Jig & Fixture System

This is another variation on the F-style bar clamp that I find indepensable for a few specific tasks. The fixed metal end fits into a dovetail-shaped slot that you rout into a fence or template, for example. Because the tip of the clamp is buried in the wood, it won't get in the way like other clamp jaws do. I use mine most for attaching an auxiliary fence to my table saw rip fence and attaching templates for table routing, but they work great on a variety of jigs and fixtures. I like the MicroJig MatchFit Dovetail Clamps. Once you have a pair of these specialized hold-downs, you'll find yourself routing dovetail slots in all sorts of jigs, templates, and fences. They are strong, smooth operators, compatible with any 1/2-in., 14° dovetail bit.

It’s incredibly easy to set—just slide it down on your workpiece, and pull the lever to clamp down. With its ratchet mechanism, each click makes for a slightly tighter hold until you get the holding strength you need. When you’re clamping upside down, a pivot spring keeps the clamp arm from sliding back down when you let go of it. And once you have the clamp set, you don’t have to worry about vibrations working it loose. It’s an easy-to-use, secure design that reduces your frustration and the amount of rework you need to do.

Most ratcheting clamps are free to fall down when loosened, forcing you to reset them every time you secure them. That won’t happen with Microjig's new MatchFit Dovetail Ratchet Clamp AP. Once the ratchet pressure is released, you can reposition the clamp or move the stock it secures, then re-clamp without needing to fully reset the arm.

The foot firmly ratchets into place and includes a spring mechanism to allow it to maintain its setting despite gravity’s best efforts. The angle of the foot is designed to work with a 14-degree dovetail as well so this clamp allows for completely custom jig and clamp designs that can be reconfigured with ease.

The MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamps add clever workholding into the jigs and accessories in your shop, with a clever redesign of the classic F-style clamp. They work well with machines and workbenches alike, in any kind of shop.