I can hardly wait to have the room in my garage for a workbench. I'm 99.99% sure that I'm going to build your PopUp Workbench. I have been trying to design a workbench but haven't been able to get much past the designing a retractable wheel system. I've been using other's workbenches as a starting point for mine, but it's requiring too many alterations to suit my intended usage. Maybe it's a sign for me to stop trying to design my own since you have come out with the PopUp workbench when you have.
Well, if you get that garage cleaned up and ready for the build, I hope it works really well for you. I put it on a plywood platform with 4 inch casters and now the whole unit is really, really easy to move to my carport or driveway. Maybe you could do this build, clear out some room in your garage for it and start using it in your clean driveway or carport right away.
Hey old dude. I'm a 67 yr old woman and I just got started n woodworking this spring. Actually it started out as maintenance on my hse. And just took off from there. I have lots of power tools now. And just pulled the trigger on my Dewalt table saw. Anyway, most of the stuff I've been making r jigs. Really trying 2 decide if I should go the t track route or the matchfit system. U make an appealing demonstration and a lot of tips too. On the other hand, considering the price of hardwood, I'm considering the powertec t track table. No muss or fuss, and n the long run costs about the same. I can rationalize anything.
Oh, boy, putting Poly on Matchfit Dovetail grooves is a way to make sure the clamps won't slide. Danish Oil much, much better. You will also have to gradually work on any spots clamps don't slide easily with sanding or a file and blow debris out of the grooves either after you use them or right before you use them. Let me know if you have any great jigs or uses of the Matchfit clamps!
Thanks for taking the time to comment and to compliment! I appreciate it! I subscribed to your free audio track channel and will give some of your songs a listen for my music.
Tung oil, mineral spirits and a bit of spar varnish. This will give you what you need in terms of smooth service and will make glue spills easy to clean off. Been my go to finish for workbenches for 50years.
I will have the PopUp Workbench plans (Sketchuo), cuts lists and support videos available to my Patrons within a couple of days. Free for anyone who is a Patron. When I make plans and 8-10 detailed build videos available on my Website (smallworkshopguy.com) in a few weeks price will be $29, so being a Patron a much smarter way (and quicker) to get plans - just continue your Patronage for as long as you feel I am providing value.
I have not had any problems yet. Keep the grooves clean of debris and clean up any glue that might drip into them, but structurally seem strong but donn't stress them with some super human clamping pressure
How did you apply the danish oil? What device did you use? Did you apply more than one coat of danish oil? If so how many and did you do any sanding in between coats? Lastly, did you apply the danish oil just to the bottom flat part of the dovetail groove or did you also apply to the side walls of the groove?
That was a while ago and to be honest I cannot remember. Based on how I ususally apply Danish Oil, I shake the can a lot and then I pour it onto a multi-folded absorbent cloth and wipe it on generously and let it soak in for 15 minutes and then wipe off all of the excess. I specifically did try to get the oil into the bottom of the grooves, but I did not flood the grooves or work on getting it on the walls. Hope that helps. Main point is that anything I used Polyurethane on does not slide worth a crap, so no Poly on Matchfit Dovetail grooves.
I also have this system and used it with my crosscut sled. I am wondering why use anything in the dovetail grooves, mine seem to move along just fine? My base is made of 3/4” melamine particalboard. Just my two cents worth.
Just to add protection to the wood. Probably not necessary if controlled environment in your workshop without too much humidity. However, protection more important on jigs and workbench tops that might come into contact with glue, etc.
Greetings from Australia. Could I bother you with a couple of questions? First, I think you said the BLO was 50 50. We don't always have exactly the same products as USA, so what is added to the Linseed oil? Second Matchfit say that you can make jigs etc out of MDF, do you think the results would be the same with MDF? Thanks
I'm an Aussie too and he is mixing BLO (Available from Bunnings) with turps which the US call mineral spirits. Also I've made jigs with MDF and finished with Danish Oil, BLO or even wax. They all work fine for jigs. They also call metho, denatured alcohol. Confusing isn't it? BTW I'm not a big fan of dovetail slots and dovetail clamps. There are better more versatile alternatives.
@@WasimBarri Thanks for that. For sometimes I find dovetail clamps very useful. The problem in my opinion is that the company overstates their uses. But Matchfit is not the only company guilty of this. Won't mention a pocket hole tool company that tries to suggest that pocket holes should be used on every occasion. By the way what do you find more versatile?
@@sheilbwright7649 T Tracks and/or T slots made with a router bit are a lot more versatile. They allow the use of standard bolts, not Microjig's dovetail bolts, that can be found at any hardware store and they also allow the use of clamps from Bessey, Rockler, Armor tool and Kreg which can all swivel 360 degrees and have auto adjust technology. The dovetail clamps require more slots because they don't swivel 360 degrees. I've seen drill press tables with over 10 dovetail slots compared to the "normal" 2 T Slots and work benches with over 20 to 30 slots. That's a ridiculous amount of routing. Also, the cost of dovetail clamps are roughly the same price as some of these other clamps and as you've said they overstate their usage. The main argument they make is the cost of T track but I don't find them expensive and if I've run out I just make my own using a T slot router bit or simply placing boards on top of each other with the appropriate gaps. I think Microjig have reinvented the wheel (slots with clamps have been around for years) and because they aren't as efficient you need more wheels and if you want to buy a tire for those wheels you can only get them from Microjig. Don't get me wrong I love most of Microjig's products especially the GRripper but not dovetail slots and clamps which are too unique and limit choices
John Barr below correct in his answers above. I find the Matchfit Dovetail Clamps to be very versatile. I am not a fan either of the little accessories that Matchfit promotes but I find I can grind just a little bit off of regular T-bolts and they work great in the routed dovetail tracks. By the way, if you have a workbench top of 1" or less, the Matchfit Clamps will go into dog holes and work in 360 degrees. Anyway, different strokes for different folks. Now I am going to go put some shrimps on the Barbe. And, hey, Aussies, my heart goes out to you with all of your fire devastation and the loss of so many of your beloved creatures. One of the best trips of my life was a home exchange in Sydney - can't tell you what a beautiful city that is - spectacular - and I never meet nicer people on any of my many trips elsewhere.
I came here hoping to get information on what finish or how to apply if the finish to prevent wood glue from sticking inside the dovetail grooves. I'm still searching but if anyone here can provide any tips on what they use I would appreciate it.
![Matchfit Microjig Dovetail Clamps [**Gifted/Ad] [video 499]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uiT6F-K26Tg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Matchfit Microjig Dovetail Clamps [**Gifted/Ad] [video 499]](/img/tr.png)
I can hardly wait to have the room in my garage for a workbench. I'm 99.99% sure that I'm going to build your PopUp Workbench. I have been trying to design a workbench but haven't been able to get much past the designing a retractable wheel system. I've been using other's workbenches as a starting point for mine, but it's requiring too many alterations to suit my intended usage. Maybe it's a sign for me to stop trying to design my own since you have come out with the PopUp workbench when you have.
Well, if you get that garage cleaned up and ready for the build, I hope it works really well for you. I put it on a plywood platform with 4 inch casters and now the whole unit is really, really easy to move to my carport or driveway. Maybe you could do this build, clear out some room in your garage for it and start using it in your clean driveway or carport right away.
Boy! You weren't kidding. That Watco Danish oil is amazing. They slide effortlessly with that. Thanks for the tip!
Yep, I was so happy when I decided to do that test and found out that poly sucked and Danish Oil work great.
The oils have it slick. Thanks for the research and the special effects. Vrooooom
So much more enjoyable when those Matchfit Clamps slide in the grooves!
Hey old dude. I'm a 67 yr old woman and I just got started n woodworking this spring. Actually it started out as maintenance on my hse. And just took off from there. I have lots of power tools now. And just pulled the trigger on my Dewalt table saw. Anyway, most of the stuff I've been making r jigs. Really trying 2 decide if I should go the t track route or the matchfit system. U make an appealing demonstration and a lot of tips too. On the other hand, considering the price of hardwood, I'm considering the powertec t track table. No muss or fuss, and n the long run costs about the same. I can rationalize anything.
Yep new woodworks can find all sorts of ways to rationalize additions to their shop!
Thanks for the information, I just made a big table and I was going to use that polyurethane you used. Now I’m going to use Danish Oil
Oh, boy, putting Poly on Matchfit Dovetail grooves is a way to make sure the clamps won't slide. Danish Oil much, much better. You will also have to gradually work on any spots clamps don't slide easily with sanding or a file and blow debris out of the grooves either after you use them or right before you use them. Let me know if you have any great jigs or uses of the Matchfit clamps!
amazing stuff
Thanks for taking the time to comment and to compliment! I appreciate it! I subscribed to your free audio track channel and will give some of your songs a listen for my music.
Tung oil, mineral spirits and a bit of spar varnish. This will give you what you need in terms of smooth service and will make glue spills easy to clean off. Been my go to finish for workbenches for 50years.
Superb - i will try that combination as well.
Thank you for the great content. Any chance you might consider doing a build video on the construction of your workbench?
I will have the PopUp Workbench plans (Sketchuo), cuts lists and support videos available to my Patrons within a couple of days. Free for anyone who is a Patron. When I make plans and 8-10 detailed build videos available on my Website (smallworkshopguy.com) in a few weeks price will be $29, so being a Patron a much smarter way (and quicker) to get plans - just continue your Patronage for as long as you feel I am providing value.
Have you experience any durability of the dovetail slots over time?
I have not had any problems yet. Keep the grooves clean of debris and clean up any glue that might drip into them, but structurally seem strong but donn't stress them with some super human clamping pressure
thanks for reply@@SmallWorkshopGuy
How did you apply the danish oil? What device did you use? Did you apply more than one coat of danish oil? If so how many and did you do any sanding in between coats? Lastly, did you apply the danish oil just to the bottom flat part of the dovetail groove or did you also apply to the side walls of the groove?
That was a while ago and to be honest I cannot remember. Based on how I ususally apply Danish Oil, I shake the can a lot and then I pour it onto a multi-folded absorbent cloth and wipe it on generously and let it soak in for 15 minutes and then wipe off all of the excess. I specifically did try to get the oil into the bottom of the grooves, but I did not flood the grooves or work on getting it on the walls. Hope that helps. Main point is that anything I used Polyurethane on does not slide worth a crap, so no Poly on Matchfit Dovetail grooves.
I put danish oil and it really helps the clamps move along the grouves.
Great minds think alike!
I also have this system and used it with my crosscut sled. I am wondering why use anything in the dovetail grooves, mine seem to move along just fine? My base is made of 3/4” melamine particalboard. Just my two cents worth.
Just to add protection to the wood. Probably not necessary if controlled environment in your workshop without too much humidity. However, protection more important on jigs and workbench tops that might come into contact with glue, etc.
I was thinking of just using lacquer from a spray can. Have you tried that?
I have not, but please let me know how that worked out. Still don't think it could be a polyurethane lacquer.
Super helpful. Danish, it is.
Glad it was helpful!
If you used the matchfit dovetail router bit then they really are matchfit dovetail grooves.
Good point
Greetings from Australia. Could I bother you with a couple of questions? First, I think you said the BLO was 50 50. We don't always have exactly the same products as USA, so what is added to the Linseed oil? Second Matchfit say that you can make jigs etc out of MDF, do you think the results would be the same with MDF? Thanks
I'm an Aussie too and he is mixing BLO (Available from Bunnings) with turps which the US call mineral spirits. Also I've made jigs with MDF and finished with Danish Oil, BLO or even wax. They all work fine for jigs. They also call metho, denatured alcohol. Confusing isn't it? BTW I'm not a big fan of dovetail slots and dovetail clamps. There are better more versatile alternatives.
@@WasimBarri Thanks for that. For sometimes I find dovetail clamps very useful. The problem in my opinion is that the company overstates their uses. But Matchfit is not the only company guilty of this. Won't mention a pocket hole tool company that tries to suggest that pocket holes should be used on every occasion. By the way what do you find more versatile?
@@sheilbwright7649 T Tracks and/or T slots made with a router bit are a lot more versatile. They allow the use of standard bolts, not Microjig's dovetail bolts, that can be found at any hardware store and they also allow the use of clamps from Bessey, Rockler, Armor tool and Kreg which can all swivel 360 degrees and have auto adjust technology. The dovetail clamps require more slots because they don't swivel 360 degrees. I've seen drill press tables with over 10 dovetail slots compared to the "normal" 2 T Slots and work benches with over 20 to 30 slots. That's a ridiculous amount of routing. Also, the cost of dovetail clamps are roughly the same price as some of these other clamps and as you've said they overstate their usage. The main argument they make is the cost of T track but I don't find them expensive and if I've run out I just make my own using a T slot router bit or simply placing boards on top of each other with the appropriate gaps.
I think Microjig have reinvented the wheel (slots with clamps have been around for years) and because they aren't as efficient you need more wheels and if you want to buy a tire for those wheels you can only get them from Microjig. Don't get me wrong I love most of Microjig's products especially the GRripper but not dovetail slots and clamps which are too unique and limit choices
@@WasimBarri Thanks
John Barr below correct in his answers above. I find the Matchfit Dovetail Clamps to be very versatile. I am not a fan either of the little accessories that Matchfit promotes but I find I can grind just a little bit off of regular T-bolts and they work great in the routed dovetail tracks. By the way, if you have a workbench top of 1" or less, the Matchfit Clamps will go into dog holes and work in 360 degrees. Anyway, different strokes for different folks. Now I am going to go put some shrimps on the Barbe. And, hey, Aussies, my heart goes out to you with all of your fire devastation and the loss of so many of your beloved creatures. One of the best trips of my life was a home exchange in Sydney - can't tell you what a beautiful city that is - spectacular - and I never meet nicer people on any of my many trips elsewhere.
I came here hoping to get information on what finish or how to apply if the finish to prevent wood glue from sticking inside the dovetail grooves.
I'm still searching but if anyone here can provide any tips on what they use I would appreciate it.
Wow, really..... I did not clearly communicate that Boiled Linseed Oil or Danish Oils allow sliding much better than Poly.