Bridge City Toolworks "Jointmaker Pro Upgrade" Review . . .

[monte]

Here in the usually sunny Los Angeles basin it's a dark, very rainy, Pacific Northwestern sort of day. Kinda reminds me of Portland, Oregon. Fitting, because I just received my email notification from UPS that the "Prototype" upgrade rails for the JMP ( Bridge City Tool Works - JM-P Jointmaker Upgrade Kit  ) are on it's way down here for my review and that I should have them in my hands by midweek.

Over the course of the rest of December ( the duration of the  "loan") I'll be documenting my review of the assembly process, the benefits in relation to the cost, and the engineering of the upgrade kit. I throw in my thoughts of how I feel it (the upgrade kit) would effect my work (and others) on the JMP either at home or in my shop.  At home I'm starting to work on some jewelry size projects (when insomnia strikes and on the weekends) where as in the shop the projects tend to be larger in scale.

I'll be performing comparable tasks with the upgrade prototype on my JMP as well as on the original version. I'll be rigging up my JMP with a barnyard version of the Jointmaker SW. (long fixed table on the right side) with the new "prototype" rail on the left, and documenting & commenting on  the whole affair.

There are some riggings that have been floating around in my head for working on larger works that the new rails would lend themselves to that I'll be experimenting on as well. I'll be starting with the more basic/common operations first and get to the more esoteric procedures further along in the review.

I'm thinking that the format of the review "this go around" will be in a more "real time" blog format in nature spread over three forums - talkFestool, FOG, and BCTW's. With my postings and comments from members interspersed together. So it will be interesting to see the respective feedbacks from each forum. Patience will be a virtue here, since my postings will more than likely be in the wee hours of the night. (west coast time)

Until the end of the week,
cheers,
Roger

For those new to the concept of Silent Woodworking and the Jointmaker Pro or have been marooned on some pacific island, go thru the postings on John's blog here on the JMP . . .
Bridge City Tools Behind the Scenes

PS. For those same folks, this whole review thing started with my first review on the JMP here on FOG . . .
The Complete "Jointmaker Pro" Review..... A Paradigm Shift in Woodworking

with a followup here  (Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 posting) . . . Jointmaker Pro Stationary Hand Saw | John's Blog - Part 2

.

 

[Bob Marino]

Roger,

I saw John E demonstrate the Jointmaker at a ww show in PA in October(?) and have to admit it not a tool I would buy, but I can certainly appreciate the engineering/workmanship/ of the tool and am looking forward to your review. BTW, that's an  incredibly beautiful picture yo have there.

Bob

 

[nclemmons]

Roger - glad to see you doing this.

I have ordered the upgrade for my JMP but will be looking closely to learn from your insights and tips.

neil

 

[wnagle]

Roger,

I'm looking forward to your review as well and appreciate all your hard work!  I just pre ordered the JMP V2 and can't wait until it gets here.  Next I have to decide what I need to order with it besides more blades.  Any tips in that area would also be appreciated.

 

[mattfc]

Sadly Bridge City stuff is out of my price range for the use it will get, doesn't stop me drooling over it (I love their drill jig but at $499...)

Anoth site of pure tool beauty from the other side of the pond... this guy and his blog http://www.holteyplanes.com/blog/
Now to wet your appetite:-

Just great to read through the process and look at the pictures

 

[ForumMFG]

For the people that already have the JMP, would you mind writing a little bit on how you like the tool and what application you use it in?  I have been on the fence about ordering the JMP because I don't know how much it will be used.  I am also a big fan of Bridge City Tools, I own some of their tools and pre-ordered 3 others.  I was able to get the Drilling Jig a couple weeks ago for $317 and it retails for $500.  It was a blem of which it's just 1 little dent on the bottom side that will never be seen so I lucked out.  It's a great tool and I hope to see more tools like this that you don't see to often.

 

[mattfc]

I was able to get the Drilling Jig a couple weeks ago for $317 and it retails for $500

Thanks ForumMFG.. you have just spoilt my day!  [tongue]

So does it work as well as it looks like it does... am turning a shade of green!

 

[monte]

For the people that already have the JMP, would you mind writing a little bit on how you like the tool and what application you use it in?  I have been on the fence about ordering the JMP because I don't know how much it will be used.

Regarding my affection for the JMP I like love it a lot and as time goes on and as it becomes more second nature I see using it more. For instance "today" I'll be using it to cut basic miters on some bamboo strips (1/2 inch strips cut from bamboo plywood) that I'm using to wrap around bamboo drawer fronts and doors as a framing element for a bathroom cabinet refacing project. (photos later on) There's a learning curve to the clamping procedures one needs to adhere to to using this device - which I'll get into in the days ahead.

The other day I was watching  a friends kid (an eight year old) for a few hours so we had some shop time together, so we started making a candle stick project and we he needed to cut wooden washers from a dowel so we went straight for the JMP. It didn't take him long to get the methodology to make the cuts. (though I did have to remind him more than once not to hold his push hand too close to the blade - I told him your mom's in the hospital visiting your dad, and I don't think you want to join him there!) I should add that he's taking shop classes with a group of kids once a month at a local woodworker's shop - so he's well on his way for the next generation of Festool and Bridge City users. It was amazing the first time I heard him talk about how beautiful the touches of sap wood work in Cocobolo! Did I mention that he wants to domino his candlestick holder together? [big grin]

As I've said before there is a learning curve for the general use of the JMP, it does have it quirks - which I'll touch on as we go along. What I'm really looking forward to is using it for some Japanese Joinery techniques that employ some weird repetitive angles, that I'll also touch on in the coming weeks. On my JMP at home I'm exploring some "jewelry" projects which entails cutting some very fine slices of spalted beech & maple and using the animated patterns that evolve from that process.  Being able to cut repetitive extremely fine slices one after another is a pure joy in a very zen sense. Ripping longer repetitive slices (rather than crosscuts) is more of a pain & I'm hoping the new rail assembly will improve upon this operation. I have a whole list of sculptural  projects in which I intend to use the benefits of this device in which I'll share as I go along.

Hopping over for a moment as to how the base I'm using to hold the JMP. It's important to hold it at an angle upwards from waste level. (Bridge City does make an optional stand)  As you could see for now I'm using the old style MFT 1080 braced with clamps for now, until I get around to making my own custom base. One mft 1080 or mft 800  could be used if you brace it against a wall (photos later on). In the pictures above I have three 1080 mft's attached together - so this eliminates any racking in the direction I have it facing.

I should throw in a mention that I don't see this as a replacement for my (user) collection of hand saws both Japanese & Western, it's another "go to" tool (instrument) to use when needed or the inspiration hits. (Although it has "replaced" many of the smaller operations that I would have might have done on my table-saw or chop saw)
And for those that haven't read my previous review it's not a job site tool to throw in back of the pickup!

cheers,
Roger

For further reading one should hop over to BCTW's forum where you could see other uses and read about issues about the JMP & the drilling Jig (DJ-1) from some of it's members, at.... http://www.bridgecitytools.com/discussion/ Rutager's  (rwest) posts are a particular favorite of mine.

Bob, thanks - that photo was actually taken with a little basic Olympus point and shoot as I was standing to the side with an umbrella over the stream near my house. (my better camera is in for repair.)

.

 

[ForumMFG]

I was able to get the Drilling Jig a couple weeks ago for $317 and it retails for $500

Thanks ForumMFG.. you have just spoilt my day!  [tongue]

So does it work as well as it looks like it does... am turning a shade of green!

Matt,

To be honest with you, I haven't touched it.  I just open the box once a day to admire it =).  I recently moved into a new home with a garage that has become my shop.  The garage came with no drywall, no electric, no insulation in the attic and no heater.  So i have been spending all my time getting my shop ready.  So far I have run the gas line for the heater, installed (3) 220 outlets and (3) 125 outlets on each wall, insulated the attic, and last night I have just finished applying drywall.  Now, I'm going to start mudding/painting/applying trim and then I'll be all set.  None of my tools are unpacked or setup.  Once I get my shop up and running I'll let you know how I like it!

 

[ForumMFG]

Roger I seen your last post on the BCT forum, thanks for responding.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Roger, that picture of the little guy standing on the milk create is priceless (and I do even like children).

 

[monte]

.

The "prototype" linear table mechanisms  (recirculating linear bearing system) arrived yesterday evening just as I needed to leave the studio. Of course I made the time to open up the package and at least perform the initial set up. My first impressions as I was walking the heavy box in from the UPS truck was, what else did Michael send put in there aside from the prototype rails and tables?  Answer - The Prototype rails and tables. The package weight read 18 pounds (including the box). As you could see from the photos below it's a substantial unit weighing about twice the original ways and tables. (I'll check the weight today) There is absolutely no slop between the new sliders and the rail - the tolerances are very tight. I carefully inserted each rail into the pockets that are cut into the front and rear plates of the JMP, being sure to bottom it out in the pockets. (see close up below) The next time I get in I?ll be following John?s checklist for aligning and securing the new upgrade. I have a bunch of miters to cut for a framing element on some bamboo cabinet doors and drawer fronts I?m making, so that will be the first task on my list. Hmmmm, naw! Cutting some maple 8/4 stock will be the first task!

Just pushing the tables back and forth as it loosely sat in its position was a pure joy. Yeah, it?s a little noisier and one will probably not be able to talk on the phone and make cuts at the same time without the person on the other end of the line knowing that they do not have your undivided attention!
Well, I could live with that.

Below you?ll see some comparable photos between the existing tables and ways and the upgrade prototype. John says that the production run will be laser etched white and that the sliders will be completely different although they will look quite similar.

Looking forward to my next installment.

Roger

 

[monte]

.

   

.

 

[monte]

.

.

.

 

[ForumMFG]

Roger,

what exactly are you talking about here: "John says that the production run will be laser etched white"

 

[nclemmons]

Wayne - you asked about accessories or tips...

I use the Rockler fence clamps with my JMP - drilled a series of 3/8 holes in the 3/4 wooden fence down from the top spaced across the fence.  I drop in the fence clamps to clamp cross-cut stop blocks.  Really speeds up repetitive cuts for me. 

ForumMFG - you asked how I use the JMP...

I use the JMP for all kinds of cuts - small boxes / sides, miters, etc.  A recent example - I was making inset drawers and needed to shave a 1/16 slice off of one end and used the JMP with a mirror finish cut - no risk of splintering.  I'm making a entertainment center and needed accurate lap joints for pieces that crossed with exposed joinery.  The JMP was excellent for that type of cut.  I also use it for dovetails.  It's very easy to quickly and accurately knock out a set of drawers with through dovetails with consistent and easy adjustment and repeatability.  The depth stop makes it a certainty you don't cut too deeply as well.  I've cut a lot with saws and routers, but the JMP gives a degree of fit that is excellent.

I have found the JMP gives me a lot more confidence in cutting small pieces particularly with repeatable precision.

Up next over the holidays when I get some time - I'm going to try some compound miters for some bowl / vase ideas I've been kicking around when I get time.

Roger - I have not tried the elevated back for the saw - I just have mine on either a workbench or the MFT/3 and it works pretty well for me.  I may try it seeing how you rigged the clamps.  Thanks for posting the photos.  Anxious to learn more from you.

neilc

 

[monte]

Roger, what exactly are you talking about here: "John says that the production run will be laser etched white"

Allow me to clarify, the laser white etching is in regards to the safety warnings that (line & hand) are on the table tops.
The "prototype" that was sent to me did not have the production quality etching on the table surfaces, the final run will be brighter.

While we are on the subject, (after an e-mail to John) I like to clarify as well some other points.........

The actual rails will be the same design & same black color.  
The "SAFETY" graphics of the production model will be the same quality as the original JMP tables.
The tables will be the same color orange.
The linear sliders will be different yet look the same, the production slider's (which encloses the linear bearings)  decibel level will be the same as the one's sent.
The tables will be slightly smaller, Hole pattern changes because of slot re-location. Functionality is identical.

.

 

[wnagle]

Neilc,

I do have 4 of the rockler fence clamps that I use on my sheet goods cutting table.  I can see how they would work great the way you describe.  Thanks for the tip!

 

[jvsteenb]

The black colour could be a decent engineering decision: colour anodising ( like the nice blue colour ) is easily done using type II anodising, but the surface hardness of type III anodising ( or hardcoat anodising ) is far superior, that would make this coating type preferable over type II colour anodising for a slide rail.
The only colour that's easily accomplished in a Type III hardcoat anodising is black - very dark green or brown are also possible, but far less common.

So if the colour change reflects a change to type III hardcoat anodising, that's certainly an improvement.

Regards,

Job

 

[Michael Kellough]

I saw John demonstrate the original prototype of the new linear rails at a WW show in October. It used the same design and materials (or very nearly so) except that the ball rearings were steel. They were noisy but even worse is that after only a couple of hours use they had become even noisier as the anodized coating on the rails wore down.

The principle improvement over the early Fall version is that the steel balls have been replaced with acetal plastic (Delrin) so the anodized races should be long lived (and much quieter than the steel balls) as long as nothing worse than sawdust joins the balls.

Thomson, one of the leaders in linear bearings says "Acetal balls are similar to nylon but slightly harder and denser. Delrin bridges the gap between metals and ordinary plastics with a unique combination of strength, stiffness, hardness, dimensional stability, toughness, fatigue resistance, solvent and fuel resistance, abrasion resistance, low wear and low friction."