Cutting a straight edge on rough or bowed lumber can be a challenge — especially when you don’t have a jointer. That’s where a straight edge jig for your table saw comes in. These jigs let you rip a clean, square edge on rough stock by guiding it safely along the saw fence without relying on the board’s irregular surface.
If you’re building furniture, cabinetry, or framing lumber for glue-ups, a straight edge jig is one of the most useful upgrades for your saw. Below, you’ll find the best store-bought and DIY-friendly straight edge jigs to help turn your table saw into a precise, edge-jointing machine.
1. Rockler Straight Edge Guide Clamp System
Rockler’s straight edge system is designed more for circular saws and routers, but with minor tweaks it can be used on a table saw sled or track base. It’s ideal for working with wide panels or sheet goods that don’t have a reliable reference edge.
- 52″ long aluminum rail
- Integrated clamp mechanism
- Works on plywood, MDF, and lumber
- Pairs well with shop-made sleds or runners
Price: $70–$90. A solid tool to add edge-trimming versatility to your workspace.
2. Bora NGX 100-Inch Straight Edge Clamp System
While often used with circular saws, the Bora NGX clamp system works great for oversized pieces or if you want to build a hybrid sled/table saw jig. Its long reach and clamp design make it easy to reference straight cuts against warped material or oddly shaped edges.
- Aluminum straight edge system with 100″ capacity
- Modular length adjustment
- Excellent for rough boards or straightening live edge lumber
Cost: $110–$130. Versatile, especially for those who work with large sheet stock.
3. INCRA MITER5000 Sled System with Straight Edge Support
If you want ultimate precision and repeatability, the INCRA MITER5000 sled offers a straight-cutting edge system with a calibrated fence and stop system. It’s expensive, but nothing beats its repeat accuracy and zero-clearance track system. You can use it to square and straighten rough edges before final rips or joinery cuts.
- Combines crosscut sled and straight edge jig features
- Laser-cut T-track runners
- Aluminum fence with micro-adjust stops
- Zero-clearance for clean edges
Price: $330–$350. High-end, pro-level tool for precision woodworkers.
4. DIY Straight Edge Jig with Toggle Clamps
A shop-made straight edge jig is simple to build. Start with a piece of 1/2″ plywood or MDF about 6–8 inches wide and 48 inches long. Add toggle clamps or hold-downs, and use your table saw fence as the guide. Clamp your board so the straight edge of the jig rides against the fence, then make your cut. The jig acts like a temporary fence riding along your saw.
- Cost-effective and easy to customize
- Use T-track clamps, toggle clamps, or screws
- Good for irregular lumber or slabs
Cost: $25–$40 in materials. Great weekend project and a useful permanent jig to keep around the shop.
5. POWERTEC 71403 T-Track Hold-Down Clamp Kit
If you’re building your own jig, you’ll need clamps that hold your work firmly in place. The POWERTEC 71403 kit includes everything you need to mount solid hold-down clamps to your plywood sled or extension. Works well for both straight-edge trimming and crosscut sled builds.
- Includes T-track clamps, knobs, bolts, and T-nuts
- Compatible with 1/4″ T-track slots
- Strong grip with easy adjustability
Price: $29–$39. Perfect for building your own pro-grade sled.
What to Look for in a Table Saw Straight Edge Jig
- Rigidity: The jig should be stiff enough to guide rough lumber without flexing or bowing.
- Secure Clamping: Use toggle clamps, T-track hold-downs, or screw-in clamps that keep the board from shifting.
- Reference Surface: A dead-straight edge is key. Many woodworkers use factory-milled plywood or MDF as the jig base for this reason.
- Length: Match your jig length to the average stock you rip — 36–48 inches is ideal for most furniture-grade lumber.
- Ease of Use: A good jig lets you align, clamp, and cut quickly. Add handles or cleats for repeat work.
Extra Tools That Help
- Featherboards to maintain pressure during ripping
- Diablo 24T rip blade for smooth, fast cuts
- Right-angle push block for added safety
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with warped boards or prepping rough stock for edge-gluing, a good straight edge jig for your table saw makes the job easier and safer. Store-bought systems like the Bora NGX or INCRA MITER5000 are perfect if you want precision and convenience right out of the box. For budget setups or custom solutions, a DIY jig with POWERTEC clamps gives you flexibility at a lower price.
A straight edge jig doesn’t just square up boards — it saves time, improves safety, and helps you get better results from every rip cut.