Rare-earth magnets and a framing square offer a wonderful way to set up your entire tablesaw, from the table to the rip fence and the miter gauge. The magnets prevent the blade teeth from interfering with the square, which ensures accurate measurements.

To align the tablesaw’s miter-gauge slots (table) parallel with the blade, first disconnect the power. Raise the blade to its full height and place two identical rare-earth magnets on the left side of the blade just inside the teeth—one in front and one in the rear. Both magnets should be low, about level with the throat plate.

Now place an accurate framing square flat on the saw’s top and move the square to the magnets as shown. With a dial caliper, measure the distance from the miter-gauge slot to the framing square at both the front and rear of the blade. Both measurements should be equal. If not, rotate the top left or right until the readings are the same.

Once you have the table adjusted so the miter slots are parallel to the blade, you can also use the magnets and framing square to quickly adjust your miter gauge and fence as shown.

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