretty sweet. It also looks to be a similar price to the old one. Alternatively, I would get the original with the mounting plate and then get the Baltic birch workstation to allow doing multiple angles of joinery…but the price starts climbing when you do that.

[@vanpattonvanpatton7391]

Now need to glue a fitted piece of felt to top lid.

[@windfirewoodwork]

I thought about it…but that would cover the lacewood in the inside!

[@jeffp5991]

Imagine the price of that jig if it came with your box! 😂

[@windfirewoodwork]

Haha, true. Any organizer would’ve been nice.

[@blanchewaterer9418]

Nice

[@windfirewoodwork]

Thanks!

[@agentchodybanks9120]

Did you 3d print a 45 degree attachment? Id love to know more about that because it’s an issue I have with mine

[@windfirewoodwork]

I did. It’s got one flaw though: it’s really difficult to clamp securely. I’ve uploaded my Fusion360 file and stl file for download here: www.windfirewoodwork.com/store/p/45-adapter-for-jessem-doweling-jig-3d-printable

[@stevesiefken6432]

Nice work! Did you say you had a video about this jig?

[@windfirewoodwork]

Thank you! I don't have a video specifically about the jig, but there are lots of review videos out there already. For me, I think the jig could improve with just a couple additions: 1) an integrated clamp of some sort would be nice, 2) a fence with adjustable angle (like on a biscuit joiner) or at least one for 45º cabinet mitres (like is available for the DowelMax jig). Otherwise, the instructions share how to do most things and it works very well!

[@stevesiefken6432]

@@windfirewoodwork I have that jig too. Couldn’t agree more about the integrated clamps. Don’t know about you but clamps just seem to slip sometimes. In many ways I wish I would have purchased the Dowelmax. I also wish it had the ability to self center. 🤦‍♂️ Anyway, beautiful box and great video. 👍🏻✅

[@aco319sig3]

Wow

[@windfirewoodwork]

Thanks for watching!