Replies

1. 
   philip_r | Mar 16, 2009 11:15pm | #1

   Em, yes.

    

   Regards,

   Magic 8 ball

1. 
   HotHand | Mar 16, 2009 11:22pm | #2

   Yes to Mast R Slide AND gauges? Thanks!

1. 
   philip_r | Mar 17, 2009 01:05am | #3

   Sorry, my humor sometimes gets lost.  Your question did not contain enough detail... so I had to turn to my "magic 8 ball".

   "...Is the Mast R Slide a first-rate product that delivers repeatable accuracy? Are any of the aftermarket gauges up to the task?..."

   What "task" are you looking to do?  Are you rebuilding a kitchen or do or just looking for something to help build build doll houses and picture frames for the grandchildren? 

    

1. 
   HotHand | Mar 17, 2009 04:38am | #5

   Yep, my initial question was short on details -- as soon as I hit the button, I winced. Trying to define accuracy with numbers is a can of worms, so how's this instead: I want to be able to make crosscuts accurate enough to make fine furniture. Can anyone with experience using the JessEm Mast-R-Slide or good quality miter gauges tell me if these accessories deliver repeatable "fine furniture" quality crosscuts? Pros, cons and caveats welcome.

   Thanks.

    

1. 
   Napie | Mar 17, 2009 04:54am | #6

   I prefer to make my own crosscut sleds.  I find that they offer better performance to some expensive jig and are far more flexible and cost effective.  Take a look at Jim Tolpin's Table saw book, lot’s of great ideas.

2. 
   sapwood | Mar 17, 2009 09:14pm | #8

   I have one of the Jessem slider things. I like it because it does what I need it to do. And that is, it will accurately crosscut wide pieces of ply or other sheet goods. Other than that use, I don't use it.. prefering a normal shop made sled. The sled, having a bottom, will carry the work through as well as push it through with its rear fence. The Jessem only pushes and I feel that isn't stable enough. I've experience some sideways slipping as I crosscut sheet goods. (Now, I actually clamp the work to the fence with a bar clamp to prevent slipping.)My work is heavily based in sheet goods so I like having this add-on. If I were doing mostly traditional lumber based work, I don't think the Jessem would be all that useful. I've never used it at anything other than 90º, so I can't comment on its miter capability. And, actually, woe be it unto anyone who messes with its 90º setting... it took some time to get it exactly right and I want it to stay there!And... yes, I'd prefer a real slider type of tablesaw. Perhaps soon....

3. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 20, 2009 01:01pm | #10

   I want to be able to make crosscuts accurate enough to make fine furniture..

   If you paractice and try really hard you can do it with all with a 10 dollar hand saw from China! I have a bunch of China tools that work for me!

   My so called JUNK Ridgid TS (Yes a BIG BOX ONE) has a JessEm Mast-R-Slide on it.

   I can find or post pictures if needed. The JessEm Mast-R-Slide is like any woodworking tool. Works great IF adjusted correctly.

   Mine is more than just satisfactorily working... HOWEVER.. I will say that it can and does crosscut 'on the mark'. BUT it lacks in support of overhanging heavy 'sticks'. For long sticks I use an outboard roller stand to keep the overhanging 'stick' level to the TS. No easy task with my huge old Maple Tree root ruined shop floor that is no longer level and full of cracked cement!

   Expensive attachment for a TS to say the least. However, when I use my big old crosscut table it is always bolted to my JessEm Mast-R-Slide to guide it straight~ Somewhat better that the TS slots.. But not by much.

   I see your question as serious but any tool has limitations. Some good and some bad things about them.

   Sort of like all your Children are the BEST and then you look at them all and the 'really' good child stands a head above all.. And you still love each the same!

    

   Edited 3/20/2009 6:10 am by WillGeorge

4. 
   HotHand | Mar 20, 2009 05:44pm | #11

   Thanks to all for your ideas. Much appreciated!

2. 
   Napie | Mar 17, 2009 01:52am | #4

   Define accuracy.  Wood will move so much that the .001" goal means little.

3. 
   BruceS | Mar 17, 2009 04:54am | #7

   I installed the JessEm slider on a Delta cabinet saw for our stores demo unit and it glides as smooth as silk.   My disappointment is with the miter gauge itself.   I did not like the the lack of detents and having to "eyeball to a line".   I much prefer the JessEm Mite-R-Excell !!  Much bigger bang for the buck at a lower cost.  When $$$$ permit, that will be my next miter gauge.  For now I use an Incra 1000,  Still a pretty good gauge.  Have never had to shoot a miter with either one of them.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

4. 
   bkopf | Mar 18, 2009 03:29pm | #9

   Ihave a JessEmm slider and use it frequently. Particularly for multiple cuts of the same length. It is smooth and accurate at 90 degrees, but to set the angles requires trial and error or a digital protracter if you need super accuracy. And it is a dream to use with small sheet goods.