Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Microjig clamps......

Re: Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Microjig clamps....

Mark Nowicki

Speaking only for myself, I see those things as overpriced gimmicky gadgets designed to separate people from their money.

Right up there with PVM 1000 XYZ super deluxe chisels or "anniversary" editions of block planes in monogrammed velvet socks.

That is why I don't have any or care what others think of them.

Re: Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Microjig clamps....

JL

My usual thing on expensive tools is as follows:

Would I use it enough to justify the cost?

Does it work well enough or better enough than less expensive work arounds?

Is it well made and will it last?

Etc., etc. - add your own questions. YMMV - to me, I don't know if I would use it enough.

Re: Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Microjig clamps....

Hank Knight

Roger, I saw the Jointmaker Pro demonstrated at one of the Woodworking in America shows some years ago. It's a neat idea and I was impressed. After I thought about it for a while, I decided that, If you know how to use your hand saws, it's a waste of money. Hand tool skills are very versatile. You can make accurate challenging cuts with you back saw that you could never accomplish with this gizmo. Plus you can carry your saw around in your tool box.

My $.02.

Re: Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Microjig clamps....

Dick Coers

If I did more small work, or wanted quiet time in the shop, I’d have bought one a long time ago. I used one at IWF in Atlanta when Economaki was just introducing it. I don’t think there is a man alive that could make every single hand saw cut that perpendicular and that cleanly. They are on sale now. If I was making anything at all in that scale, I’d order it tomorrow. It allows extreme precision that would be a pleasure in use. Can’t help you with the clamps.

Re: Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Microjig clamps....

Bruce, a MN Galoot

At an MWTCA tool meet some years back, I ran into one fellow who had four of them. He was a professional model maker and said they worked much better than a table saw for the cuts he needed to make. He also had small kids and could work in his basement shop any time he wanted without fear of waking them.

Re: Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Microjig clamps....

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

Roger, there are two quite different tools.

The Jointmaker is expensive, but if I was big on box making or Shoji screens and doors, then one would be near the top of my list.

The Microjig clamps are sold by a couple of other makers. Festool is another. I find these indispensable for certain kinds of clamping. Here are just two ...

Dovetailing

Morticing

Useful at the drill press, as well, but not critical there ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: Opinions of Microjig clamps......

William Duffield

I find the clamps quite useful and very versatile around my shop. They are quick to attach and stay out of the way much better than most other clamps. Mine are from Festool. In addition to sliding the end of the clamp into the end of a T-track, you can drop it into a 1/2" diameter hole. I find this application especially useful for clamping auxiliary fences to my tablesaw fence. If you find the standard clamps still get in your way, you might consider using these instead.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/clamps/110484-low-profile-track-saw-guide-clamps

I haven't tried them yet, but they might solve the next clamping problem I run into.

Note that these clamps work just fine in Festool MFT table tops for clamping things down to a 3/4" or thinner top through any dog hole by dropping the end of the clamp into the hole and turning it 90°, but there isn't enough clearance to make the turn in much thicker material. If you have a thick bench top, you will have to clamp via an extruded aluminum or routed t-track.

Sorry, I don't have access to any of my pics pf jigs and fixtures utilizing these tonight.

Re: Opinions of Microjig clamps......

Barry Irby

I agree with William. I have several similar clamps and find more and more uses for them. I have the Festool ones also. Very useful. Clamping an auxiliary fence to the TS fence has been nice. Going to have to try them in dovetail slots the way Microjig promotes.

I also have some similar clamps made by Makita. They are slightly sturdier. Just enough thicker that they won't go through the holes in the MFT (20mm holes in a 3/4" top), at least not without a fight. I think they will work in the Festool track. I bought some track second hand and the guy gave me the clamps. They don't get as much use as the Festool ones.

What I wish I had is the Festool clamps with the lever handle. Looks quick and easy. There's a small learning curve with the screw handles.

As far as the JMP, Interesting but too much money. About a $1000 for the base model and twice that for the fully blown version is way past my impulse purchase point. Still, Interesting and on the right project, could be a game changer.

Re: Opinions of Jointmaker Pro/Mrojig clamps......

Michael van pelt

I own both tools you asked about. I bought the joint maker at an auction. Several buyers were bidding but I was able to get it at a fair price and the auctioneer sold the accessories separate. I got those very reasonable. If you make boxes it is a blessing. I love it and use it more than I thought I would. Top notch quality tool. If you demand precision and fine work you will enjoy using the Jointmaker.

Hundreds of uses for the clamps! Good luck

Re: Opinions of Microjig clamps......

William Duffield

I also have a pair of the Festool quick clamps. I don’t like them at all. The lever is always fouling on some part of what you are trying to hold together. The only time they are advantageous is for clamping something flat down on top of a flat MFT top.

As far as matching a particular brand of clamp to a particular brand of T-track, there is a thread on FOG with all the compatibility details you’ll ever need.

Re: Opinions of Microjig clamps......

Barry Irby

Thank you William, now I can stop lusting after those clamps.

Re: Opinions of Microjig clamps......

jessecloud

I agree with William on the quick clamps. I have a rack of festool clamps and those are usually the last ones I use.