A week ago or so, I mentioned here that Taylor tools has a Microjig Matchfit sale for 20% off. These are the dovetail clamps that fit into a 14º DT slot machined into a surface. I have wanted some but always balked at the price. Anyway, with the sale I ordered 4 of the clamps (still expensive with 20% off) to try out and they showed up yesterday. I didn't order the Matchfit DT bit, and while fiddling around with them today I found out the standard 14º DT doesn't quite cut a usable slot. To machine the practice slot, I first cut a square bottom 1/4" slot to relieve some of the strain on the DT bit. I cut it 1/4" wide and 3/8" deep. Then I went through the slot with my DT bit, only to find the clamp wouldn't fit. If you look closely at the Matchfit bit, it cuts a different DT with rounded bottom corners and a roundover on the surface. After some more fiddling, I found if you cut the initial stright cut 3/8" wide, then route the DT the clamps work as designed. So if anyone bought any of them bear this in mind. That said, I can see a lot of uses for these things, as Keith pointed out some time back when he posted about some he had. While I still think they are overpriced, they are quite handy.

Edited May 8, 20215 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

I got them over a year ago and just used my standard dovetail bit and have not had any problems.  I think I've made 4 different things (sliding tables for table saw and more in my assembly/work table.  In addition I made a bunch of tracks but have yet to use.   I also had some Rockler t-tracks sitting around and found they work fine in there, too.   I did find it necessary to cut a groove first or the dovetail bit wants to wander.   I don't recall what width or depth I cut the groove, but I measure it from an existing one before cutting another.

I purchased my clamps in 2018.  I made notes of my set-up to help me with future set-ups.   I used a 1/4" sq bottom bit cutting 5/16" deep and then cut the 14-degree slot with a 1/2" shank bit 3/8" deep.  Danl

 

 

 

I used a Jesada bit for my DT (anyone remember them?) cuts, though I have a couple of Freud in the same same...maybe I'll try one of them the next time.

Here's a project for you https://jayscustomcreations.com/2021/05/the-matchfit-work-horse/

It looks useful, maybe when the lumber prices come down. He said it needs 3-2x12x8' boards...that would make the cost close to $100 at the moment. Seriously, there was a report recently that the prices should be heading down, but I'm not holding my breath.