Bridge City Tool Works Introduces New KM-2 Kerfmaker…

Drivel Starved Nation!

You talked and we listened. Over the past couple of years we have received numerous requests for a larger KM-1 Kerfmaker. I am pleased to announce that I finally got around to designing one. And in the process, we have made it better!

If you are new to our Kerfmaker tool, we conceived and patented this device several years ago and over this time it is our number one selling tool. Here’s a video of how the original KM-1 works–the KM-2 Kerfmaker is no different;


The KM-1 Kerfmaker is limited to a maximum stock width of 2 inches. The KM-2 Kerfmaker will allow you to make cross laps and other joints with stock up to 100mm (4 inches) in width. Here’s a pic;
KM2 700

It is a scaled up version of the KM-1 with the exception of the two magnets you see embedded in the end of the two referenced faces. These magnets firmly hold the the KM-2 in place so you do not need to by hand. This is incredibly handy. Here’s a pic of the setup using our new magnetic reference stop (you clamp this in place). As you can see, the KM-2 can be used with this stop either in the vertical or horizontal position;
KM2.12 700

KM2.13 700

With a wider capacity, you can now use the KM-2 with a dado head and the KM-2 can be calibrated to any kerf size up to 25mm in width. Pretty cool. Hey wait, there is more! The magnets allow you to stick the KM-1, and the stop, directly to your saw. Pretty cool again.

So, what does this mean for the KM-1? I really don’t know as of this writing but I am entertaining the thought of adding the magnets to the KM-1 with a magnetic stop that fits that tool the next time we make them. The magnetic base really is a huge benefit in use. The KM-2 closed is 182 mm in length, 44 mm tall and 16mm thick and gauges stock width up to 100 mm with a maximum kerf of 25 mm. FYI.

We will open up pre-orders for the KM-2 the second week of September with delivery in early December. The whole set-up will be around $100 bucks.

JOHN IS STUPID DEPARTMENT…
In other news, we are making an incredible new tool that has caused some confusion, mainly because I did a crappy job of explaining how it is used. I actually explained my reasoning to my two dogs and they looked at me like I was an idiot. Let’s try round two…

Pictured below is our new Universal Gauge;
UG_L and UG_R.1 700

The tool at the top is the LEFT version of this tool (UG-L) and the unit on the board is the RIGHT (UG-R). If you are using this tool to set-up a table saw, you would use the RIGHT version if your blade tilts to the left, and the LEFT version if your blade tilts to the right. The confusion we created is for those woodworkers who want this tool but will not use it on a table saw, so here is the definitive answer to “Which one?”

See the unit on the piece of wood? It is the UG-R (R for Right). If you were going to scribe a line along the bevel arm, which hand would you use. If you said LEFT… BINGO! If you are right handed you will want to order the unit in the top of the image. Make sense? Regardless, this may up being my most favorite layout tool, my shop at home is really small.

LASTLY
Look for an email soon regarding our FREE SHIPING OFFER on the Gyro Air Dust Collector that runs through October 15th.
GYRO AIR_EN _Web

LASTLY AGAIN
Some 15 year old kid with illegal fireworks deliberately (through ignorance I presume) started a forest fire in the beautiful Columbia Gorge east of Portland last weekend. You cannot imagine how bad the air quality is here, the worst I have ever seen and I was here when Mt. St. Helens blew. I mention this because if you are a parent or a grandparent, this is great teaching moment to inform those you love that their lives can change in an instant and that every action has an unintended consequence. This fire is unbelievably tragic and right now it is about 40,000 acres and is 5% contained. Ugh!

-John

4 comments on this post:

  1. John,

    Not sure if this is a good idea, or completely unnecessary due to the precision fence being able to dial the difference, but would making the stop with the ability to screw to one of the fence stops, or making a fence stop with a magnet imbedded in it be useful?

    Rutager

  2. Rutager,

    A small magnet attached to one of the JMP stops would work beautifully. I will make one and see if there is enough interest.

    John

  3. Now I’m really confused. I responded to your message this morning stating a correction, that if the saw tilts left, get the RIGHT one. So, I asked Consuelo to change my order, because the Saw Stop tilts left. I don’t own a table saw yet though.

    Most people are right handed (I think), but since I am right handed, you say I should get the LEFTY.

    Perfectly understandable – Righty is Lefty. ‘Saw tilts left, get it right.

    ‘Hope you mind me changing my order again. Can I assume either will work with the JMP?

    Now I wishing the the golden square was swappable between lefty and righty sqaures.

    ‘Like the KM-2 magnet idea a lot. Any chance we can get our little one (KM-1) upgraded with magnets and a stop (though I still want the big one)?

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