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Miter Gages

Miter Gages

Miter gages are the main table saw accessory used for cross cutting. These are supplied with the saw when you buy it. These tend to be very basic, but functional. The offer nothing other than a means to crosscut small pieces. The crosscut capacity is limited be the distance between the miter gage and the saw blade. Some saw manufacturers offer a table extension to increase the cross cut capacity of the saw. These are heavy duty cast iron parts which slide onto the rip fence rail.

The after market miter gages are far superior to the factory supplied ones, in that they offer some valuable options. They are also considerably more expensive. They are generally easier to set accurately to different angles, and have a longer fence built into them. The fence has an adjustable flip down stop for repetitive cuts. Additional stops can be purchased separately. This will allow you to keep the settings for regularly cut lengths, without having to reset it. A handy feature, if you're doing production work, like picture frames.

The unit we have been using in our shop is the Accu-Miter. We've had it for a long time, maybe ten years. It has proven to be high quality and trouble free. My only complaint with it would be some plat in the flip down stop. If requires you to pay attention when setting it up, but this is a minor inconvenience.

One tool company that produces very high precision products is JessEm. Their specialty has been router table accessories, but they have branched out into table saw accessories. I have been looking at the JessEm "Mite-R-Excel". This is a very high quality miter gage. The miter settings are very easy to set, and are very accurate. They have positive stops at 1/2 degree increments. This provides super accurate abilities. These units run about $270.00. While a little pricey, this will eventually end up in my shop, as it is a superior product in every way.

Jessem Mite-R-Excel™ Miter Gauge
Heavy-duty design provides exceptional rigidity and accuracy through the cut. Quick and easy fence adjustability with solid brass lock knobs. Jessem Mite-R-Excel™ Miter Gauge click here to buy now

Kreg, the pocket hole people have also thrown their hat in the ring with a miter gage of their own. Theirs is in the price range of $ 160.00. At about a hundred dollars less than the Jessem, it should sell pretty well. I don't like it anywhere near as much as the JessEm, but it appears to be a good unit.

Also worth mentioning is the Incra Miter Gage. It too, is a quality product, which has been around for a while. A high quality tool, as to be expected from Incra.

Incra Miter Gauge Combo Value Package

Make accurate, repeatable crosscuts the easy way! This super combo includes the Miter 1000SE gauge and the Incra Miter Express — you’ll save more than $30 versus buying the items separately. Enjoy unmatched adustability and repeatability combined with a sliding table that gives you unparalleled crosscutting and mitering capability with workpiece support on both sides of the blade. Incra Miter Gauge Combo Value Package click here to buy now

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Written by: Lee A. Jesberger  © 2006

Inventor of Ezee-Feed systems ®

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