Don't feel bad about being shocked about the price of the Micro-jig push block in the UK, we here in America are just as surprised by the price. Now don't get me wrong, I love the Micro-jig clamping system. Their clamps are pretty expensive too (for clamps) but you can use them for a ton of different applications in your shop. I am considering getting the Milescraft version of these push blocks, which are essentially the same thing, only not nearly as expensive. Nice design, thanks for thinking of everyone's safety.
I starting to finally tidy my shed up so I'm making holders for tools like a drill charging station etc but all out of old scrap wood like prototypes that I use for a few months so that I can get ideas of use, convenience and adjustments I need or want to make this way I can make them all again with new wood with adjustments included and I also get practice with tools like Router and table saw etc. I learned from another video that it is good to start off cheap especially with tools then according to available funds I can buy better tools bit by bit until I reach my goals. You did a great job on your project and got the idea of making a workable adjusting push block that when you use it for a little while you will get tips on what adjustments suit you best. Good man and it is also great to show and point out where you might make adjustments and the reasons for them
People like you make world a better place .A mIllion Thanks what if my microjig costed 3 times the price of my circular saw it'd be shame .A million thanks from india
Great video of a great jig idea, thanks! I like that the outside pieces aren't glued which allows for easy replacement after they get nicked up enough. As someone else already suggested, threaded inserts would solve the problem of the T-nuts sitting proud of the surface. You could still use T-nuts though if you employ a shallow counter bore to allow for the thickness of the T-nut flanges.
Nice job on your interpretation of the Gripper As a retired Wood worker i like your version much better than the yellow plastic one plus i enjoyed seeing the tools you use in Europe As far as Brands and manufacturers
Hey Craig, thanks very much I have a new improved version coming out in the next few weeks. It's amazing how tools are different in one country to another. I use cordless tools made by AEG, in North America they are Ridgid. Exact same tools, just different names 😕
Brilliant.....just bought a GPP gripper (expensive but great) but need another one to do longer pieces. I will use yours as model and save over 100 bucks! many thanks......Robin
Thanks, I since replaced the grip on the bottom to something that works a bit better. I have made an updated version of this push block in another video on my channel 👍
Ha, thanks very much, unfortunately I'd very much like to be at 82k subs, but I'm only at 8.8k at the mo, but who knows what the future lies ahead. There is a version 3, another video on my channel. Thanks for the comment, and a happy New year to you 👍
Hello from 🇨🇦. Not sure if you seen the NEWEST microjig. RIP OFF it’s over $130 here . But they think that if they scare enough people into THINKING theirs is the only one and safest then people will pay what ever they ask. I think your build was excellent. Seems to work just fine. I thank you VERY MUCH for the idea and the great video that most people can make and save like what $115 . Excellent contribution to the rest of us woodworkers like me who can’t afford the YELLOW PLASTIC
Hello to you good sir. Thanks for the superb message. I can't help but think microjig would sell more units if the price was half of what it is. It can't cost them a great deal to make. So the mark up must be fantastic. I've nearly finished refining a new improved version of this which I think is better then this one. 👍
Great job! I kept looking at the Gripper, and thinking that I couldn't honestly substantiate buying one, now I have another project. The only thing I might do different is to use a boring bit, so that the T nuts could be recessed. Many thanks
Improve it...improve what???? You've got the sense to make one rather than pay for one and that's smart. I haven't seen anyone else come up with the idea...full marks to you mate.
Thank you for thr great comment. It's a little heavy, and bulky. I think I can make it look better to. But, it does exactly what I built it for very well
Good instruction. I can use your good idea as a jumping off point. If you don’t mind some collaboration: I would use threaded inserts instead of T-nuts because they don’t sit proud of the surface and don’t pull out. When I make handles, I first make a template with 1/4” tempered hardboard, sometimes tracing and old saw handle I like, and use that as a router pattern to cut a handle of real wood, which is much better to hold than ply. If you fiddle with this a while you can end up with “your” handle pattern, custom to your hand. You’ll find yourself reproducing it from the template time and again for new tools and replacements. It’s well worth the effort.
I'm going to make one of these. Thanks for the tips. I've already made a cheap-and-cheerful one out of MDF but that is nowhere near strong enough. What I used for the gripping material, though, was an old, no longer used, mouse-mat (I'm now a trackpad man) that I cut up and glued to the bottom. It works a treat.
Looks like a good alternative if you can't afford to purchase one (or don't want to). You can sometimes get it cheaper. Rutlands occasionally have offers and sometimes at shows like Makers Central in UK you can get discounts
I've been giving thought to making one for myself. I think I'm going to slant the handle to the back to about a 45° angle for better ergonomics. Also, I like the idea of 1/8th inch (3 mm) plywood against the fence incase I want to cut thin stock.
I made a 2nd version of this, as I said in the video, this was the 2nd prototype and now the most new and improved version I made i'm very happy with. There is also a video of that on my channel
Can you please make more videos for upgraded ones..like extentions for this jig for cross cutting a 2/2 or 3/3 plywood without the danger of kickbacks.😊
Thanks for the comments, Ive since made an updated version of this push block, also a video on my channel. I don't think I should make anything more with this, already had a certain company contact me about this who were not very pleased!
Thanks for the reply..i can understand there could be some patent issues with certain companies...anyways people who need extention will certainly find a way of making one for thier own personal work station without posting it😆.
Loved the video. Next time you make a another handle have it screwed in at an angle towards the fence. Keeps the stock against the fence. As others have mentioned have a counter bore so the T nuts sit flush and maybe use some epoxy to secure them. I find when I use T nuts they sometimes loosen over time. You could even make your own version of the gravity heel that is an accessory for the Grripper. Helps push the timber through particularly small pieces. Also the stabilizing section could have a foot that provides more support similar to to Microjigs Great video. You have saved a heap of money as well as inspiring others to do the same.
Thanks, I wasn't trying to make an exact copy of the microjig it's self, but something based on their idea. I have since made a newer version which is also a video on my channel 👍
Great Video and interesting design. For your next prototype, if you wanted to you could use a forstner bit, to create a resess for the tee nuts to fit into, that way they would protrude on the suface throwing out your dimentions and / or add a sacrificial puch on the back. Thats ment as constructive feed back and nothing else
Thanks for the comment, I've already thought about the forstner bit, bit silly of me not using it in the first place. But good idea about the sacrificial bit on the back, I'll consider that
Thanks for posting this video. I'd begun feeling the draw of the commercial MicroJig but hadn't yet priced them. I purchased a large piece of 1/4" expanded neoprene foam from an eBay listing. I bought it for a single project but ordered extra in the certainty it would be useful. The sole of your device is another application. Thanks again for doing the prototyping.
The grip material I used worked well, but it wore out quick, I have changed it for something simular to what you mention. As I said, this is a prototype
@@JamesManCave Did you ever add the video with the newer version James? Great video and I too have wondered why more people havent tried this. Thanks for making this available appreciate the effort.
You thought of it and you make it better each time. You deserve to be rewarded I am just saying. Besides it's made out of plywood. They have no grounds
You just saved me 100+ bucks (that's what it costs to bring the grripper to Chile through amazon). Just one question: would it make sense to glue a strip of sandpaper to the bottom of the device to improve grip?
Hi, I made this for the same reason you mention, to get the gripper in the UK at the time is was around £80, so quite a saving. I tried the sand paper but wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be. I have also made an improved version of this (also a video on my channel) and I used non slip matting for the grip, that work pretty well
NO SHIT RIGHT?? i saw everyone had them and figured they must be good - but that's a ridiculous price to pay for something that is easily made out of scraps that would normally go in the woodstove... and there is something about using an item made of wood - it just feels better in your hand... great job... THIS is what woodworking is all about - anyone can buy stuff - woodworkers MAKE stuff.
james' man cave - haven't made it yet... -22c in my workshop, so just a WEE bit cold for this girl. i think i might take a pattern of one of my dovetail saws for the handle of mine though, my hands are small and every little bit of 'grabbiness' i can get is good. and out of interest, why plexi for the outside fence... do you really need to see through it? i've also seen variations where instead of having slots in the top to control the middle fence, they have t tracks on either end... thinking yours is a bit more stable although I would probably countersink the thread part so it's flush.
That's a good idea with the handle, that part I never liked in this build. Someone recently showed me a video of another version of this with metal t track, but I didn't want to use it for 2 reasons, 1 it's built from scraps which we all have, and 2 I didn't want to use metal when it will be close to a blade. It was just a thought about the perspex, because I thought the 3mm ply I used could warp/loose strength and when extended this part of the tool, I want absolute stability
i ended up with a huge piece of that' dense plasticy stuff, almost like cutting board, from a spacing jig that came with some roofing... it cuts and routes well, so maybe something like that for tracks.. although i think aluminum is not going to screw your blades up if you were to hit it... plus the blades only go up so far so assuming the sides were just a smidge above the max height you shouldn't have to worry about it... i have an aluminum peavey sort of thing for rolling logs to chainsaw them up and it's made of aluminum for exactly that reason...
Is copying making? I mean at least throw out a "inspired by MIcroJig" Making isn't the hard part for most things. Once Apple made the IPhone, smartphone market was created. It's the inspiration that's hard. So while there's nothing wrong with making a duplicate for one's use, at least give them credit in the video. As for the price, I'm a "market will set it" guy. They seem to be selling enough of them so it must be priced where it's sustainable. Or so it seems to me.
Just found this video. Now looking for your updated version. Excellent work. I agree the Microjig is grossly overpriced. The cheapest I can find it here in the States is $50-$60. For injection molded plastic, that's rude. I could 3-D print one for a couple of bucks.
Hi, I should have the updated version out soon! This is one of my problems with the micro jig, can't help but think people will be put of massively marked up price of it.
nice work Jim, I will make one someday..lol. I have searched UA-cam for this and I would add a small tab to hang below the bottom edge on rear to " push" stock thru the cut.
I notice everyone has copied them so their designs must be good. If it were German made, everyone would say "German engineering, envy of the world!" But its American so everyone is quiet about it lol
Thanks, the t nuts and screws are high enough out of the way for a correctly set table saw blade to not make contact with them. However this was just a prototype and I have improved on the design
Have you considered threaded inserts instead of t-nuts? Of course, you will need to position them within a piece of the components, rather than spanning two ot them.
Hi, sorry for the delayed reply. Yes I had thought about that. As I mentioned this is a prototype, and I have made an improved version, just need to throw the video together 👍
I had a Micro-Jig and found it awkward to use and it always felt like it was in the way. I realized that because of this that it was unsafe for me to use. I Sold it and now use a grout float from the hardware store - MUCH BETTER! and safer.
Great video. I am looking to get the Evolution Rage 5s tablesaw like you have (dewalt is too much money for a beginner). Just wodering if it comes with the capability of fitting blades with a 30mm bore so you could fit a diablo ripping and fine finish blade. How is the fence for setting up?
Hi, yes you could fit that blade, but you would also need to buy a reducer ring to 25.4mm for the evolution bore. I've done this on my mitre saw with a similar blade and works fine. The fence is absolutely fine, I can't fault it in any way. 👍
@@JamesManCave thank-you for the quick and honest reply. This table saw is a front runner the only real other concern is if they are going to update soon like they updated the rage 3 to the r255 with some nice things like soft start, brake and other nice kittle features
@@smoffitt4289 It's a great table saw, I had a ryobi one that I didn't like nearly as much as this one. I cant give you any information regarding updating the saw, however, Evolution have only recently bought this saw out www.evolutionpowertools.com/uk/build/tablesaws/r255mts/ which is a brand new model, but doesn't have the soft start function. The rage 5s has now also been reduced in price on amazon if your still interested amzn.to/2VA7zPf
If by what you mean the second opening as in the middle foot, then I did show that bit, and it's adjustable to whatever width you require using the screw knobs
A threaded insert is a tube with machine screw threads in the inside and wood screw threads on the outside as compared to the t- nut used in this project. This one will pull out if the knobs are tightened too much (yes, I learned the hard way). Threaded inserts are screwed into the hole in the receiving piece and resist being pulled out. A t- nut works fine if inserted from the back side of the receiving piece.
Hiya. Great upload. Just wondering, is that the Aldi Workzone palm router you were employing in the upload?? Not a criticism, but I just purchased an Aldi Workzone palm router about two months ago and it’s MASSIVELY good value for the money. It’s good ,regardless of price to be honest! I could be wrong ,but is the tool you’re using the Workzone item? If it is, it would be great if you would give an opinion about it. Cheers( i hope you’re backs a bit better) David.
Hi David, thanks for the comment. Yes it is the workzone trim router, well spotted. 👍 My plan is to do a review of it soon, but as u have already mention, it is an excellent tool considering to cheap cost of it. Aldi have a tracksaw out on Thursday, have ordered that. The tool from lidl/aldi that I've purchased over the years, I can't really fault
@@dlamb2840 The Katsu router (find on eBay) is also an awesome palm router. I'm not sure how the price compares with the Aldi one, but FYI it's £35. It is also a direct ripoff of the Makita router, so you can use all the Makita accessories with it - although I buy the Katsu copies of the Makita bases (fixed, plunge, angled and offset - all made from metal (Alu I think)).
Hello from a wet and windy Bristol. The table saw is a Evolution Rage 5s here is a link to it - amzn.to/2VvVme8 I have also reviewed it which is also on my channel.
I'm not making it to sell, it's not a direct copy as things are different. And I've seen very simular microjig knock off's for sale on genuine Web site. So it highly, highly unlikely
I have been putting off buying one of these for years because of the price, but yesterday i had a push stick slip and hit the blade hard enough to give me an "oh shit moment" that got the old heart pumping. So I was going to bite the bullet and buy one this weekend, then I saw your vid and thought it was a great idea. As "rapunzel eh?" said " there is something about using an item made of wood - it just feels better in your hand" is right. I think it's another reason I haven't put one of those gimicky things. I may change your design so the side closest to the fence is screwed from the side so it's a sacrificial piece as I want to be able to do a lot more thin cuts and then I won't worry about screws hitting the blade. Thanks for posting the vid!
Yes those moments certainly make you have to go and change your underwear after! Change the design as much as you need to suit you. I have an updated and final version of this coming out soon if your interested
@@JamesManCave I look forward to seeing it, already rethought changing the side piece as id prefer your original as it keeps more downward pressure on, and its not like i'd run the saw high enough to hit screws anyway..did you end up using perspex or do i have to wait for the vid?
@@Gravattack this was also my thinking on the screws, if the height of the blade is set right, it shouldn't ever stick out more then 10/15mm anyway, so far enough away. Ahhhh, well that will be telling! 😉
It's made from 15mm ply. I didn't include any dimensions as I thought people would like to make there own based on their needs, I will have an updated version of this video coming out in a few weeks time. I will include everything in that
Very good quick and very useful tool I'm going to make one or two thanks❤👍🏻
Super simple jig. Unlike all the super complicated ones
Don't feel bad about being shocked about the price of the Micro-jig push block in the UK, we here in America are just as surprised by the price. Now don't get me wrong, I love the Micro-jig clamping system. Their clamps are pretty expensive too (for clamps) but you can use them for a ton of different applications in your shop.
I am considering getting the Milescraft version of these push blocks, which are essentially the same thing, only not nearly as expensive. Nice design, thanks for thinking of everyone's safety.
I starting to finally tidy my shed up so I'm making holders for tools like a drill charging station etc but all out of old scrap wood like prototypes that I use for a few months so that I can get ideas of use, convenience and adjustments I need or want to make this way I can make them all again with new wood with adjustments included and I also get practice with tools like Router and table saw etc. I learned from another video that it is good to start off cheap especially with tools then according to available funds I can buy better tools bit by bit until I reach my goals. You did a great job on your project and got the idea of making a workable adjusting push block that when you use it for a little while you will get tips on what adjustments suit you best. Good man and it is also great to show and point out where you might make adjustments and the reasons for them
Thanks for the comment, and good luck with your journey
Great home made Gripper
People like you make world a better place .A mIllion Thanks what if my microjig costed 3 times the price of my circular saw it'd be shame .A million thanks from india
Thank you for your great comment. They are far to much money for what they are, hence why I made my own 👍
Amazing , it does the same work like Micro jig with huge cost difference..you can make your own with with added features ..loved it❤👍
U can make a grabber support for the back. And also make it longer for bigger rips
So simple but so cleverly put together. Well done
Thanks 👍
This is exactly like the Grrriper sold on amzon and in big box stores. It is cheaper to build than buy at a price of $69 US
Here in the UK, it cost's a lot more then that
Great video of a great jig idea, thanks! I like that the outside pieces aren't glued which allows for easy replacement after they get nicked up enough. As someone else already suggested, threaded inserts would solve the problem of the T-nuts sitting proud of the surface. You could still use T-nuts though if you employ a shallow counter bore to allow for the thickness of the T-nut flanges.
Nice job on your interpretation of the Gripper As a retired Wood worker i like your version much better than the yellow plastic one plus i enjoyed seeing the tools you use in Europe As far as Brands and manufacturers
Hey Craig, thanks very much
I have a new improved version coming out in the next few weeks. It's amazing how tools are different in one country to another. I use cordless tools made by AEG, in North America they are Ridgid. Exact same tools, just different names 😕
Brilliant.....just bought a GPP gripper (expensive but great) but need another one to do longer pieces. I will use yours as model and save over 100 bucks! many thanks......Robin
Thanks, I since replaced the grip on the bottom to something that works a bit better. I have made an updated version of this push block in another video on my channel 👍
@@JamesManCave Thanks James.....headin' over there now.
Nice job! I'll be making one of these. Thanks for sharing.
No problem 👍
Brilliant - it’s no wonder you have 82k subscribers - look forward to seeing version 3😉 cheers Chris “The Aussie living in the Netherlands” 🇳🇿HNY🍾
Ha, thanks very much, unfortunately I'd very much like to be at 82k subs, but I'm only at 8.8k at the mo, but who knows what the future lies ahead. There is a version 3, another video on my channel. Thanks for the comment, and a happy New year to you 👍
Hello from 🇨🇦. Not sure if you seen the NEWEST microjig. RIP OFF it’s over $130 here . But they think that if they scare enough people into THINKING theirs is the only one and safest then people will pay what ever they ask. I think your build was excellent. Seems to work just fine. I thank you VERY MUCH for the idea and the great video that most people can make and save like what $115 . Excellent contribution to the rest of us woodworkers like me who can’t afford the YELLOW PLASTIC
Hello to you good sir. Thanks for the superb message. I can't help but think microjig would sell more units if the price was half of what it is. It can't cost them a great deal to make. So the mark up must be fantastic. I've nearly finished refining a new improved version of this which I think is better then this one. 👍
Suggest adding adhesive backed sandpaper to the base for a good grip on the wood.
The plastic grip I used worked well, but soon lost its grip. I now use grippy foam and that has lasted much longer
Great! Thanks, you saved me a bundle! It’s obscene what the companies charge for plastic bits!
No problem, it's one of those things where there is nothing else to compete with it, so they can charge what they want
Easy and cheap indeed
Great job! I kept looking at the Gripper, and thinking that I couldn't honestly substantiate buying one, now I have another project. The only thing I might do different is to use a boring bit, so that the T nuts could be recessed. Many thanks
Yep, far to much money for me. As I said in the video, this was just a prototype, I've improved on it since, will have a video on it soon
Thnx. A good template idea to then tailor to my needs.
Great covid project when doing nothing at home. Thanks
No problem 👍
Yo me hice uno y para sacar tablillas muy finas es una maravilla.
Improve it...improve what???? You've got the sense to make one rather than pay for one and that's smart. I haven't seen anyone else come up with the idea...full marks to you mate.
Thank you for thr great comment. It's a little heavy, and bulky. I think I can make it look better to. But, it does exactly what I built it for very well
You might try gluing sand paper to the bottom instead of tape, worked for me REAL well.
The tape work great, but after a fair bit of use it wore out. I have replaced it with foam from a sanding matt. This performs fantastic
Good instruction. I can use your good idea as a jumping off point. If you don’t mind some collaboration:
I would use threaded inserts instead of T-nuts because they don’t sit proud of the surface and don’t pull out.
When I make handles, I first make a template with 1/4” tempered hardboard, sometimes tracing and old saw handle I like, and use that as a router pattern to cut a handle of real wood, which is much better to hold than ply. If you fiddle with this a while you can end up with “your” handle pattern, custom to your hand. You’ll find yourself reproducing it from the template time and again for new tools and replacements. It’s well worth the effort.
I like it, I'll save this video for when I get chance to get some plywood.
Thanks mate. It never even occurred to me to build my own. The original is so darn expensive
Certainly is for a bit of plastic. If I didn't film it, could have built it in under 2hrs probably
Great videos mate👍🏻 love the humbleness to you vids and the skills you share with us, I’m going to make this today! Thanks 😊
Hi Kris, thanks for the kind words. Best of luck
I'm going to make one of these. Thanks for the tips. I've already made a cheap-and-cheerful one out of MDF but that is nowhere near strong enough. What I used for the gripping material, though, was an old, no longer used, mouse-mat (I'm now a trackpad man) that I cut up and glued to the bottom. It works a treat.
Thanks Alan. That's sounds like a great idea for some grip. I've made a new and improved version of this, video should be out soon
Very nice job. I'll make one but with a perspex fence.
Thanks. If you prefer a perspex fence, then I think you will like my updated version, which I will have a video off very soon
You can use a Forsner bit to counter sink where the T-nuts are going to get them flush. Very well done.
Thanks buddy. I knew I should have done it, but I don't know why I didn't, think I was concentrating on videoing more then the project
Wow!!!! What a big work!
Looks like a good alternative if you can't afford to purchase one (or don't want to). You can sometimes get it cheaper. Rutlands occasionally have offers and sometimes at shows like Makers Central in UK you can get discounts
Thanks for the info, this was spur of the moment thing, I think I can improve the design of it, but functional it worked well
I've been giving thought to making one for myself. I think I'm going to slant the handle to the back to about a 45° angle for better ergonomics. Also, I like the idea of 1/8th inch (3 mm) plywood against the fence incase I want to cut thin stock.
Have a look at the 2nd version of this that I made. Handle is placed as you mentioned in your comment
@@JamesManCave I'll see if I can track that down. How did it work out?
Have a wat h of the video, as I said in this one, this was a prototype to test a few things out, in the second video I changed a few things
Interesting. One of the best things about the gripper though is the grip, consider rubber feet?
I made a 2nd version of this, as I said in the video, this was the 2nd prototype and now the most new and improved version I made i'm very happy with. There is also a video of that on my channel
@@JamesManCave epic!!!! Great work!
Can you please make more videos for upgraded ones..like extentions for this jig for cross cutting a 2/2 or 3/3 plywood without the danger of kickbacks.😊
Thanks for the comments, Ive since made an updated version of this push block, also a video on my channel. I don't think I should make anything more with this, already had a certain company contact me about this who were not very pleased!
Thanks for the reply..i can understand there could be some patent issues with certain companies...anyways people who need extention will certainly find a way of making one for thier own personal work station without posting it😆.
Great job! I will definitely copy yours to make me a pair. Thanks
That's great to hear, I have an updated version of this coming out soon
Well laid out video. Cheers.
thanks so much for this video
Loved the video. Next time you make a another handle have it screwed in at an angle towards the fence. Keeps the stock against the fence. As others have mentioned have a counter bore so the T nuts sit flush and maybe use some epoxy to secure them. I find when I use T nuts they sometimes loosen over time. You could even make your own version of the gravity heel that is an accessory for the Grripper. Helps push the timber through particularly small pieces. Also the stabilizing section could have a foot that provides more support similar to to Microjigs
Great video. You have saved a heap of money as well as inspiring others to do the same.
Thanks, I wasn't trying to make an exact copy of the microjig it's self, but something based on their idea. I have since made a newer version which is also a video on my channel 👍
Great Video and interesting design.
For your next prototype, if you wanted to you could use a forstner bit, to create a resess for the tee nuts to fit into, that way they would protrude on the suface throwing out your dimentions and / or add a sacrificial puch on the back.
Thats ment as constructive feed back and nothing else
Thanks for the comment, I've already thought about the forstner bit, bit silly of me not using it in the first place. But good idea about the sacrificial bit on the back, I'll consider that
Great job it came out very nice and for sure cheaper! Thanks for sharing! 👍
No problem Margaritis, it will do for now
Really cool man!! I'm going to do the same thing. Thanks for the video!!
Have an updated version of this coming out in the next few weeks 👍
Excellent build.
Thanks for sharing
Hey, no problem. Thanks for commenting
Very weell my friend !!!! Luiz form Rio de Janeiro city .
I was thinking by one here in the US but seeing you can make one just as good a scrap would be a whole lot of cheaper
Thanks buddy, for the price saving its well worth building. I've made a new and improved version of this, it's also a video on my channel 👍
really nice piece of work.....only suggestion I would make is to slightly "countersink" for the T-nuts so they aren't proud of the wood.
Thanks, yes it's so silly I didn't do it in the first place, completely went out of my head
Nice Video
Nice job. And about £80 cheaper no doubt. I think I shall have to have a go at this myself.
Good job James.
Thanks Pete, as I mentioned I have a few ideas to improve it, although it does work as it's ment to
Thanks for posting this video. I'd begun feeling the draw of the commercial MicroJig but hadn't yet priced them. I purchased a large piece of 1/4" expanded neoprene foam from an eBay listing. I bought it for a single project but ordered extra in the certainty it would be useful. The sole of your device is another application. Thanks again for doing the prototyping.
Thanks buddy. No problem glad to be able to help. I have a modified version of this coming out in the next few weeks, I think is a lot better
What's missing is the gripper material, like spongy shelf liner material :-)
The grip material I used worked well, but it wore out quick, I have changed it for something simular to what you mention. As I said, this is a prototype
thanks for saving us a couple of quids
Glad to be of service to u sir 👍
Nice job! I was wondering when I would see someone make one. I'm sure it works just as good and for very little cost.
Thanks Mike. I have made a better design then this one now, should have the video out in a few week if you are interested
@@JamesManCave Did you ever add the video with the newer version James? Great video and I too have wondered why more people havent tried this.
Thanks for making this available appreciate the effort.
@@WhatsMyLane hi, yes I did, if you check out the video on my channel you will find it on there 👍
Well done, fellow Brit.
Thanks, I have a new version of this on my video list
Thank you for figuring out how to do this. I've been racking my brain about it. So stupidly simple!
Hey buddy, no problem. It was also fun to make
Gran trabajo y gran ahorro de dinero...muy buen trabajo amigo.👏👏👏👍👍
Thank you very much for the very positive comment
I loved the technical term "a bloody good whack" - but is this heavier than a traditional "bash with a club hammer"?
Hmm 🤔 I guess it depends on the weight of the club hammer? 😂
Bloody good job man. Works great and you should sell those.
Hey, thanks! I'd love to sell them but bit to much of a rip off of the micro jig to risk doing so
@@JamesManCave Call them something else. The best thing in push blocks or something.
How about the MEGAJig! 🤣
@@JamesManCave That is bloody great. Try it. If you dont i will lol
You thought of it and you make it better each time. You deserve to be rewarded I am just saying. Besides it's made out of plywood. They have no grounds
Great job!
Thank you
Great video thanks James!
Thanks Tobias 👍
You just saved me 100+ bucks (that's what it costs to bring the grripper to Chile through amazon). Just one question: would it make sense to glue a strip of sandpaper to the bottom of the device to improve grip?
Hi, I made this for the same reason you mention, to get the gripper in the UK at the time is was around £80, so quite a saving. I tried the sand paper but wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be. I have also made an improved version of this (also a video on my channel) and I used non slip matting for the grip, that work pretty well
NO SHIT RIGHT?? i saw everyone had them and figured they must be good - but that's a ridiculous price to pay for something that is easily made out of scraps that would normally go in the woodstove... and there is something about using an item made of wood - it just feels better in your hand... great job... THIS is what woodworking is all about - anyone can buy stuff - woodworkers MAKE stuff.
Thanks buddy, glad u made it it. The newer version I have made I think is slightly better 👍
james' man cave - haven't made it yet... -22c in my workshop, so just a WEE bit cold for this girl. i think i might take a pattern of one of my dovetail saws for the handle of mine though, my hands are small and every little bit of 'grabbiness' i can get is good. and out of interest, why plexi for the outside fence... do you really need to see through it? i've also seen variations where instead of having slots in the top to control the middle fence, they have t tracks on either end... thinking yours is a bit more stable although I would probably countersink the thread part so it's flush.
That's a good idea with the handle, that part I never liked in this build. Someone recently showed me a video of another version of this with metal t track, but I didn't want to use it for 2 reasons, 1 it's built from scraps which we all have, and 2 I didn't want to use metal when it will be close to a blade. It was just a thought about the perspex, because I thought the 3mm ply I used could warp/loose strength and when extended this part of the tool, I want absolute stability
i ended up with a huge piece of that' dense plasticy stuff, almost like cutting board, from a spacing jig that came with some roofing... it cuts and routes well, so maybe something like that for tracks.. although i think aluminum is not going to screw your blades up if you were to hit it... plus the blades only go up so far so assuming the sides were just a smidge above the max height you shouldn't have to worry about it... i have an aluminum peavey sort of thing for rolling logs to chainsaw them up and it's made of aluminum for exactly that reason...
Is copying making? I mean at least throw out a "inspired by MIcroJig" Making isn't the hard part for most things. Once Apple made the IPhone, smartphone market was created. It's the inspiration that's hard. So while there's nothing wrong with making a duplicate for one's use, at least give them credit in the video. As for the price, I'm a "market will set it" guy. They seem to be selling enough of them so it must be priced where it's sustainable. Or so it seems to me.
Just found this video. Now looking for your updated version. Excellent work.
I agree the Microjig is grossly overpriced. The cheapest I can find it here in the States is $50-$60. For injection molded plastic, that's rude. I could 3-D print one for a couple of bucks.
Hi, I should have the updated version out soon! This is one of my problems with the micro jig, can't help but think people will be put of massively marked up price of it.
Well done! Thanks for the great video and excellent idea!
Thanks, glad you liked it buddy
thanks a lot. i was about to order it on line, but was to expensive. yours is excellent. keep up good work.
No problem, an updated version of this coming up soon
Love your videos James 👍🍺
Hey, thanks very much for the support
nice work Jim, I will make one someday..lol. I have searched UA-cam for this and I would add a small tab to hang below the bottom edge on rear to " push" stock thru the cut.
And some hot jams to boot
Great design idea james I looked at those jigs man are they expensive just think how many you could make out of 1 sheet of ply
Indeed Warren, I think once I get my design sorted, I'll knock up a couple for a give away or something.
I just bought similar to microjig gripper.. price of 20 bucks... Good quality
I notice everyone has copied them so their designs must be good.
If it were German made, everyone would say "German engineering, envy of the world!" But its American so everyone is quiet about it lol
Awesome video! This just got added to my to-do list!
Hope it's not as long as mine 😂
Good build / idea, my only ' concern 'was about the amount of metal [ screws / t nuts etc. ] in it. Other than this, it was great. Thks
Thanks, the t nuts and screws are high enough out of the way for a correctly set table saw blade to not make contact with them. However this was just a prototype and I have improved on the design
Have you considered threaded inserts instead of t-nuts? Of course, you will need to position them within a piece of the components, rather than spanning two ot them.
Hi, sorry for the delayed reply. Yes I had thought about that. As I mentioned this is a prototype, and I have made an improved version, just need to throw the video together 👍
thanks for sharing
Yet another Gripper copy. Nice job on it. If you can't afford the real thing, this looks like a good way to go.
I prefer to refer to it as a "grip off" of the real thing 😉👍
Think I’ll pinch that if you don’t mind great job 👍
Not problem at all with that Barney me old mate 👍
I think i would counterbore the T nuts to make them flush.
Check out my 2nd video on this, this was the prototype version
Brilliant
I had a Micro-Jig and found it awkward to use and it always felt like it was in the way. I realized that because of this that it was unsafe for me to use. I Sold it and now use a grout float from the hardware store - MUCH BETTER! and safer.
Thanks for the comment. I've seen that used on a router table, great idea
have you got an old handsaw handle perhaps you could put that on top its a great handle shape and its comfy
No I don't unfortunately, however I've come up with something abit different for a handle that I think will work great
Great stuff
Cheers, made a new and improved version of this
Great video.
I am looking to get the Evolution Rage 5s tablesaw like you have (dewalt is too much money for a beginner).
Just wodering if it comes with the capability of fitting blades with a 30mm bore so you could fit a diablo ripping and fine finish blade.
How is the fence for setting up?
Hi, yes you could fit that blade, but you would also need to buy a reducer ring to 25.4mm for the evolution bore. I've done this on my mitre saw with a similar blade and works fine. The fence is absolutely fine, I can't fault it in any way. 👍
@@JamesManCave thank-you for the quick and honest reply.
This table saw is a front runner the only real other concern is if they are going to update soon like they updated the rage 3 to the r255 with some nice things like soft start, brake and other nice kittle features
@@smoffitt4289 It's a great table saw, I had a ryobi one that I didn't like nearly as much as this one. I cant give you any information regarding updating the saw, however, Evolution have only recently bought this saw out www.evolutionpowertools.com/uk/build/tablesaws/r255mts/ which is a brand new model, but doesn't have the soft start function. The rage 5s has now also been reduced in price on amazon if your still interested amzn.to/2VA7zPf
@@JamesManCave interesting to see, not 100% sure that new one looks to be better with less power and those side wings look like the aldi saw
It's a upgrade from the Fury 5s saw they make. The Rage 5s is the more premium saw
You didn't show how you made the second opening for the blade. Did you just go through the saw a couple times?
If by what you mean the second opening as in the middle foot, then I did show that bit, and it's adjustable to whatever width you require using the screw knobs
sorry, what is the specific name of that "thing" shown in minute 1.26? thanks
That 'thing' is known as a T nut, or sometimes a threaded insert
A threaded insert is a tube with machine screw threads in the inside and wood screw threads on the outside as compared to the t- nut used in this project. This one will pull out if the knobs are tightened too much (yes, I learned the hard way). Threaded inserts are screwed into the hole in the receiving piece and resist being pulled out. A t- nut works fine if inserted from the back side of the receiving piece.
Hiya. Great upload. Just wondering, is that the Aldi Workzone palm router you were employing in the upload??
Not a criticism, but I just purchased an Aldi Workzone palm router about two months ago and it’s MASSIVELY good value for the money.
It’s good ,regardless of price to be honest!
I could be wrong ,but is the tool you’re using the Workzone item?
If it is, it would be great if you would give an opinion about it.
Cheers( i hope you’re backs a bit better)
David.
Hi David, thanks for the comment. Yes it is the workzone trim router, well spotted. 👍 My plan is to do a review of it soon, but as u have already mention, it is an excellent tool considering to cheap cost of it. Aldi have a tracksaw out on Thursday, have ordered that. The tool from lidl/aldi that I've purchased over the years, I can't really fault
James' Man Cave I was thinking about the tracksaw too!
Will look forward to your opinion.
Watch yer back!!
Cheers.
@@dlamb2840 The Katsu router (find on eBay) is also an awesome palm router. I'm not sure how the price compares with the Aldi one, but FYI it's £35. It is also a direct ripoff of the Makita router, so you can use all the Makita accessories with it - although I buy the Katsu copies of the Makita bases (fixed, plunge, angled and offset - all made from metal (Alu I think)).
hy, could you please telling me what's the brand of your tablesaw? thanks in advance and greetings from Rome.
Hello from a wet and windy Bristol. The table saw is a Evolution Rage 5s here is a link to it - amzn.to/2VvVme8
I have also reviewed it which is also on my channel.
Did you consider brass screws on the off chance that they contacted the blade?
Hi, no I didn't. The clearance between the screw and the blade (if set right) is a few inches. So shouldn't ever be an issue
@@JamesManCave I'm sure you're right. It's not always easy to tell on video.
merci
excellente vidéo
Thank you, hope it was of help
Brilliant!
Thanking you!
If I want to make one of these there's not proprietary issues with copying something they've probably patented right?
I'm not making it to sell, it's not a direct copy as things are different. And I've seen very simular microjig knock off's for sale on genuine Web site. So it highly, highly unlikely
muito fixe
Great effort !!! I'm Gona give it a go I ain't got the £80 lol
Great! The £80 you save could be better spent on other power tools!
Hi die Einschlagmuttern sind doch falsch rum ? Die zieht es doch raus. Aber sonst gute Idee zum Nachbauen .
Liebe Grüße
As i mentioned, this is only a prototype
I have been putting off buying one of these for years because of the price, but yesterday i had a push stick slip and hit the blade hard enough to give me an "oh shit moment" that got the old heart pumping. So I was going to bite the bullet and buy one this weekend, then I saw your vid and thought it was a great idea. As "rapunzel eh?" said " there is something about using an item made of wood - it just feels better in your hand" is right.
I think it's another reason I haven't put one of those gimicky things. I may change your design so the side closest to the fence is screwed from the side so it's a sacrificial piece as I want to be able to do a lot more thin cuts and then I won't worry about screws hitting the blade. Thanks for posting the vid!
Yes those moments certainly make you have to go and change your underwear after! Change the design as much as you need to suit you. I have an updated and final version of this coming out soon if your interested
@@JamesManCave I look forward to seeing it, already rethought changing the side piece as id prefer your original as it keeps more downward pressure on, and its not like i'd run the saw high enough to hit screws anyway..did you end up using perspex or do i have to wait for the vid?
@@Gravattack this was also my thinking on the screws, if the height of the blade is set right, it shouldn't ever stick out more then 10/15mm anyway, so far enough away. Ahhhh, well that will be telling! 😉
I like it.
Thanking you good sir! 👍
For those who don’t want to drop 70.00 for micro jig grripper
Great build... Them yellow plastic jigs are a complete rip off over here... Think I'll have a go a building yours 😄
Jigsey, yep might as well considering the vast potential savings
Love the video, but no dimensions, and those micro jigs are still to expensive in the US!
It's made from 15mm ply. I didn't include any dimensions as I thought people would like to make there own based on their needs, I will have an updated version of this video coming out in a few weeks time. I will include everything in that
Awesome...
Thanks buddy
Bellissimo
Potresti Upload il pdf del modello con le misure dei vari pezzi?
Grazie e buon lavoro
Thanks, I don't have a pdf, I just worked things out as I went along I'm afraid