Two weeks ago we received all of the components for the Jointmaker Pro–holy cow, I have never seen a BCTW project with so many parts! Prior to anodizing the aluminum parts, we assembled one unit and the results are…
Spectacular—in every sense! For those that have seen the prototype in action, the production version features over 80 changes and all I can say is I thought the prototypes were cool, but now, like everyone else waiting for delivery, I CAN’T WAIT to get mine!
Parts come back from the anodizer this week and they are off to the laser house next week. Packaging for both versions (unassembled and assembled) are finalized, and we have decided to forgo a written assembly manual for a DVD or web-based assembly tutorial which we will finish next week. Lastly, the saw blades should arrive from Japan any day now (it took 4 months to make all of these blades).
We also decided to do a little bit of sub-assembly work for the unassembled versions for those who have limited assembly experience. Now, all one needs is to be able to do is insert and tighten screws.
While the components were being manufactured I took the JMP on the road to a couple of the Lie-Nielson Hand Tool Events (if you can go to one of these, they are intimate, fun and educational). One thing became apparent to me after demonstrating this tool for eight hours straight—my back ached.
As a result, we redesigned the stand so the back of the Jointmaker Pro is now 3” higher than the front. This accomplishes two important things, it shortens the sawing stroke and it makes it easier to see your cuts. It is one of those counter-intuitive decisions that really makes using the tool fun. I demonstrated this change to show attendees and everyone agrees this is an awesome improvement. Whether you use our stand, or make your own, we recommend inclining the Jointmaker Pro without hesitation.
As those patiently waiting know, we have taken our time to make sure the user experience is going to be as flawless as possible. We can’t wait to learn how our owners use this transformative tool—it truly changes your perspective on project ideas.
Lastly, I am on the second week of my annual two-week work retreat. I would have posted this update last week but I am in Utah and forgot the password into my blog…
This whole password thing is really getting to be an issue for my aging brain.
–John
John
I’m sure this was worth waiting for and I’m looking forward to getting mine. I appreciate all the complexity involved on this project and it’s nice to hear you’ve been tweaking and improving things while we’ve been waiting. I can’t say I’m thrilled to hear “we have decided to forgo a written assembly manual for a DVD or web-based assembly tutorial” though. This seems to be a growing trend among tool makers but for those of us without TV/DVD or computers in the shop, it’s rather a PITB either forcing the tool to be assembled in the home, or endless rounds of Watch-a-Little, Go-To-Shop, Assemble-A-Little, Lather-Rinse-Repeat. The size of this probably merits just bring it indoors, with numerous trips back to the shop for one more tool I forgot to write down when watching the DVD. At this point, I’d rather not wait longer while you develop a printed manual but I hope this is something you keep in mind for the future.
Thanks again
Doug
Doug;
You are correct–visual manuals are here to stay. That said, I think that after you watch the process once, you will not have any difficulty remembering how to proceed. We have done the tricky stuff for everybody which involved the keel gears.
-John