Leigh Super FMT Frame Mortise and Tenon Jig

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Price: $529.00    

Product Feature

• Universal sub-base attaches to virtually any plunge router
• Five 5/16" joint guides (1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2") over 21 sizes of mortise & tenons
• 5/16" HSS spiral upcut bit with 1/2" shank (Leigh# 170-500)
• Two F-style clamps and adjustable side-stop fence for tenoning
• 1/8" hex driver, mounting hardware and illustrated user guide

Product Description

The Super FMT uses just one bit, one guide and one setup for every standard joint. Its that easy. There are no bit or guide changes to fuss with and the setup stays the same for both parts of the joint. Joint fit is easily adjusted for perfect results every time. Using the Super FMT and optional guides and bits allows you to create any size mortise and tenon from a tiny 1/16" x 1/8" to a massive 1/2" x 5".

Leigh Super FMT Frame Mortise and Tenon Jig Review

I have been a furniture-maker hobbiest for over 20 years. It was hard to justify spending $500 bucks (plus the accessory kit), but I was impressed with Leigh's FMT videos and decided to bite the bullet. I purchased the less expensive Super FMT since I don't need production speed. I just finished a coffee table and was very impressed with how perfectly the legs and aprons fit together. No tweaking with chisels was required but it took a lot of setup time, which may be due to my limited experience with the device. That said, there is a significant flaw in the design (the clamping system) that makes it frustrating to use at times.

The clamps are essentially two small bar clamps with a 90 degree arm and magnet at one end. They are inserted from the back through the holes in the front face plate. You have to move them around to different holes to accommodate different width stock. That in itself would not be too cumbersome but you'll quickly discover many of the holes can't be used because the arm is blocked by the vacuum box (which is highly recommended to clear the sawdust). On the above mentioned coffee table, it was virtually impossible to position the clamps so that TWO clamps held the legs in place. One clamp was insufficient because the downward pressure of the plunge router would cause it to move slightly out of position and it only takes a fraction of an inch movement to ruin your alignment.

After experimenting with a number of solutions, I found a fairly simple one; I used only one clamp and two Magswitches (on/off powerful magnets) to provide additional support beneath the leg while cutting the mortises (taking advantage of the steel construction). Another solution is to leave a "horn" on your mortise stock so that it is long enough to clamp from both ends, although this requires you to waste some wood. Clamping stock for the tenons was not a problem.

After two days of frustration trying to perfect my setup, I told myself that it was going up on Ebay. However, when I saw the results I decided to keep it and try a few more projects. If I can master a quick setup, it will be used regularly in my shop.

Plan to spend a few hours setting this unit up and making test cuts the first time you use it.

UPDATE: June 30, 2013
The solutions to the clamping issues mentioned above work great. I've upgraded my rating from 3 to 4 stars because I am getting great mortise and tenon joints. However I now also have experience with the big brother, the Leigh FMT Pro (found a pre-owned unit for a great price). I'll be selling the Super FMT because the Pro model is a dream to work with. The most noticeable differences, besides the aluminum frame and CNC machined sub-base, are the cam action speed clamps. the retractable sight (vs. a snap-in sight on Super FMT), and the well indexed guide pins. My first test joint was perfect. Everything about the unit has a high-end quality feel to it, operating as smooth as butter. Easily 5+ stars for the FMT Pro. That said, if you can't afford the hefty cost of the Pro, go for the Super FMT. With a little practice, it beats just about any mortise and tenon making option. Leigh has some excellent videos of both machines in action on their website.

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