I wanna say I’ve seen a similar thing in some Japanese woodworking shops. A more low tech version that allows them to cut all those angles on really small projects. I’m hoping to get one and I can give you my reasons for wanting it. 1. It’s not powered. The nose and the drastic outcome if you get a finger to close. Low dust, and sound means I could use it inside without waking my whole neighborhood or my baby. 2. Accuracy. I just can’t get the cuts needed for a box joint without it looking like a hack job. 3. Ability/Disability. I’m a disabled vet and I have a severe spine injury. I shake, have muscle spasms, and haven’t done much since my injury’s. I used to love working on my lathe but I don’t have it anymore. Something like this I can use from a seated position and it could cut more accurate than I could ever possibly hope for. 4. The hope that this could help me do a hobby I love again and more often.

Every project is an exercise in problem-solving, the joy comes from finding the solution that pleases you best.

As a pro woodworker for over 40yrs, I have myself pretty dialed in for nearly perfect dovetails. I started using pull saws in the early 80's, and that really stepped up my game. The utility of this sort of setup is building casework that is super precise in really expensive woods where if you blow out a cut the entire flow of the grain is compromised. I will be looking into getting one as I get older, since I notice that my eyes are not anything like they used to be. Funny story- when a friend bought a Porter Cable Dovetail router jig I went over and challenged him to a race- loser buys both shops a fancy lunch. Surrounded by hungry apprentices- I laid out the joint on my stock with both long pins and short and weird spacings to boot. I had mine cut, chopped, and set by the time he had his jig even close to being set up. Lunch was DELICIOUS, and all the apprentices learned a huge lesson. I really miss those days.

The vocabulary I learn on this channel, wow. Gizmosity

My first thought is that it's one of the coolest tools I've ever seen, but also a complete novelty, and I couldn't imagine anyone actually purchasing it. But after thinking about it I can see a lot of practical applications for a brilliant tool like this. Children, beginners, disabled, elderly, off-grid or apartment shops... there are a lot of woodworkers with different requirements I'm sure this is a good fit for a lot of them. I'm glad this tool exists, in case I need it one day. Thanks James!

ha, just got mine the other day! On the other hand, I got into hand tools because of the direct connection to the production. The big advantage to this, is that while it adds to your repeatabily, it still connects you to wood. I like that I can use it on my existing Nicholson viseless bench, and just need to store it away when not in use. I bought this to do production work for when I need to make dozens of the same part, like for my garden lanterns. BUT, I also bought it to do exotic joinery, and projects, like flexiboard. Anyway, wish me luck, it was a huge expense, 3x more than any other tool I own.

Got this a few months ago with the extra jigs. Idea was to master this tool for small intricate work and model making. So far it’s been a lot of fun. Price would have been a deterrent but I finally said screw it I deserve the tool and I really wanted it. Snob or not I don’t care my shop my tools my happy place. If you decide it’s for you just do it. It’s absolutely high quality.

My friend keeps saying "cheer up man it could be worse, you could be stuck underground in a hole full of water." I know he means well.

When I saw the thumbnail for this video. I feared for your sanity. "He bought their plane and now he's hooked. Bridge City must be worse than heroin." I'm glad to see that you didn't succumb.

I stopped doing most power tool woodworking when a) I moved into a smaller place with a small garage and no significant power. It'd cost more to have the house rewired and get power strung to the garage than it does to buy the JMP, and b) I have sound triggered migraines that table saws can set off (even with hearing protection), so I appreciate the relative quiet. Yes, it's big, and I just got it and I've yet to figure it all out.

The Joint MAKER is $779. As a dentist I bought some very expensive tools. My low speed hand piece was $5000. To add the fiber optic light was $1000. The bulbs were $90. They were so small I used college pliers (tweezers) to replace them. $779 doesn’t sound so bad. My CNC system to make crowns and inlays cost as much as a NICE Italian car. As far as spending years to learn how to use a hand saw, try putting a 1.25mm shoulder around an upper tooth while the patient swallows 5 time per minute and breathes 12 time per minute, upside down and backwards through a mirror the size of a quarter with water splashing on it as the patient tries to answer a text.

Strikes me as a good option for apartment dwellers looking for the repeatability of a power tool without the noise. Less than a month's rent too, so practically a steal.

I just got this this week! It's great to see you cover it. (It was half off at Mothers Day, btw.). I have some disabilities from Lyme disease, and this will allow some projects you could do by hand that I could not easily or safely do.

Good video. I have a 2 y/o granddaughter. I figure that in a few months I'll have obtained one of those and set it up so that the little girl can "help" me with woodworking. No loud noises. No need to worry about kickback. No worries about slicing off a finger or even getting a scratch (since I'll be monitoring hand position). With a bit of assistance the little one can be doing precision work and together we will build stuff. It's a civilized table saw!

When I saw the thumbnail my first thought was, wow James must have gotten sponsored by a prince in Nigeria!

Thank you for that review. I thought of it a while back but cannot justify the cost. Plus I am transitioning into more hand tool work, so got to learn, to have the sweet feeling of “Hand cut/made”.

This would be perfect for someone with arthritis who makes smaller items but can't hold hand tools for long periods of time.

I don't think this is "unneccesarily cool". It's unnecessary, and it is very cool. But its coolness is necessary: it's a big reason to buy it.

It appears to be a nice piece of engineering having said that it is most of the way to building the base for a CNC router/laser with the linear guides.

Interesting James! I think that Luddism is a moving target. I like the skill of driving. I enjoy the skills of a stick shift. My son has a Tesla and pines for the day when it's 100% auto-pilot. I decry him for this and say "You'll soon be a brain in a petri dish! Which skills will you have left?" To which he responds "People used to need great skills to ride horses, which were then 'dumbed down' to steering a horse-pulled cart. Why don't you throw away the stick shift and learn to ride a good horse?" I don't have a great answer for this. I love acquiring skills that have a 5-10,000 reps learning curve, but I think that you have to find them in the context of the life around you; you can't revert to some past Golden Age. So I'm left to grumble about tools like that Bridge City gadget, for which I have earned the title Dinosaur. I proudly wear my T-Shirt which reads "I Survived the Asteroid!" Now, where's the scythe? Farmer John, Ontario, Canada

Thanks for the in-depth look into it. I've been considering this, but the price is holding me back. From yours and other reviews, it seems like a solid bit of kit. If I needed something for production cutting, this would be it.

For the sake of accuracy and repeatability only, here in Brazil we can find a Bosch GTS 10J for US$200.00 less than this tool (not considering shipping fees and our ridiculous taxes). Can't have or even use a jobsite saw in my small apartment, but it's a huge investment for this (beautiful) tool. I totally agree with you regarding the process and the pleasure of developing the necessary skills. Thanks again for another great video!

I have one of these. I love it for details and the fence. Too expensive but still.

Maybe transfer the treadle from the Lathe to give it a Manual Motor? As someone who suffers severe Essential Tremor who (a) can't use (I can't get the push/pull right or keep the blade straight) a handsaw for doo-doo and (b) using an power tool which has the ability to remove limbs or large chunks of flesh in an instant on a skilled operator with steady hands the risk is multiplied 100 fold this tool would probably reduce the risk of serious injury to myself significantly (although I am sure I'd still mange to clip my fingers with one or 2 teeth every time I put my hands near the blade.)

Thank you for a clear explanation without music. Best wishes from Japan.

Just found this. Thanks for your credible and thorough review.

Hahaha, I've always thought of Bridge City tools that way, "maybe if I win the lotto". Wonderful video and I really enjoy the honesty and thought you put into all your videos! -Jasper

Gizmosity:) Great word. It looks like a fun piece of kit to play with but it is big and expensive.

Thank you for confirming for me that this is right for me.

Thanks for making this! I've been drooling over this for a while, but the price is so high that for now I'm trying to think about how I could make a poor man's version. It seems almost perfect for what I'd like to use it for, which is making wooden puzzles requiring way more precision than most woodworking does, and a lot of repetition sometimes for all the different pieces. Most puzzle makers seem to use power saws but since I'm doing the work in my small apartment this is basically not an option. And I enjoy the serene quiet and elegance of hand tools. I didn't realize that it was as big as it is so I have to re-think a bit, but on the other hand maybe I don't need the full size. As soon as I saw this thing it clicked like so many other hand tools as to how amazing it was and how simple it was. I see it as the hand tool version of a saw table. I'm really surprised these aren't more popular but I guess maybe most people value the convenience of power tools and don't mind the noise. Most power tools are not clever at all, they just throw tons of power at the problem, which is ok, but if you think about it it's an extreme waste of resources which might not matter much, but there's just something awe inspiring about the elegance and simplicity of the hand tools.

Just imagine setting up that thing every time you need it... you could probably learn how to use a hand saw, hand plane, chisel,a gouge, and you'd probably be left with some spare time to learn how to make a delicious cake lol

I spent less money on my contractors saw, drill press, miter saws (hand and power). The advantage of hand tools for me is that I can often complete an operation faster by hand compared to the time required to set up a machine to complete the same operation safely.

I understand this tool. It allows the beginner/novice to “buy” accuracy with hand saw, and focus their “skills practice” on marking, chiseling and planing.

Win win on this video! The tool does exactly what the manufacturer says it can do and, we get honesty from the person doing the review. ....wait! .......did I get kidnapped by aliens and taken to another planet?

I think if you compare it to a similar power tool, neither the price nor footprint are deal breakers considering the quality of engineering and uniqueness of it. If you want a table saw, but without the noise or dust then this seems to be one of the best options. I live in an apartment so could never have a powered saw. I respect the tradition of learning to use a handsaw and want to continue improving that practice, but some folks struggle with dexterity and mobility. Anyway my two cents, I respect your opinion and if I had your skill I would probably avoid the Jointmaker too :) you're a beast!

Lol I just got mine all the way over to Australia and am already thinking, “Hmmm, what about some stepper motors to lift the blade after each pass and o, yes, to drive the saw back and forth lol, love your thinking James, all the best from the great land Down Under 😎👍

Thank you for the overview…. I saw it on their website and wanted to see how it works. I really don’t have enough space for this and agree with you on you perspective on hand tools. I’ll keep it in mind if I ever do anything that requires a lot of repeat accuracy though. In the meantime, I ordered a couple other tools from Bridge City. A little concerned about the made in China aspect though. We will see.

I’m so glad I watched through to the end before commenting. To each his own, of course, but I’d certainly never want one of these. As it is for you, woodworking as a hobby for me is about the process, about the learning, developing the skills, enjoying the feeling of accomplishment as I get better. Something like this would take the fun out of woodworking for me.

I have a 110sqft shop in my condo and a 114” roubo bench that takes up one wall. My wife likes it quiet. These are pros to owning my jmp. The main cons are: Aluminum construction instead of steel - yes, it’s for weight. But I like steel. And the big one: very few useful tutorials that I’ve been able to find. I can’t learn this at the local community college or Rockler store, and their videos are ads, not tutorials. That said, maybe I should make some videos to solve the problem for the next gadgety woodworkers ;)

Bridge city makes some cool looking stuff but I think I'll spend the money for a good saw and maybe a setup gauge when I get the time to learn hand cutting dovetails etc. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks. That’s what I wanted to hear.

Thanks for sharing this review.

I got one 3 weeks ago. I am a proficient turner of 19 years, but i I struggle with squareness still. this tool will help a lot, but not instantly make me a master. I am enjoying it and look forward to more refined skills. I did not order the precision fence. It was on sale for a significant reduction in price. I look at doing my own fence and holding jigs and decided it's not worth the trouble. I did order 9 blades in fear of supply chain issues halting work.

Built in safety stop, the motor stops when the blade hits flesh!

I wonder if you had the same (or slightly smaller) kerf saw if you could use this to start complicated angles so that you can saw perfect lines.

Now you MUST build one of your own!!! I have a donor Diston 32” miter saw with 5” depth at the back for you. I don’t own a miter stand for it so, I’d be happy to send it to you. I know it’s not really up your alley to engineer and build scratch projects, but was worth pulling the chain on your light bulb 💡

Price verses Actual Need = not really. Quality verses anything out there = nothing to compare it with. For an Unplugged Workshop= prefect

This is a very cool tool. I wouldn't buy one just because of the price point... I like the concept, I think everything about it is great except the price. I think it could take a lot of the Learning curve out of wood working for beginners such as myself, but at that price I'd rather buy a nice saw and buy a tone of wood and hone my craft.

I've always been tempted to buy one so that I can maintain the peaceful quiet shop while being able to have a little bit of a table saw experience. But, yeah, haven't been able to convince myself that I'd get my money's worth out of it.

anything that takes longer to set up than to do the job simply makes no sense to me. i am retired, but when i was earning a living, time saving was the only way to make money. as i only worked on one off commissions (i refused to do batch work, to boring) the number of repeatable steps was limited. my only concession was to use power tools to quickly dimension timber in preparation.

I think if you have the money, but have hand issues, this actually may be a way to have consistency in the build.

Not interested in this cool tool, but.... the Primus Improved Smoothing plane would be something I would really like your opinion on

I love their block plane for its size, adjustable mouth (uncommon on such small planes) and skids for thickness planing. Excellent for $100. Everything else they make makes me cringe. 😆 If I was going to use this, I would just use a power tool instead.

I love the idea. But I'm one to build rather than buy. I have some extrusions and bearings laying around from my DIY cnc build so might just as well. It could definitely save a lot of time on inlay work and tiny trims for boxes with the repeatability factor. That would be my main use since my hands can't handle the fine motor skill workload anymore due to arthritis so it will save me there.

Noticed the Third Coast Craftsman merch right away, he’s got a great channel as well.

I have mixed feelings about gizmosity, but am a huge fan of the term "gizmosity": I will use it frequently, and hearing that coinage alone would have been enough payoff for watching this video. The review is also great to see. I'm not in the market for this sort of thing, but believe installing a gouge in place of the saw plate and changing the work holding appropriately might make this contraption an extremely capable great manual jointer for large surfaces. I'd also be fascinated to see a homebrew take on it, similar to the many wooden table saws, belt sanders, etc. on so many great channels.

I have thought about purchasing it for many years. Every time I had the money, it went to power tools. 🤣😂

Great tool, I have an original and just watch your finger placement. The saw does not know the difference between wood or fingers. I like mine mostly for thin woods when making boxes and interior dividers. Would also be goo for Kumiko... Also, build an inline for it like their stand. It make the motion easier. I have not used mine in a while... might have to or sell. Peace, W

Making a version where it could be dropped into a workbench, like a router table insert would be cool too. Money and space keep me from getting one right now, even on sale. Also maybe a way where each cycle of the table advances the blade a set amount automatically.

It is a brilliant piece of kit. I mentioned it in a comment to your Bridge City Plane video! Only downfall is easily doing long rip cuts, probably doable in multicut 12in stages

I am also in 2 minds,I think it’s amazing but I don’t know if I want it ,then you mention space and cost .That made the decision not for me but I would love to have a play.

My thoughts. It is way safer than power tools. It does not take a way the hacking/tweaking/scheming part of the craft. You still have to figure out the order of actions to get the job done most accurately (you do it on power tools too). I think, I mostly share your thoughts. I am not going to have one, but I consider it an interesting experiment/innovation and see a non-zero fun-factor in it.

It's in the post Jim!😂

You're a bit late to the party. These were all the rage among wealthy neanderthals in the 2000s. I enjoyed playing with Bridge City tools back in the day, but I stuck with Veritas tools primarily. I bought Lie-Nielsen back chisels when Woodcraft sold them and you could walk in the day after Thanksgiving and get them for 25% off. Pfft, that didn't last long. Maybe 3 or 4 years. Vintage is still a good way to go. Most of my chisels and hand saws are vintage American made. Happy 4th. Oh, wait. My ex bought me a Bridge City turning tree one year. I'm still not sure I've used it.

Great explanation. I liked and subscribed. Would it have killed you to show more sawing? I’m teasing you, but, seriously, sure would like to see it practice.

Did you see Bridge City's pencil and the chopstick makers? These are all druel worthy.

Nice overview! Interesting tool, not for me either. I love taking the time to learn and apply skills with hand tools.

Do I have this right? If you are cutting across the face of a wide board, the far end of the saw (highest edge) might not travel the whole length of the board because it is angled

Dam, I just saw an article about this elsewhere today! But it was hard to understand because it wasn't being 'splained by a pro expert hand tool guy. But will it work with white oak?!?!

Out of curiosity I searched Bridge City joint maker pro right at the beginning and found an immediate listing for a model V-2. At $800 it appears to have a shorter chassis. Bridge City often introduces tools on a short-run, never-to-be-repeated basis. Is that what they've done with your demonstration model? If not, what does the model you have sell for?

A comment on price: I recall a question on one of your recent live streams about strengthening a workbench without limiting wheelchair access from the front. I don't know that person, but can speak for myself. I have some issues with fine motor skills and occasional severe "spasms" in my limbs. That makes some tools difficult to use, and some arguable unsafe, or minimally a little scary. I'd love to get a SawStop, but the price is high, and I am weary of my existing one; I literally never use it. This saw, less than a quarter the price of the SawStop this past week, is still very expensive. But, it will allow me to do some projects I could not usually do. (BTW, I am not saying these two saw types are equivalents, they are just two expensive saws that might further enable someone with disabilities.). So, the significance of price can be different to different people. Are you a serious woodworker looking for accuracy? A tool collector that thinks this is just really cool? A person with disabilities that for which this is enabling? The price may not be the point. A beginner hobbyist on a budget? A skilled hand tool user that could do without this? Then the price probably doesn't make sense. I appreciate seeing tools like this because they make me aware of options I may have. Thanks again for covering this, and your channel in general. I may not be able to do many things you show (yet?!), but I enjoy watching you, and your wife.

A cool addition to that tool would be a mechanism that raises the blade by a predetermined amount every time you make a pass. I'm no engineer, but I don't feel it would be that hard to do. Actually I can think of a few KZfaqrs who could totally make that happen.

"I've purchased 4 cars for cheaper than this before". Lol, thanks for the laugh

While the Joint Maker Pro and all the accessories are on a good sale right now no I won’t buy one. It’s definitely an interesting tool and if set up correctly can produce repeatable and highly accurate cuts. There are just too many other things on my list of things i could use the money for that one is not something I’m even considering for now. Like you said, we never knows what the future will bring. So I won’t say I’ll never have one.

Saw this at an Architect firm. No pun intended. This would be good for Basswood?

Are those blue gears plastic/nylon?

Yep, price is a big deal. As it was when I bought my cabinet saw, my carving machine, my 17" and 14" band saws, 8" long bed jointer, my drum-disk sander, my scroll saw, and even my hand sanders. If you use it and can get past the initial pain [of spending the money]. Oh, and I bought my wife a nice set of ear rings for Christmas. She lost one the first time she wore them, so. . . .

Did Sarah get a chance to use it? I’m thinking about buying one for my middle school students.

I am curious how difficult would be to make same thing from scratch and if it would be any cheaper (Post Apocalyptic Inventor??)

Has anyone ever thought of taking something like this and hooking it up to a powered circular saw? Maybe instead of just the stop block you could even have a fence attached to it for making rip cuts. Never mind, probably a dumb idea..

To be honest, James, I like to make stuff. I always did... Even when I was a kid and made most of my own toys out of paper and other materials... Not because I didn't have money (well, I didn't have much 😬), but because what I wanted didn't exist at the time to be bought. You know? And it was at this time where I started to mess with electronics as well, little DC motors from broken toys and so on... So... That's what I enjoy. And the process itself, because I can't turn off my brain for a while. LOL What I mean is: when I'm going to make something I'm going to choose the easier tool. But that doesn't always mean power tools! Many times it's going to be easier and faster to use a hand saw than the table saw. You know? So... All this book is to say that the only downside I see about this tool is the price! 😂 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 BTW, who the hell doesn't love to buy new tools? 😂

I have a friend that Is just incapable of learning anything to do with making something. I also would not trust him with a power tool let alone any machines like table saws. This tool would let him do an accurate cut that is repeatable in a safer more controlled way.

Can you make a glueing/ end grain glueing video Please?

if i win i will share !

I remember watching John Econamaki use this as a prototype about 15 years ago. Great tool if you want to make small boxes or picture frames. Past that, maybe not. And costs sooooo much.

I like the idea of this because of all the things it can do that just aren't worth doing by hand. Could you immagine kerf bending by hand. I mean you could do it, in the same sense that technically I can scratch my back with a chisel.

You forgot to put a link to Bridge City in the comments. LOL

This is the ultimate miter box. I hope this becomes popular enough to spawn knock offs with some of the functionality. Or maybe a shop built version.

Yes, I agree, it is a very cool tool, but think I'll stick with my thirty dollar saw. Maybe one day though!

I'm wondering how you would do a rip cut on a 6' long 1x4, for example. Easy to do on a table saw, even longer than that. This seems awesome for smaller pieces, which actually be hard to do on a table saw. So you really need both :) $Ouch$.

Couldn't you use this with a kerf-less saw since it's always aligned perfectly so no binding? Kerf must be tiny.

For me woodworking isn't about the end product but the process of getting there. Taking an idea and/or a request putting pen/pencil to paper or computer and coming up with a design for a particular space/purpose. Than the actual transfer of it to the wood. Its a hobby so time for the most part isn't of an essence. Money on the other hand is a consideration and since lumber prices have exploded large projects are on the back burner for now. To me that thing on your desk is a toy not at tool just as a Lamborghini is a toy not car. It will get you from point A to point B but at 1k the price. Half the fun of Kimiko is learning the skills and techniques of making it. It is as old as any of your other woodworking techniques.

So except for the noise, how is it different from a table saw?

TBH if I was new and saw this, I would think "How can I integrate that into the bench I will need to build". And again TBH if I hadn't already built a bench that leaves me wanting for nothing, I would consider doing that. Probably trying to find a way easily to remove the shuttle and cover up the mechanism when not in use.

Great breakdown / assessment. Glad to see BridgeCity working with you. I do love their tools

Reading some comments, I can totally understand people with disabilities, but that price for a bonafide chopstick maker, not for me, I have tools to make and build useful stuff, fix stuff, improve stuff, repurpose stuff.... so long live the power tools, and if I win the lottery, I would upgrade my power tools, sawstop, makita 40v tools....and a bigger shop...lolllll

Slow through Maple? So pleased to hear - temptation killer. The average Australian hardwood is twice as hard as the average American hardwood. To put that into perspective US Constitution was called "Ironside" because English cannonballs bounced off. Yet the American oak was only 10-15% harder (this is from memory and I may have the figure wrong there is still a bigger difference between Australian and American hardwoods than American and English.) than the English Oak. So just for once I can look at a Bridge City Tool and say pretty but not the slightest desire to own. Cheers

Saw this at Stumpy's, and I admit I was impressed by it. But it's too expensive, too fiddley in setting up, and way too expensive.

Gizmostiy!!!!

It includes three blades for that price. People buy $300 saws without a blink. If you have room and need precision it's the Cat's backside.