Jointmaker Pro: Cutting Dovetails

Created by Gabriel Izzo, Modified on Fri, 22 May at 3:37 PM by Gabriel Izzo

Jointmaker Pro v2 · Tips & Tricks

Can the JMPv2 Rip a Board Longer Than 6″?

The JMPv2 is officially spec'd for a maximum rip length of 6 inches. The question arose when a customer asked whether it could rip a 1/8″ thick strip from a 12-inch long piece of wood — so we put it to the test.

Short answer: Yes. With careful setup and deliberate technique, the JMPv2 successfully ripped a 1/8″ thick strip from an 18-inch cherry board — three times beyond its rated spec.

Experiment Setup

Material: 18-inch cherry board, 1/8″ thick.

Reference fence: Created using double-stick tape to keep the board aligned.

Blade: A crosscut blade was used instead of a rip blade, showcasing the saw's versatility.

Board on top: A second board was placed on top of the cherry board during the cut to ensure clean results.

Setup — 18″ Cherry Board on JMPv2

JMPv2 setup for ripping 18 inch cherry board

Cutting Technique

Gradually added pitch to the blade throughout the cut, raising the blade slightly when necessary.

Avoided lowering the pitch or blade during the process unless the wood began to bind.

Progressed the board forward as the cut advanced, keeping it secure throughout the operation.

Result

Despite exceeding the saw's standard 6″ max rip length specification, a 1/8″ thick strip was successfully cut from the 18″ cherry board. The process required careful setup and deliberate cutting, but proved the saw can handle the challenge.

Result — Completed 1/8″ Strip from 18″ Cherry Board

Completed 1/8 inch strip ripped from 18 inch cherry board on JMPv2

Tips & Takeaways

Board on top: Placing a board on top of the material being ripped produced clean results as the cut finished.

Blade flexibility: The crosscut blade worked well for this task — a rip blade would typically be ideal, but the crosscut demonstrated real versatility.

Preparation: A secure clamping system and patience are crucial for extending the saw's capabilities beyond spec.

Custom jig: Designing a jig with toggle clamps is recommended to make clamping and alignment easier for future cuts beyond 6″.

While the JMPv2 is not officially designed for ripping boards longer than 6″, this test demonstrated it is achievable with creative technique and proper setup. Users looking to push the saw's limits should expect to experiment and develop custom jigs for their specific needs.

For questions about JMPv2 capabilities or setup, please contact our support team.