This kind of product doesn’t come around all that often: a tool that makes it possible to do manually, something that we only thought really possible with electricity. Want to do some serious craftsmanship by hand for a special project? The new Jointmaker Pro v2 Manual Table Saw by Bridge City Tool Works is your solution. We immediately thought of third world country mission work, but the tool is actually a bit too refined and more suitable for detail and finish work than rough cuts and simply getting boards cut where there’s no power (for that the hand saw will still be your friend).
Jointmaker Pro v2 Manual Table Saw Features
What the Jointmaker Pro v2 manual table saw does, it make it possible to obtain professional quality cuts without the need for hearing protection, dust collection or electricity. And the resulting cuts (which surprised even us – check out the video below) require no further clean-up. The cuts are so clean there is little need for sanding edges or doing plane and chisel work.
The Jointmaker Pro v2 manual table saw is a like a combination manual table saw and miter saw all in one. Make no mistake, it’s not meant to cut through 4x4s or pressure-treated lumber. This is a master finishing device that makes cuts at an incredibly thin kerf, thanks to the use of a custom Japanese saw blade offered in both crosscut and rip grinds. The blade quickly attaches to a spine which is part of the blade adjustment carriage. The slightly angled blade moves up and down via a hand-crank on the front of the machine and features an independent pitch adjuster. This combination allows for perfect crosscuts up to six inches in width and in material up to 1-3/4” thick. Small cross-sections like small moldings and dowels can be cut in one pass; the size of larger cross-sections and the hardness of wood will determine the number of passes for a through cut. In either case, the cut is unbelievably smooth and true. The kerf is only .021”— it is phenomenally efficient. The tool comes with one crosscut blade and replacements cost around $35 each (less in quantity).
The way the tool works is that you hold it fast to a sacrifice board and provide the easy back-and-forth motion to make the cut. Between each stroke, you adjust the blade height for the next cut (if necessary). The video makes it look easy, though we worry a bit that someone would get a tad careless with their hand position and run the blade through a finger. In either case, the resulting cut is so smooth it is hard to believe. Add to that the fact that the blade makes almost no noise, and you’ve got a real craftsman’s tool on your hands – and one that makes small, detail work much easier and more manageable than we’ve ever seen.
The JMP v2 seems equally adept at cutting stock up to 6 inches (152.5mm) in width and 1-3/4” (44.5mm) thick. Hardness of the wood does not matter as you adjust the pitch of the cutting blade accordingly to allow the saw to cut as efficiently as possible with each stroke.
Jointmaker Pro v2 Manual Table Saw Updates
The Jointmaker Pro v2 manual table saw is identical to the original JMP in every way with the exception of the linear table design–the JMP v2 features a recirculating linear bearing system (the bearings follow a closed loop). They do not need adjustment (factory assembled) and they do not require lubrication. The main advantage is they are easier to use (much less friction) at the expense of a bit more noise. The acetyl bearings are also much quieter than steel bearings. The tables feel effortless and are easily used with one hand.
Jointmaker Pro v2 manual table saw potential uses and applications:
- Box Makers
- Musical Instrument Makers
- Architectural Model Makers
- Toy Makers
- Picture Framers
- Furniture Makers
- Artists & Hobbyists
- Model Railroad Set Builders
- Model Makers
- Environmentally concerned woodworkers
- Professional Woodworkers
- Special Effects Studios
- Doll house makers
We just like the Jointmaker Pro v2 manual table saw because it’s a really neat take on an old idea. The simplicity of it (and by no means are we saying that a lot of careful engineering didn’t go into this product) makes it perfect for work that would otherwise be a tad hard for conventional solutions. When you look at this product vs. a powered table saw for detail use, it’s like comparing a scalpel vs a hatchet. This really comes across as a craftsman’s tool.
The Jointmaker Pro v2 manual table saw can be purchased unassembled for $1295 or as an assembled tool for around $1435.
