Over on the ToolGuyd Forums, Fred pointed out these new MatchFit dovetail clamps from Micro Jig — the company that makes the Grr-Ripper table saw hand guard. What’s interesting about these clamps is that you can use them to make temporary fences or jigs that attach completely from behind with no trace of the clamp on the front, similar to what you can do with T-track.
All you need to do is create a specific sized dovetail groove in your custom fence, saw guide, or other jig. The MatchFit clamp head slides into the dovetail to secure it without the clamp head getting in the way. Another way to think about it is your fixture becomes the head of the clamp.
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The clamps can open up to 5-1/4″ wide and have a throat depth of 2-3/8″. They can provide up to 595 lbs of clamping pressure while open to 4″ wide.
To use the MatchFit dovetail clamps first you need to make a matching dovetail groove. MatchFit is compatible with dovetails cut by a 1/2″ by 14° dovetail router bit. The dovetail needs to be at least 3/8″ deep so the MatchFit clamp sits below the surface and at least 3.75″ long to hide the head completely.
To get you started, Micro Jig provides two different PDFs for creating your own fixtures: A router table pressure jig and the two-in-one straightedge guide, shown above, that can be used with your circular saw and router.
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You can buy MatchFit dovetail clamps directly from Micro Jig. A pair of the dovetail clamps will run you $40 plus shipping, or you can purchase them for the same price at Amazon shipped free with Prime.
Buy Now (via Micro Jig Store)
Buy Now (via Amazon)
For more ideas about what you can do with the MatchFit dovetail clamp check out this video from Consultingwoodworker.com:
There are a few times in the video I thought, “it’d be way easier to just do X,” but the video does show a great variety of uses, including reversing the head to use the clamp as a hold-down.
Nathan
The price is a touch high – but it’s also unique and versatile. I think it’s a fantastic idea.
I mean most of us have the required router and bit – or can easily get the bit. so that makes the fixture part easier to come by. For someone that doesn’t have the t track or other version of work top this is an easier sell.
Or I think it would be – I’m interested.
BonPacific
I’m not sure it’s that unique. Looks like a slightly modified version of standard Fence Clamps, sometimes called table clamps, which you can get a pair of for $20 from Rockler or amazon.
Or you could pick up a T-slot Clamp and a T-slot router bit and have the same thing.
Even if it isn’t revolutionary, it does look nicely made. I’m just not willing to spent $40 on something like this.
fred
I bought a pair – have yet to try them out.
They also shipped for free direct from MicroJig – and I used my Amazon account (an option on the MicroJig site) to checkout.
BTW – unlike some of the other MicroJig items (e.g. the GRRipper) that are made in the USA – these are made in Taiwan
Mark
Hmm I have some ideas. You can get something like this, and a T-slot router bit
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWS5026-TrackSaw-Track-Clamps/dp/B001J31PJM/?ie=UTF8
Or, you can get the MicroJig clamp, but instead of cutting dovetail slots. you could make a dovetail channel by laminating 2 layers of material, 2nd layer being 2 pieces cut with a bevel as to form a dovetail.
fred
BTW – the Dewalt clamps that you link to have a slight curve (front to back) – perhaps to better grab the Dewalt metal track saw rail.
You may also know that you can have a saw blade ground to cut dovetails on a table saw:
http://www.sliversmill.com/product_595_10_40_Tooth_DOVETAIL_JOINT_GRIND__Specify_Angle__Left_or_Ri.html
John
I think the idea is that, or maybe my speculation is the dovetail slot will be much more rigid and last longer than a T slot in wood and soft materials. Over the course of time those wood slots will get mangled which is why they sell metal rails. Also for a T slot bit you have to still pass with an initial straight bit for depth. You’re not supposed to try ripping through with a T slot bit alone. With the dovetail you can do it in one pass, so there is a plus on time savings there too.
Nathan
still though most of us already have the dovetail bit. Or I would think anyone with a router probably has one in their kit.
t-slot bits are fairly new as far as I know. So again this makes more sense to me.
Dovetail shape is going to be a bit stronger in the wood.
Benoit
The idea doesn’t seem to be new though… The Makita tracksaw has a very similar clamp to hold down the track (model #194385-5), but if I remember correctly, it might not be a perfect dovetail. Still, 40$ for a pair is crazy expensive for what it is… The manufacturer probably get them made in China for about 1$ each. This is a solution looking for a problem.
fred
$40 included shipping and they are made in Taiwan. They feel pretty solid in the hand – but it will probably be a month or so until I’m back home to try them out. They are certainly not a must-have – but looked like they might be useful.Maybe if they catch on – the price may get discounted.
fred
I also looked at the Makita track saw clamps – they (a pair) sell for $39.18 on Amazon with Prime shipping – or $36.02 with $10.57 shipping from another vendor.
Bessey Table clamps sell for $20 to $22 each – on Amazon – so MicroJig seems to have priced their clamps competitively. Whether they are worth that much has to be a judgment call by the user.
Jon
Adding to my list of tools to make. Those Bessey cabinet maker’s clamps that go on clearance every year or so at Home Depot are the perfect platform. I just need to grind the fixed jaw to shape.
Jeff Hillis
Microjig is running a promo right now, if you buy two sets of clamps, you get their dovetail router bit free (normally $29.95) and free shipping. I have two shops, so I would have bought two sets anyway!