Some of my projects require cuts at 12¡ or 15¡, but my tablesaw’s miter gauge is limited to 30¡ to the left or right of the 90¡ setting. To expand its range, I made an adapter, shown in the drawing, that I screw to the face of the miter gauge. The adapter is a 2-in.-thick block of wood cut at 30¡, which allows me to make acute angle cuts down to 0¡. The block can be reversed on the gauge for use in the right-hand miter-gauge slot. Adding an extension fence to the block is also helpful in many situations and lets you hold long workpieces so your fingers aren’t near the blade. But don’t attempt to hold small pieces with your hand while cutting steep acute angles.

Kenneth Wolfe, Wausaukee, Wis.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, October 1990 No. 84

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Sawstop Miter Gauge

It has a toothed angle-setting rack that is extremely solid, accurate, and easy to use, and it offers all of the features I love in a miter gauge, including the ability to add an auxiliary wood fence, and a flip-stop that will accommodate it.

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Estwing Dead-Blow Mallet

A quality dead-blow mallet that packs and punch but isn't too heavy for furniture work.

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Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

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