Jewelry Making Jigs

Both jigs and the pegs for the jigs can also be made of a variety of materials.

Jewelry making jigs can come in a variety of sizes.

Finally, some jigs are made better than others. We will try to discuss all these differences.

The regular pegs for jigs can come in basically three different sizes -- small, medium or large. The small pegs are 1/16" in diameter. The medium pegs are 3/32" in diameter and the large pegs are 1/8" in diameter.

The size of the pegs determines the smallest size bend or loop that you can make with that jig. A jig with 1/8" pegs won't be able to make bends with a radius of less than the circumference of the 1/8" peg.

You can always go larger using accessories called Super Pegs, but you can't go smaller than the size of the pegs.

For making jewelry, having the option to make smaller loops and tighter bends is probably the better alternative. For making larger items like sun-catchers or mobiles, perhaps the larger size pegs might be better. For people who want to make larger, bolder jewelry designs, perhaps the medium size pegs would be better.

Once you understand what you want to make, choose the size pegs that best match your needs.

The hole spacing of jigs is very similar to the size of pegs.

In general, jigs with small pegs (1/16") will have five holes per inch, spaced 0.2 inches apart. Jigs with medium pegs (3/32") will have a peg pattern that is four holes per inch, spaced 0.25 inches apart. Jigs with large pegs will have a peg pattern that has a larger spacing between pegs.

With hole spacing, more peg holes per inch is generally better. You can always space your pegs farther apart by leaving an empty hole between two pegs, but you can't space your pegs closer together than the hole spacing on the jig allows.

Now we need to discuss the pattern for the holes.

In the beginning there was only one choice for a pattern -- square. The holes in jigs were laid out in a square matrix, horizontally and vertically.

WigJig Cyclops

Because of the symmetry of this triangle, it is esthetically more appealing than non-equilateral triangles and is often used in art, architecture and jewelry.

An equilateral triangle is made up of two 30/60/90 triangles, with one angle being 30 degrees, another angle being 60 degrees and the final angle being 90 degrees. This triangle is also an important shape.

WigJig Centaur

Finally, the same vendor who developed a round peg pattern developed a jig with both a square peg pattern and 1/2 of a round peg pattern on the same jig (WigJig Centaur).

For making jewelry, this jig may be the best possible compromise for meeting all requirements in a single jewelry making jig.

For those of you who want to do everything, get a square jig and a round jig. For those of you who want a single jig with the most possible functionality, get the WigJig Centaur.

Finally, we need to discuss materials both for the jig and for the pegs. There are two basic options -- metal or plastic.

For the pegs for your jig, our recommendation is to choose metal pegs. At this time the plastic pegs that are available are not strong enough and frequently break. Avoid plastic pegs.

For your jig the choice is equally easy. The acrylic plastic used in better quality jigs is as strong or stronger than aluminum. Your choice here is simple -- do you want a jig that you can see through or one that you can't see through? Most people realize that having a jig that you can see through allows you to place a pattern below the jig and easily see where to place your pegs. If you have patterns that you want to make over and over again, being able to see through your jig is a very important attribute allowing you to quickly set up your jig for a new pattern.

The WigJig company has six jigs made of aircraft-quality acrylic plastic that are both very strong and clear so they are easy to see through.

There are two types of accessories for jigs that are very popular.

The first are pegs shaped like mushrooms, where the stem of the mushroom fits into a hole in the jig and the top of the mushroom provides a larger surface for making rounded shapes in wire. These accessory pegs are called Super Pegs by some vendors and come in sizes from 3/16" to 2" in diameter. While many vendors have this type of accessory for their jig, some don't. Because the regular pegs come in different sizes, this accessory is probably not interchangeable between different vendors jewelry making jigs.

The other accessory is the Spiral Maker. The Spiral Maker accessory works with the jig to make it easy to make spirals without tool marks.

It is suggested that when selecting a jewelry making jig that you choose one that can sell you the accessories you might need.

Before you purchase a jig, you need to understand how you plan on using it.

If your primary interest is in making jewelry, then having smaller pegs is an advantage. You also should consider the peg pattern you will want to use. The perfect solution is to purchase a jig with a square peg pattern and another jig with a round peg pattern.

The next best solution is to purchase a jig with both a square peg pattern and 1/2 of a round peg pattern.

It is recommended that you select a jig with metal pegs, but a clear acrylic base.

WigJig Delphi

For making jewelry, we find that the best possible solution is the WigJig Delphi (square pattern with small pegs) and the WigJig Cyclops (round pattern with small pegs).

Many people elect to purchase the Delphi first and the Cyclops later. A second-best and less expensive solution is the WigJig Centaur (square pattern plus 1/2 of a round pattern and small pegs).

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