The provided document is an instruction manual for the MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamp Pro, a woodworking tool system designed by MICROJIG. This system allows users to create their own track systems for clamping and securing materials, offering an alternative to traditional T-tracks.
Function Description
The MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamp Pro system is centered around the concept of creating dovetail tracks in wood using a router bit, and then utilizing specialized clamps and hardware that fit into these tracks. This allows for flexible clamping and jig setups on various woodworking surfaces like table saws, router tables, and custom-built jigs. The system aims to enhance safety and precision in woodworking by providing secure clamping and versatile jig configurations.
The core components work together as follows:
- MATCHFIT Dovetail Router Bit: This bit is used to cut the dovetail-shaped tracks into your workpiece or jig material. The unique design of the bit, including an 8-degree downshear carbide and a 1/16" roundover with a flare edge, ensures clean cuts, reduces tear-out, and automatically rounds over the top edge of the track, eliminating the need for sanding and preventing binding.
- MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamps: These clamps feature a forged steel jaw with a standard 1/2" 14-degree dovetail profile. They insert directly into the routed dovetail tracks, allowing users to secure material anywhere along the track. The clamps have an ergonomic rubberized soft grip handle and a reversible arm feature for versatility.
- MATCHFIT Setup Gauge: This gauge is a crucial accessory for setting the correct depth for both relief grooves and the dovetail tracks. It ensures consistent and accurate cuts, which are essential for the proper functioning of the clamps and hardware.
- MATCHFIT Dovetail Hardware Variety Pack: This pack includes various screws, track nuts, and knobs designed to fit into the dovetail tracks. This hardware allows for the creation of custom fences, stops, hold-downs, and other jigs that can be locked into place at any angle within a grid of dovetail tracks.
The system emphasizes creating a "track system anywhere you need one" without the expense of traditional T-tracks, promoting safer and smarter woodworking practices.
Important Technical Specifications
MATCHFIT Dovetail Router Bit (MB-050-0514):
- Dovetail Profile: Standard 1/2" 14-degree
- Shank Diameter: 1/2"
- Cutting Depth Laser Setup Line: 3/8"
- Downshear Angle: 8 degrees (carbide)
- Roundover: 1/32"
- Flare Edge Roundover: 1/16" (prevents tear-out)
- Recommended Router Horsepower: At least 1-1/2 HP
- Recommended Router Speed: 18,000 RPM (max 24,000 RPM)
- Dovetail Track Depth Tolerance Range: 0.365" - 0.395" (0.375" - 0.385" recommended)
- Minimum Material Thickness for Tracks: 3/4" (to maintain flatness and structural integrity)
MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamps (DVC-538):
- Dovetail Profile: Standard 1/2" 14-degree
- Throat Depth: 2-3/8"
- Clamping Capacity: 5-1/4"
- Clamping Pressure: 595 pounds
- Compatibility: Designed for 3/8" deep dovetail tracks
MATCHFIT Setup Gauge (SG-133):
- 1/4" Relief Groove Depth Gauge: 11/32" deep notch
- 3/8" Dovetail Bit Depth Gauge: 3/8" (.375") depth gauge, with a tolerance range of .365-.395” due to the bit's roundover.
MATCHFIT Dovetail Hardware (DV-HK456x4 VP):
- Dovetail Profile Compatibility: 1/2" 14-degree
- Screw Thread Size: 10-32
- Required Hole/Slot Diameter for Jigs: 3/16" or 1/4"
- Green Dovetail Anchor Length: 1-1/2" (to avoid binding in track intersections)
- Included Hardware:
- 2x DV-HL4 - 10-32 x 1" Track Screws
- 2x DV-HL5 - 10-32 x 1.5" Track Screws
- 2x DV-HL6 - 10-32 Dovetail Track Nuts (with 10-32 threaded brass inserts)
- 2x GR-H52 - 10-32 Wing Knobs
- 2x GR-H50 - 10-32 Round Knobs
- 2x GR-H14 - Nylon Shoulder Washers
- 2x GR-H29 - 10-32 x 3/4" PH Screws
- 2x GR-H1 - #10 Flat Washers
Usage Features
Creating Dovetail Tracks:
- Relief Grooves: Before routing dovetail tracks, it's recommended to cut 1/4" wide and 11/32" deep relief grooves. This reduces stress on the router, extends bit lifespan, and results in cleaner cuts. The Setup Gauge helps set the depth for these grooves using either a table saw or a router.
- Routing Dovetail Tracks: The MATCHFIT Dovetail Router Bit is inserted into a 1/2" collet, aligning the laser safety line with the top of the collet jaws. The cutting depth is set to 3/8" (or within the .365"-.395" range) using the Setup Gauge.
- Routing Technique: For intersecting grid formations, route across the grain first, then along the grain to minimize tear-out. If using a plunge router, plunge off the edge of the material to avoid a 1/2" hole at the track start. When using a router table, a fence and other accessories (push block, featherboard) are crucial for straight cuts.
- Material Thickness: A minimum material thickness of 3/4" is required for routing dovetail tracks to ensure flatness and structural integrity.
Using Dovetail Clamps:
- Insertion: Insert the clamp's dovetail jaw into the 1/2" 14-degree, 3/8" deep dovetail track.
- Tightening: Turn the handle clockwise to tighten the clamp and secure the workpiece.
- Reversible Arm: The clamp arm can be reversed by loosening a screw with a 4mm or 5/32" allen key, offering greater versatility for different clamping scenarios.
Using Dovetail Hardware:
- Jig Compatibility: Jigs require 3/16" or 1/4" diameter holes or slots to accommodate the 10-32 screws.
- Track Nuts: For Dovetail Track Nuts, insert a 10-32 screw into a counterbored hole from the top of the material, thread it into the track nut, and then insert the assembly into a dovetail track. Tighten the screws to lock the track nuts in place.
- GRR-RIPPER Compatibility: The included Nylon Shoulder Washers are compatible with the accessory notches on GRR-RIPPER products. Add shoulder washers to the Dovetail Track Screws before the knobs, attach to the GRR-RIPPER, and tighten.
- Versatility: Dovetail Hardware is ideal for fences, stops, and hold-downs where strong clamping pressure is not the primary requirement. When used in grid formations, jigs can be set at any angle.
Example Project: Combo Tall Fence / Jointing Sled:
The manual provides free plans to build a Combo Tall Fence / Jointing Sled, demonstrating the system's practical application. This jig can add height to table saw, band saw, and router table fences, or be used as a jointing sled for cutting straight edges on rough stock.
Maintenance Features
General Maintenance:
- Inspection: All components must be inspected for damage and securely fastened before every use. Discontinue use if any damage occurs and contact MICROJIG for replacement parts.
- Storage: Store the product on a flat, clean surface when not in use.
Cleaning:
- Dovetail Clamp Handles: The rubber handles of the Dovetail Clamps can be cleaned with denatured alcohol, 91% isopropyl alcohol, or pumice hand cleaner.
Router Bit Maintenance:
- Sharpness: Use a sharp, clean carbide-tipped saw blade when cutting jig parts or relief grooves.
- Router Bit Lifespan: Cutting relief grooves prior to routing dovetail tracks helps extend the lifespan of the router bit.
Safety Precautions:
- Power Tools: The system is designed for use with power tools. Users must be familiar with their tools' operation and follow all manufacturer recommendations and prudent tool user practices.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Saw Blades: Use saw blades designed for the intended cutting operation.
- Saw Blade Angle: Ensure the saw blade is set vertically at an absolute 90-degree angle for safe operation.
- Router Mounting: When routing, ensure the router is securely mounted to the router table (if applicable) and that the bit height can firmly lock in position.
- Router Table Insert: The router table insert must be level with the router table top for accurate cutting depth.
- Router Collet: The router must be equipped with a 1/2" collet for the Dovetail Router Bit's 1/2" shank.
- Attire: Never wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, or other jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.
- Substance Use: Do not use the product while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
- Third-Party Use: The purchaser is responsible for ensuring any third party reads and agrees to all safety precautions.
- Owner's Manuals: When using the Dovetail Clamp Pro with other tools, refer to those tools' owner's manuals first.
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