We are about half-way done shipping the Jointmaker Pro’s as of this writing and the feedback (so far) has been positive. You never know with something so new and controversial–today is a good day.
One of the changes we made to the production version of Jointmaker Pro is the ability to add user designed jigs and fixtures. Below is a quick concept of a dead man to keep from loading the linear tables when cutting longer stock. This idea would fasten directly to the front and rear plates and offers minimal resistance to stock traversing.
I would likely make this from 1/2″ baltic birch ply and design around any stiff round stock (pvc, conduit, dowel, closet rod, aluminum tube, etc). Perhaps include another brace with a lip on the down legs of the wings for blade storage. This is a seed idea for our customers–more ideas and feedback can be found on the Jointmaker Pro forum on our website.
Now here is some good news for us, we have 7 JMP’s left. (Actually we have 17, but 10 are reserved for my Silent Woodworking class at Marc Adams School of Woodworking in May). We anticipate beginning the wait-list for round two in about two weeks or less.
Monday we begin the video shoot on my secret new controversial tool that will challenge how you think about another aspect of woodworking. Silence is golden! (Stolen from that 60’s song by The Tremolos or Tremeloes…which in turn was originally recorded by the Four Seasons I believe.) Damn I am getting old.
Stay positive, engaged and enthused!
–John
Hi John, just curious are you planning on offering any discounts on the demo machines at the classes to the students? Just curious as I’ve been mulling around the idea. Thanks, can’t wait to see what Monday might hold.
Hate to be evasive, but maybe.
Marc Adams has the right of first refusal on the units I bring–The Silent Woodworking class may become a regular after this first go. (FYI, silent woodworking may be the fastest growing sector in the avocational woodworking market–we cannot believe how strong this concept is resonating with many of our customers–gallery quality work while listening to music is an easy pill for many)
Depending on what he decides, all I can say is I don’t necessarily want to take them home…
John
4 hours to put it together, 1.5 hours to adjust and fine tune and I’m cutting! This blade is so thin that the slightest screw up bends the teeth. (yup, I messed up the first blade) New blades are only $20.00 and I ordered five extras. This is definitely a precision instrument with a learning curve as complex as a musical instrument. BUT, when you hit the notes just right, magic! I’m hooked on this tool and look forward to what other people are able to do. The curf is almost non-existent. The cuts are smooth as can be imagined unless the tool is not adjusted perfect or a tooth gets bent a bit out of perfect. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when tuning this tool. The rails must be dead flat and co-planar. The sliding tables must not have any slop or be too tight to slide easily. Lubricant is a must in a lot of places. Gears must be perfect. Blade holder must be set perfect. Angle sliders must slide smooth. Blade setting for square to tables and perpendicular is critical. If this is even a bit off, the blade teeth can bend or the front of the blade will not re-enter the cut square as you raise the blade.
Sounds like a lot? It is! I’m sure the maintenance of this fine tool will require fine adjustments and checks every time it is used for precision work.
They sell this tool assembled but I feel that in order to really know the tool, you need to go through the whole job of building it. If you buy one assembled, how will you know when something is not right? And what if the tool gets knocked out of adjustment during shipping?
The manual was well done and written by someone with a good understanding of the English language. (I’ve built enough foreign documented and translated things to really appreciate this manual.
The machining is exemplary. The fits are amazing! The finish is beautiful!
Expensive? I can see the craftsmanship throughout.
Shipping container was also beautiful. Everything set in a perfect, protective spot and every one of the hundreds of fasteners bagged and organized. Note, there are no extra parts so don’t lose anything. Sweep your shop floor before you start!
All in all–I love this tool after only one day of owning it. Not for the beginning woodworker.
Blair
Blair;
Sorry about your first trashed blade–it is part of the learning curve and once you have logged a few hours, blades last a long time.
Thanks for the kind words–and taking the time away from your JMP to pen them!
John
John, I have been trying the curf cut corner that you show in your video. It takes some thinking to get it right. Could you share your discoveries in getting these beautiful round corners just right. Thickness of wood, distance of cuts to each other, number of cuts to close up exactly to 90 degrees, adhesive used etc. Maybe I’m asking too much and need to just play but if you could offer some hints it wuld be helpful. Also, I lightly stoned the sides of the blade with the one slightly bent tooth and I have it back to a useful state. Blade does seem to clog. Thought about a double sided brush to sweep debris from teeth as you go. If I work it out, I’ll show you what I come up with.
I do wish you had included a detailed DVD of the process of the fine tuning. The 2 brief clips help but a verbal explanation of some length would help us to feel we are on the right track.
Photo link http://picasaweb.google.com/BlairGlenn/JMP02#
Note the simple but effective setup for stabilizing the unit to my bench. I added a step up for ease of use rather than a dedicated location in my limited shop.
Blair Glenn
Blair;
I am going to answer your questions later today on the Jointmaker Pro forum.
John