I'm in the market for a Doweling jig. I'm drawn between the JessEm and the DowelMax. I was unaware that there are two JessEm models. Thanks for the heads up. I will continue my research before I commit myself to a purchase. 💛💜💛
Your videos are excellent. Based on your reviews, I have just ordered the stainless steel professional kit. Unfortunately, Jessem does need to work on their very weak customer service.
I just bought the old version a couple of months ago. The reason I bought it over the new one was the ability to screw the jig down to a bench to create a fixture along with some stops to do a series of repetitive joints. I was able to get it on sale for around $200 from Acme. There weren't many reviews pitting the old versus the new jig at the time. This review should make it easier for the buyer in the market now.
Honestly, I don't think you'd be disappointed with either one. Sounds like you made the correct choice for how you plan to use it. How the jig will be used is definitely something to consider.
This is definitely an interesting addition to the jessem jig family, though I do see the lack of included drill bits as a huge letdown. SOmeone buying a premium jig for the first time may not realize they need to buy the bits and collars separately and have to make an extra purchase. For storage, I'm not really sold on all these wall mounting options (woodpeckers does this a lot too); small cases make for better storage efficiency. I keep my dowelmax with all the accessories in a small dewalt tough system compact organizer (DWST08020) and it takes up very little storage space. Great comparison. edit: Someone mentioned flex in the SS version; if that's true I'd just splurge on the aluminum jig and be confident knowing I have a jig they didn't cut corners on. I'm happy with my dowelmax, but it's always a good thing when competition ramps up.
So far, the wall mount is working out great. But then I have a bunch of tools mounted on my walls, so I'm used to it. One could store everything in a box if they wanted to. As for your comment about competition, I couldn't agree more. Cheers!
Thanks for doing such a thorough review and comparison of each. I bought the old jig about 9 months ago. Got it on sale through Amazon for $189. Less than 2 months or so after I bought it they came out with the new one. Frankly that was pretty frustrating because it did seem to be a better jig for less Monday as you said. I’m retired and a hobbyist so for me not having to change the dowel sizes isn’t too big of a deal. The storage would have been great but I, like you said, end up storing it in the box it came in. It does have a good feel to it. I’ve never had the new jig in my hand. It the old one is pretty nice and does seem like a quality built tool. The alignments on the new jig are much better and would be the biggest deal for me. However having the 1/16” adjustment would be great. My biggest problem is with the clamping. I have difficulty sometimes keeping the jig appropriately seated on the workpiece. The other feature both jigs are missing is self centering. The lack of on board clamps and lack of self centering makes me sometimes wish I would have purchased the Dowelmax. I admit that the clamping issue I have may be a user problem. I would be open and interested to hear your thoughts about clamping and how you manage it. Do you have a video where you went over how you clamp your workpieces? (I scrolled through your videos but didn’t see one, but I could have easily missed it 🤦♂️). What are your thoughts about the lack of self centering? Thanks again for a great review. ✅👍🏻
I have a video planned in which I'll demo a few of the more difficult dowel joints. That video might answer some of your questions. You purchased a high-quality tool. I think you'll be very happy with it.
Thanks Matt for the comparison review! Looks like the SS jig is a winner in all categories except the beauty contest. It does make me wonder why Jessem has decided to continue to produce both jigs and why they didn't choose to just upgrade the original jig instead of rolling out a new jig. Maybe cost was driving the decision? In any event, I don't see them selling a lot of the original 8350 jigs going forward based on your analysis.
Old jig has holes on the frame that can allow for rails etc. to be attached (like a router). And get some 1/16th shim material to decrease the old jig's adjustment. Starting out now, I would prefer the new Master kit. You make very useful videos, great job!
Good video. Thanks for the info. One good advantage of the old jig is the thicker dowel referencing slot. The new one is too thin to use in all situations. I think the biggest advantage of the SS is cost and the 1/16 " increments of mesurments. Old jig wins in all other categories
The thickness of the jig is not something I really considered upon first use. But after using it more and discussions with other viewers, it is definitely a factor. I will be addressing it in an upcoming video.
Just the video I was hoping for. I was leaning towards the older version on cosmetics alone. Now I am torn as the SS version offers more bang for fewer bucks even though it looks flimsy in comparison to version one..
I have the master kit but also have the workstation that comes with the Pocket Mill Pro. I can make 45 degree joints by buying the little plate to attach it to the workstation. The workstation works well but they use the Microjig clamps which I am not so in love with. They work but they are a little hard to move in the slots. I think that t he 1/16" might be more useful because plywood is never the exact size it is advertised at. You can plane your solid wood but again it is never perfectly the increments advertised. Nice video.
The microjig clamps slide into my workstation just fine. But after being tightened and loosed, they do stick a bit. But I imagine that will be the case in any jig I use them in. What's your opinion of the Pocket Mill Pro?
The pocket mill pro works well. I have not used it without the workstation. Jessem does not give it away but is cheaper than a Domino. I bought the whole shot with both metric and SAE bits. Works great one you learn how to use it. Just the correct faces against the jig. When I bought mine some parts were backordered but I eventually got everything. I am weird about having everything for a tool I buy.
Really good review. Personally, I have a old style self centering jig that I have used for many years. As seldom as I use dowels it is fine for me. However, if I was looking for something to replace or add function to the process this review would be very helpful. Thanks for posting.
I have the new version, like it a lot. for edge joints if you keep the faces orientated even if you are off the center line by a small amount everything will line up, I just did a 3-piece edge glue and a 2-piece they came out perfect in 1/2 material,
Excellent comparison. How these others are getting flex in the 90* plate escapes me. I am not real strong and I have had zero flex anywhere. The new version is also much lighter than the old. I feels its a big improvement from old to the new. I did not own the previous version of the Jessem. I did use it with a woodworking pal. I decided to buy the new one as soon as they came out. I have it down now where it is so EASY to use. Good Job Matt!
I saw your video using the old jig and although i didnt comment I must say you do an excellent job of explaining what youre doing. I'll certainly be picking up this jig. Only question is where, because the 45° attachment is a must for me. Thanks for an excellent review.👍🏾 You "earned" this sub.
I am torn between the two. I need to do shelf boards and it seems nearly impossible on the new one because the dowel reference slot is only 11ga steel, so that will just slide underneath the dowel where as the master kit is a huge piece of metal which will securely surround the dowel. I called Jessem and they said it should work for shelf dowels, but when they sent the manual, it contained only information about edge and corner joints. This is unliked the master kit manual. Too bad there isn't a combination of both jigs option!
Great review; however the prices you mention seem high. I bought the 3/8 complet jis for $89 direct from Jessem. The 1/4 and 1/2 jigs are also $89 each. The weekend hobbist bundle is only $129: seems like a great deal.
I can only give what the prices were at the time I recorded the video. I also factor in taxes and shipping. I just went on JessEms site. The $89.99 jig shipped to my door is $110.59. The weekend hobbyist shipped to me is $152.17.
Nice review. I’ve been thinking about getting one and your review is extremely helpful. I know which way I’m going. Too bad I can’t get it on Amazon now. Long lead time with JessEm.
Great video, but I'm going to disagree on the pricing. On the JessEm website the old Master Kit is listed at 237.99 the new Seasoned Pro Kit is 269.99 although its currently on sale for 229.99. That's just the MSRP from JessEm. I'm know you can find better prices out there but that's the straight apples to apples price comparison.
Can you use the new 45 deg plate with the old jig? Don’t know why, but the new jig just seems chincy to me. The old jig seems more rigid, more accurate and just more beef to for better work. Also, I’m never going to flip back and forth different dowel sizes, so I prefer not having to store 3 of a thing vs one and some accessories. (Which you still need to store some accessories with the new one). So I’m leaning toward the old one and add the 45 deg plate if I can.
I have the old version of the master kit and it's amazing, I missed the other model the paralign which I wanted but the old version is fine too , haven't touched it for years since I got the festool domino but that's another league of joinery, other than that even if I didn't have any of these jigs I would still look for the old version because it's more solid and robust
More solid and robust for sure. Can't argue. But both are more than acceptable for accurate dowel joints. But if I had a domino, I'm sure it would be my go-to joinery tool.
@MattMadeIt123 you guessed it right , but some times you want to sort of switch to traditional ways without much technology and I know you get what I mean 😉
Hey Matt, thanks for these great videos. I'm noticed you did not show the new jig producing joints for a mid gable shelf? You showed this in your video Fast - Easy - Strong - JessEm Dowel Jig at 10:55. I'm concerned the new jig will not work well at this due to the narrow "nose" compared to the old style jig. Unless i'm missing a clever approach you may have figured out. Please let me know as I am buying 1 of these jigs and noticed Jessem still has not posted the manual online for the new stainless version? Cheers from Salmon Arm BC Canada.
I will be demoing different joints with the new jig, and that joint is on the list. I can tell you there is nothing in the manual about it. It will work, but it's not as simple as with the thicker old jig.
You are correct. The length of the bushings and the alignment pins are both shorter in the SS jig. 3/8" guide bushings, for example, are 7/8" in the new jig vs 1.25" in the original.
You have to remove FOUR not two screws to change out dowel sizes on old master kit. Twice the screws as stated, twice the time. Just got this only used twice paid big money, so frustrating to see the timing on Jessum upgrading in SO many ways for even less money. Yet, I am stuck with old kit
You're correct about the screws of course. But it's not too big a deal. Just a few more seconds. Don't be too discouraged. I have years of experience with the old kit, and it will serve you well. I don't know what kind of work you do, but I found I hardly ever changed the jig size as I use 3/4" material 90% of the time.
I would have wanted you to use both jigs to display how the new version was far easier. You spent too much time explaining things at the beginning instead of a practical set up
The stainless jig is horrible. The plates are not flat and have a lot of flex when trying to drill. When drilling in the correct orientation referencing the faces the dowels drilled at an angle. This is also evident in your video. All 3 plates on 2 kits were the same way. I returned those and ordered the older kit and added the workstation which makes repeatability a breeze. I also found a seller on etsy that makes a 3d printed storage tray for the aluminum jig nice and compact.
Thanks for that information, after watching the video I was initially bummed about buying the older version. Do you have a link to that storage tray from Etsy? Not sure which workstation you were referencing, do you have a link to that as well? TIA, Mark
The original is a quality tool that will serve you well. Here is a link to the workstation he mentioned. www.acmetools.com/jessem-baltic-birch-workstation-08253/842585000187.html
The DowelMax does seem to be a better product. The price is 'ouch!' Also DowelMax do not seem to sell a complete package with every size dowel jig and all of the various accessories available in one package deal. The price rises considerably once if you buy all of the add ons and accessories 🤔 💛💜💛
I'm in the market for a Doweling jig. I'm drawn between the JessEm and the DowelMax. I was unaware that there are two JessEm models. Thanks for the heads up. I will continue my research before I commit myself to a purchase. 💛💜💛
Your videos are excellent. Based on your reviews, I have just ordered the stainless steel professional kit. Unfortunately, Jessem does need to work on their very weak customer service.
I'm glad the video was helpful. Sorry to hear about JessEm CS. Fortunately, I've never had to deal with them.
I have been waiting over a month for mine! Jsssem customer service is terrible.
I just bought the old version a couple of months ago. The reason I bought it over the new one was the ability to screw the jig down to a bench to create a fixture along with some stops to do a series of repetitive joints. I was able to get it on sale for around $200 from Acme. There weren't many reviews pitting the old versus the new jig at the time. This review should make it easier for the buyer in the market now.
Honestly, I don't think you'd be disappointed with either one. Sounds like you made the correct choice for how you plan to use it. How the jig will be used is definitely something to consider.
This is definitely an interesting addition to the jessem jig family, though I do see the lack of included drill bits as a huge letdown. SOmeone buying a premium jig for the first time may not realize they need to buy the bits and collars separately and have to make an extra purchase.
For storage, I'm not really sold on all these wall mounting options (woodpeckers does this a lot too); small cases make for better storage efficiency. I keep my dowelmax with all the accessories in a small dewalt tough system compact organizer (DWST08020) and it takes up very little storage space.
Great comparison.
edit: Someone mentioned flex in the SS version; if that's true I'd just splurge on the aluminum jig and be confident knowing I have a jig they didn't cut corners on. I'm happy with my dowelmax, but it's always a good thing when competition ramps up.
So far, the wall mount is working out great. But then I have a bunch of tools mounted on my walls, so I'm used to it. One could store everything in a box if they wanted to. As for your comment about competition, I couldn't agree more. Cheers!
Thanks for doing such a thorough review and comparison of each. I bought the old jig about 9 months ago. Got it on sale through Amazon for $189. Less than 2 months or so after I bought it they came out with the new one. Frankly that was pretty frustrating because it did seem to be a better jig for less Monday as you said.
I’m retired and a hobbyist so for me not having to change the dowel sizes isn’t too big of a deal. The storage would have been great but I, like you said, end up storing it in the box it came in. It does have a good feel to it. I’ve never had the new jig in my hand. It the old one is pretty nice and does seem like a quality built tool.
The alignments on the new jig are much better and would be the biggest deal for me. However having the 1/16” adjustment would be great.
My biggest problem is with the clamping. I have difficulty sometimes keeping the jig appropriately seated on the workpiece. The other feature both jigs are missing is self centering. The lack of on board clamps and lack of self centering makes me sometimes wish I would have purchased the Dowelmax.
I admit that the clamping issue I have may be a user problem. I would be open and interested to hear your thoughts about clamping and how you manage it. Do you have a video where you went over how you clamp your workpieces? (I scrolled through your videos but didn’t see one, but I could have easily missed it 🤦♂️). What are your thoughts about the lack of self centering?
Thanks again for a great review. ✅👍🏻
I have a video planned in which I'll demo a few of the more difficult dowel joints. That video might answer some of your questions. You purchased a high-quality tool. I think you'll be very happy with it.
Thank you for the great info.
Very nice comparison. I own and really like the old version but this video will definitely give new buyers plenty to think about.
I think so too. I wouldn't recommend doing what I did and buying both. The original is a quality tool that should last a very long time.
Thanks Matt for the comparison review! Looks like the SS jig is a winner in all categories except the beauty contest. It does make me wonder why Jessem has decided to continue to produce both jigs and why they didn't choose to just upgrade the original jig instead of rolling out a new jig. Maybe cost was driving the decision? In any event, I don't see them selling a lot of the original 8350 jigs going forward based on your analysis.
I think the old jig works with Jessems dowel jig workstation. For that reason, I'm sure they will keep making it. Thanks for watching.
Old jig has holes on the frame that can allow for rails etc. to be attached (like a router). And get some 1/16th shim material to decrease the old jig's adjustment. Starting out now, I would prefer the new Master kit. You make very useful videos, great job!
Just bought the stainless steel version, we'll see how i like it when it comes eventually.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks for watching.
Good video. Thanks for the info. One good advantage of the old jig is the thicker dowel referencing slot. The new one is too thin to use in all situations. I think the biggest advantage of the SS is cost and the 1/16 " increments of mesurments. Old jig wins in all other categories
The thickness of the jig is not something I really considered upon first use. But after using it more and discussions with other viewers, it is definitely a factor. I will be addressing it in an upcoming video.
I have a really great storage unit for the old master kit.. 3D printed on ebay
Just the video I was hoping for. I was leaning towards the older version on cosmetics alone. Now I am torn as the SS version offers more bang for fewer bucks even though it looks flimsy in comparison to version one..
After more use I will say it's not as rigid as the original. But that hasn't caused any issues for me. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video. Do you mind explaining a little bit about how you did the measurements for the inset table leg/skirt joint?
Thanks for the question. I have a video coming soon where I will demo different dowel joints. This one is on the list.
I have the master kit but also have the workstation that comes with the Pocket Mill Pro. I can make 45 degree joints by buying the little plate to attach it to the workstation. The workstation works well but they use the Microjig clamps which I am not so in love with. They work but they are a little hard to move in the slots. I think that t he 1/16" might be more useful because plywood is never the exact size it is advertised at. You can plane your solid wood but again it is never perfectly the increments advertised. Nice video.
The microjig clamps slide into my workstation just fine. But after being tightened and loosed, they do stick a bit. But I imagine that will be the case in any jig I use them in. What's your opinion of the Pocket Mill Pro?
The pocket mill pro works well. I have not used it without the workstation. Jessem does not give it away but is cheaper than a Domino. I bought the whole shot with both metric and SAE bits. Works great one you learn how to use it. Just the correct faces against the jig. When I bought mine some parts were backordered but I eventually got everything. I am weird about having everything for a tool I buy.
Really good review. Personally, I have a old style self centering jig that I have used for many years. As seldom as I use dowels it is fine for me. However, if I was looking for something to replace or add function to the process this review would be very helpful. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for sharing!
I have the new version, like it a lot. for edge joints if you keep the faces orientated even if you are off the center line by a small amount everything will line up, I just did a 3-piece edge glue and a 2-piece they came out perfect in 1/2 material,
Thanks for sharing your experience with the jig.
Excellent comparison. How these others are getting flex in the 90* plate escapes me. I am not real strong and I have had zero flex anywhere. The new version is also much lighter than the old. I feels its a big improvement from old to the new. I did not own the previous version of the Jessem. I did use it with a woodworking pal. I decided to buy the new one as soon as they came out. I have it down now where it is so EASY to use. Good Job Matt!
I agree. After you use it a few times and get your technique down, it's a great tool.
Great information. Thanks!
You bet!
I saw your video using the old jig and although i didnt comment I must say you do an excellent job of explaining what youre doing. I'll certainly be picking up this jig. Only question is where, because the 45° attachment is a must for me. Thanks for an excellent review.👍🏾
You "earned" this sub.
How do you line up the Dowels for a 45 degree waterfall edge? Do you just transfer the markings?
I am torn between the two. I need to do shelf boards and it seems nearly impossible on the new one because the dowel reference slot is only 11ga steel, so that will just slide underneath the dowel where as the master kit is a huge piece of metal which will securely surround the dowel.
I called Jessem and they said it should work for shelf dowels, but when they sent the manual, it contained only information about edge and corner joints. This is unliked the master kit manual.
Too bad there isn't a combination of both jigs option!
You are correct. In fact, several others have made this same observation to me. I will be covering this particular joint in a video soon.
@@MattMadeIt123 Thanks! I'm considering getting the new version and 3D printing an adapter to make that area taller :)
Great review; however the prices you mention seem high. I bought the 3/8 complet jis for $89 direct from Jessem. The 1/4 and 1/2 jigs are also $89 each. The weekend hobbist bundle is only $129: seems like a great deal.
I can only give what the prices were at the time I recorded the video. I also factor in taxes and shipping. I just went on JessEms site. The $89.99 jig shipped to my door is $110.59. The weekend hobbyist shipped to me is $152.17.
Nice review. I’ve been thinking about getting one and your review is extremely helpful. I know which way I’m going. Too bad I can’t get it on Amazon now. Long lead time with JessEm.
Glad it helped. Acme Tools is another possible source.
Great view as well as review .
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video, but I'm going to disagree on the pricing. On the JessEm website the old Master Kit is listed at 237.99 the new Seasoned Pro Kit is 269.99 although its currently on sale for 229.99. That's just the MSRP from JessEm. I'm know you can find better prices out there but that's the straight apples to apples price comparison.
Can you use the new 45 deg plate with the old jig? Don’t know why, but the new jig just seems chincy to me. The old jig seems more rigid, more accurate and just more beef to for better work. Also, I’m never going to flip back and forth different dowel sizes, so I prefer not having to store 3 of a thing vs one and some accessories. (Which you still need to store some accessories with the new one). So I’m leaning toward the old one and add the 45 deg plate if I can.
Unfortunately they do not work together. You might consider the original jig with the dowel jig workstation.
Or I’ll just make my own :-)
"Jig" drinking game.... call me an ambulance! :-) Great review!
Yeah, that might get me in trouble.
My thoughts are, it would be more useful to see how some of the setups were done with the new jig, since some of there seem less than obvious.
I have the old version of the master kit and it's amazing, I missed the other model the paralign which I wanted but the old version is fine too , haven't touched it for years since I got the festool domino but that's another league of joinery, other than that even if I didn't have any of these jigs I would still look for the old version because it's more solid and robust
More solid and robust for sure. Can't argue. But both are more than acceptable for accurate dowel joints. But if I had a domino, I'm sure it would be my go-to joinery tool.
@MattMadeIt123 you guessed it right , but some times you want to sort of switch to traditional ways without much technology and I know you get what I mean 😉
Hey Matt, thanks for these great videos. I'm noticed you did not show the new jig producing joints for a mid gable shelf? You showed this in your video Fast - Easy - Strong - JessEm Dowel Jig at 10:55. I'm concerned the new jig will not work well at this due to the narrow "nose" compared to the old style jig. Unless i'm missing a clever approach you may have figured out. Please let me know as I am buying 1 of these jigs and noticed Jessem still has not posted the manual online for the new stainless version? Cheers from Salmon Arm BC Canada.
I will be demoing different joints with the new jig, and that joint is on the list. I can tell you there is nothing in the manual about it. It will work, but it's not as simple as with the thicker old jig.
So nice review, however can you tell me what the length of the drill guide bushings are. Look shorter then the original jig.
You are correct. The length of the bushings and the alignment pins are both shorter in the SS jig. 3/8" guide bushings, for example, are 7/8" in the new jig vs 1.25" in the original.
You have to remove FOUR not two screws to change out dowel sizes on old master kit. Twice the screws as stated, twice the time. Just got this only used twice paid big money, so frustrating to see the timing on Jessum upgrading in SO many ways for even less money. Yet, I am stuck with old kit
You're correct about the screws of course. But it's not too big a deal. Just a few more seconds. Don't be too discouraged. I have years of experience with the old kit, and it will serve you well. I don't know what kind of work you do, but I found I hardly ever changed the jig size as I use 3/4" material 90% of the time.
I wonder if the new fence will fit in the old jig?
It will not.
I would have wanted you to use both jigs to display how the new version was far easier. You spent too much time explaining things at the beginning instead of a practical set up
Don't wanna hear all that explanation. Just use the damage tool lol.
I got the old kit. It broke right away. Expensive crap
I've been using mine for years with no problems. I've never heard of one breaking before. What broke, and how did it happen?
The stainless jig is horrible. The plates are not flat and have a lot of flex when trying to drill. When drilling in the correct orientation referencing the faces the dowels drilled at an angle. This is also evident in your video. All 3 plates on 2 kits were the same way. I returned those and ordered the older kit and added the workstation which makes repeatability a breeze. I also found a seller on etsy that makes a 3d printed storage tray for the aluminum jig nice and compact.
Good to kmow about the stainless jig.
Thanks for that information, after watching the video I was initially bummed about buying the older version. Do you have a link to that storage tray from Etsy? Not sure which workstation you were referencing, do you have a link to that as well? TIA, Mark
Thanks for this comment. I will be addressing these points in an upcoming video.
The original is a quality tool that will serve you well. Here is a link to the workstation he mentioned. www.acmetools.com/jessem-baltic-birch-workstation-08253/842585000187.html
DowelMax is better than both. Just sayin.
I would love to get my hands on one to try out.
The DowelMax does seem to be a better product. The price is 'ouch!' Also DowelMax do not seem to sell a complete package with every size dowel jig and all of the various accessories available in one package deal. The price rises considerably once if you buy all of the add ons and accessories 🤔 💛💜💛