Make Shelves Fit Perfectly with Simple Stopped Dado Jig!

Master Carpenter Matt Jackson shows how to make a simple router jig for routing precise stopped dados for shelves with a perfect fit that are also surprisingly strong. Learn how easy it is to make the router jig for stopped dados regardless of the project you're working on!

FWIW YouTube's "Super Thanks" feature a great way to 'tip' content creators and is active on the Next Level Carpentry Channel... juss sayin' 😉

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#master#shelving#diy

Chapter List:
0:00 Intro & fab fixture parts
01:11 Layout Shelves
08:00 Explain jig features & benefits
11:00 Set stopped dado length
15:32 Rout stopped dados in 12" shelf side
17:00 Rout stopped dados in 15 1/2" shelf side
19:07 Sizing of shelves
19:48 Notch shelves for stopped dados
21:00 Demonstrate fit of shelves
22:45 Layout for screws
24:00 Stress test of shelf strength
24:43 Initial assemble of shelf unit
25:57 Site-fit & notching of shelf unit
26:00 Improve shelf unit fit & finish
27:22 Sanding
28:00 Spray lacquer finish
29:35 Outtro
30:09 End X3

[ef]

Poor instructor. Speaks too fast, glosses over explanation of what he is doing.

[Sartre_Existentialist]

I learned so much from this video. I wouldn't even call myself an amateur carpenter, but more like a guy who just owns some tools and thinks he can do things now! This video answered so many questions for me. I subbed and will be diving into more of your videos.

[PetefromBaltimore]

Great job explaining the steps to build the dado jig and then demonstrating its use building the shelves.
I definitely learned some new techniques from this video that I plan to incorporate in my next bookcase project.
FYI... I'm one of those guys who stayed to the end of the video to see the final install. Great job! 👍

[PsulOrtiz]

Showing how to fix a mistake is really as valuable, for some of us, as the rest of your instruction is for all of us.
Great job! Absolutely great job.

[kenstewart]

Terrific! Best of all is a man that is willing to show his errors and how to correct it. Thank you.

[nutek]

“Nothing to it”😂
Sir, you are my favorite woodworking/carpentry show on YouTube.
Please keep ‘em coming.

[youtubeaddict]

I had no idea I watched videos till the end of the end. Good stuff!

[jhund]

That is a very clever way to cut those slots out. You make a very good teacher btw.

[ERone]

It is so refreshing in today’s world to hear such eloquent speech, especially the use of the word “arbitrary”

Nowadays people just say aRan-dumb for everything. Spontaneous, arbitrary, etc.

My Scrabble master Grandma is smiling down from Heaven at you.

Additionally, the video was concise, extremely informative, and interesting with the perfect amount of mild sarcasm/snarky-ness…

I rushed to hit the subscribe button only to find I was already subscribed, perhaps long ago.

Cheers to you sir, thank you for sharing this information. It is content like this that makes me continually grateful to be a “graduate” of Youtube University about fifty times over😎😎😎

[davec]

Thank you, Matt. I especially liked your comment about making a specific jig for a specific project rather than trying to make an adjustable jig for almost any project.

[rangefinder]

Great video. Thanks for the detailed, clear explanations and moments of humor. Seeing the corrections to the jig was helpful, too.

"How you do anything is how you do everything."

[Rudi_Bar_None]

I love this channel. Been subscribed for a long time. His channel is all knowledge, humility and zero stupid add ons you see in the “influencer” diy channels

[henrycortez]

Your level of professionalism in your work, in your shop appearance, is truly, well, next level..! And how to fix mistakes, I was told a good chef can make good food, buta great chef can fix bad food! This is SUCH instructive content - thank you!

[Dunc]

Terrific jig. I so like your simplicity and creativity in adapting materials to suit your needs. I have much to learn from this. And I greatly appreciate your willingness to admit errors - which then can be valuable teaching moments.

[l.george]

Matt,
After 55 years on and off of production cabnet design and making along with custom cabnet and finish carpentry i appreciate your attention to efficiency.

[jimmcnett]

No negativity here. It looks great. I agree that not every project requires making complicated jigs. That was quick easy and a great tip. Thanks.

[srchubz]

best part of this strategy: no chiseling out the stopped dado ends. LOVE the shelf notches, very canny

[regsutton]

Respect for how you handled the stop block issue without restarting to hide the error, it's how we learn. Stay humble👍

I have used particle core and or MDF in routing jigs and found them to wear and mark easily from the bearing, not an issue if you are only using it to router a few dados. If you need to use it repeatedly you can harden the edges easily with CA glue. I just run a sanding block over the edges with 120 grit (a few passes) then I treat just the edge with thin CA glue and quickly run the sanding block over it a few more times. This will harden the edge like glass and makes it much more durable for repeated passes with a guide bearing. This method is especially effective with MDF.

Hope you find this tip helpfully Cheers!

[TheSmartWoodshop]

Great job! l really enjoy your teaching style. 😎🤙

[rayb]

One of the best end of the ends. Great dado technique as well.