Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Dec 08, 2003 10:26pm | #1

   I have two miter guages, and I use both.

   One came with my Delta tablesaw, and has been improved by adding an aluminum extrusion that I got at Woodcraft. The extrusion is about 12 inches long, and two inches tall, and it has T-slots on the front, the back, and the top.

   The slots on the back hold bolts, which hold the extrusion to the original miter guage. These are tightened with wing nuts, so that I can vary the distance from the end of the extrusion to the blade path -- making a kind of 'zero clearance' miter guage.

   The slot on top can be used for a stop, though I've never used one. The ones on the front can hold bolts for jigs -- like a box joint jig.

   The other miter guage is one that I got at Woodcraft. It's fairly standard, except that it has an integrated clamp. Squeezing the handle actuates the clamp. This is useful for crosscutting fairly short pieces (longer ones go on a sled), and pieces where there is no need for the zero clearance thing.

   I've also made two sleds -- one for crosscutting boards, and one for cutting larger panels.

   Vast projects should not be founded on half vast ideas.
2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 08, 2003 10:51pm | #2

   Johnny, I have the Incra 1000 and really, really like it.  It's dead-on accurate for miter cuts and easy to adjust.  They now make a 1000SE that has a longer fence and I think another upgrade or two.  As far as clamping goes, I think there's only one on the market with a built-in clamp.  You could make your own auxiliary fence with a StaCo clamp on it.

   I use the Grip Tite featherboards and wouldn't be without them.  If you're ripping thin pieces, get the kit that has 2 featherboards, two rollers and the steel fence plate (if your fence isn't steel).  Maybe Dennis will pitch in here.  He has that system set up and has used it.  He does grump a little about how strong the magnets are, but the little release lever they have works well.  I have the ripping system too, but haven't set it up yet.

   I also use the GripTite's on the router table (mine's a steel top), drill press (as a fence), bandsaw and sometimes the jointer.

   forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   user-356142 | Dec 09, 2003 10:04am | #3

   achome-

     You might want to check out the Jointech Smart Mitre.  It's pricey, but really accurate and well made.  I saw one at the Woodworkers Show and was impressed.  I got it to use with my Unisaw.  I don't think you'd be disappointed.  You can get it with a holddown clamp that is adjustable all along the rail, which would help you safely cut short pieces.  It got Popular Woodworking's "Best New Tool" Award a year or two ago.  Here's a link that you might want to check out:

   http://www.jointech.com/smart_miter.htm

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 09, 2003 08:42pm | #4

   Looks like a nice tool.  Can't believe they charge for the video though!  Sheesh.forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   user-356142 | Dec 10, 2003 05:19am | #5

   If you can get it at the Woodworker's show, it's a better deal.  For the regular price of the Smart Mitre, they also give you the cutoff extension, the holddown clamp, and the video.  I agree that paying extra for a video on use of an expensive tool is a little out of line.