It’s no secret that a quality table saw miter gauge can make all the difference in the world when it comes to precision woodworking. With the right gauge, you can ensure accurate cuts every time, making your projects look great and function perfectly.
If you’re like most DIYers, you may be tempted to try and save money by using the stock gauge that comes with your table saw. But if accuracy is important to you, then you’ll want to invest in a high-quality aftermarket model.
There are a lot of options on the market when it comes to miter gauges, so how do you know which one is right for you? Well, that’s where I come in. I’ve been using and reviewing table saw accessories for years, and I can surely suggest to you the best table saw miter gauge.
If your table saw is in dire need of a good quality miter gauge, you are in luck because we have handpicked some of the best miter gauges on the market that will help you cut accurately.
I assume you have one of the best table saws and are reading this para to go straight to the point. And I’ll not make you read through my whole bla-bla. My straight recommendations (with real customers’ shout out!) for you to buy the best table saw miter gauge are:
- Overall Best Table Saw Miter Gauge: Kreg KMS7102 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System – What the customers are saying: “Wonderful Build Quality” “No Expensive Calipers Needed. This Is A GREAT Tool!” “Excellent Kreg Quality and Accuracy”
- Best Miter Gauge for the Money: Incra MITER1000SE Miter Gauge Special Edition w/ Telescoping Fence & Dual Flip Shop Stop – What the customers are saying: “Very precise, easy to set up and easy to use” “Hesitant at first, No regrets in the end” “Is 6 stars an option!?“
- Best Budget Miter Gauge: Fulton Precision Miter Gauge with Aluminum Miter Fence and Flip Stop – What the customers are saying: “Good product at a good price” “Sturdy, precise and easy to use” “Worth it! accurate and well built!“
- Best Miter Gauge for the DIYers: POWERTEC 71391 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System – What the customers are saying: “Beat expectations” “Where have you been all my DIY woodworking life!“
- Best Miter Gauge for the PROs: INCRA MITER5000 Miter 5000 Table Saw Miter Gauge with Sled and Telescoping Fence – What the customers are saying: “Beautifully engineered and super accurate” “Pricy but worth every penny“
If you have ample time, then keep going to discover more in-depth things about my top 8 best tables saw miter gauge reviews.
Quick Recap: What is a Table Saw Miter Gauge and Why is that Important
A table saw miter gauge is an important part of a woodworker’s arsenal as it helps you make precise cuts. It is attached to the table saw and allows you to make crosscuts and miters.
The miter gauge has a slider that fits in the miter slot on the table saw. This provides stability and accuracy when you are making cuts.
There are two types of miter gauges – the standard and the deluxe.
- The standard miter gauge is fine for occasional use but if you want to get serious about woodworking, we recommend that you get the deluxe version.
- The deluxe miter gauges have a lot of features that the standard ones don’t. They are more accurate, have a better build quality, and come with adjustable fences.
Now that we know what a table saw miter gauge is, let’s take a look at some of the best ones on the market.
How Does A Miter Saw For Table Gauge Work
A miter gauge for a table saw is just like a regular miter gauge. You insert this tool into a slot that is on the front edge of your table saw. This slot is where you slide the miter gauge, and this is called a miter slot. The gauge has a flat edge, and this is where you place your wood piece.
After that, you will have to mark the angle and set up everything else to make your cut. The purpose of this gauge is that it will allow you to make angled cuts with more accuracy. For that, you will have to guide your wood piece with the gauge all the way through the cut.
To avoid any kickbacks, you will need to keep the wood piece in place, guided by the gauge fence while you are cutting. For positive stops or to set up the gauge easier, most modern units will come with a range of accessories.
Positive Stops
Don’t know what positive stops are? Positive stops are also known as adjustable stops or angle stops that allow you to set the angle of your cut. Positive stops allow you to adjust the gauge to 30, 40, or 90 degrees, as well as other commonly used woodworking angles.
Most miter gauges will feature similar positive stops, but they can vary from unit to unit. If you want more adjustable stops, you will have to get a high-quality miter gauge.
Miter Gauge Fence
A table saw miter bar, also known as a miter gauge fence, comes as an addon with a lot of miter gauges. Think of this addition as a small upgrade to the existing miter gauge. Some table saw gauges come with a long fence, while some have a short fence.
Having a solid fence makes it easier to cut with more accuracy. If the fence is adjustable, then you can cut different sizes of wood pieces with ease. When you are cutting, you can use the fence to keep a hold of the wood piece.
If you want to cut larger pieces, make sure to buy a gauge that comes with a long miter bar. Short miter bars aren’t very good at dealing with larger wood pieces. That being said, a long miter fence can greatly reduce the margin of error.
You will have more control over your cut, which will result in a more accurate final cut. When you are buying a table saw miter gauge, keep the length of the miter bar in mind if you want to make the most out of your table saw gauge.
Top 8 Best Table Saw Miter Gauge
That being said, if you prefer to use something other than this one for some not-so-obvious reasons, have a look at some top-of-the-line miter gauges for table saws.
Here’s a comprehensive buying guide, as well as comparison reviews of the best miter gauges, to help you choose.
Before we go into all of those specifics, let us remind you how we devised the reviews for you–
- We spent almost a hundred hours researching all the variables.
- To save you time, we excluded all of the low-quality miter saws.
- Our reviews are not biased; rather, they are based on evidence.
- We do, in fact, have years of expertise in this area.
Additionally, we must emphasize that we will review seven of the most powerful table saw miter gauges for woodworkers, which are ideally suited for enthusiasts. Furthermore, in this comprehensive evaluation, we’ll reveal both the advantages and drawbacks of each miter gauge.
Quick Comparison Chart: Best Table Saw Miter Gauge
Fulton Precision Miter Gauge
INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge
POWERTEC 71005 Deluxe
We think that the information we provide in this book will help you select the best electrician for your workplace and do-it-yourself projects.
That being said, if you prefer to use something other than this one for some not-so-obvious reasons, have a look at some top-of-the-line miter gauges for table saws.
KREG KMS7102 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System
Overall Best, Our #1 Pick
Specifications
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Dimensions: 25.25 x 2.63 x 6.25 inches
- Material: Metal
- Color: Blue
- Power: Corded-electric
- Warranty: Limited
Basic Features:
- Guaranteed accuracy of .003 accuracy of 6 inches
- CNC machine-perfectly square gauge head to bar and table
- 1/10th degree angle adjustments by Vernier scale
- Micro-adjuster for additional angle adjustment to 1/100th degree
- Positive stops at 0, 10, 22-1/2, 30, and 45 degrees
- Limited lifetime warranty
The KREG KMS7102 comes factory calibrated out of the box that guarantees precision and accuracy. The CNC machined gauge head is perfectly square to the table and the bar. Thanks to this, you won’t have to stamp the gauge head. If you want amazing accuracy right out of the box, go with this miter gauge system.
Cutting accurate miters is quick and easy with KREG KMS7102, thanks to the positive stops at all the common angles. It also comes with a vernier scale that allows you to cut wood pieces at a more complicated angle. The scale is very easy to use and adjust and allows you to find the right cutting angle for all your woodworking projects.
Adjusting the scale to 1/10th of a degree is fast and easy using the vernier scale. In addition to that, this tool also comes with a fence and stop system that is made from anodized aluminum. It is long and lets you easily make repeatable cuts with high precision and accuracy. It’s the only miter gauge you will ever need to upgrade your table saw.
I really like the miter bar on this gauge. It is extremely straight and does not have any play at all. The bar is also made from anodized aluminum, which is 3/4-inch wide and 3/8-inch thick. In case you get any play, this bar features five adjusters that can be adjusted with a simple turn of a screwdriver.
Pros & Cons:
- This miter gauge doesn’t require any calibration
- You can use this gauge for a table saw right out of the box
- Anodized aluminum fence and stop system
- Easy to make repeatable, accurate cuts
- No apparent cons
INCRA MITER5000 Miter 5000 Table Saw Miter Gauge with Sled and Telescoping Fence
Best Miter Gauge with Sled & Telescopic Fence
Specifications
- Weight: 31.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 37.8 x 25.9 x 3.7 inches
- Blade length: 36 inch
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Color: Red
- Power: Hand powered
- Warranty: Limited
Basic Features:
- For accuracy, the primary scale is etched stainless steel.
- It has 41 laser-cut V-stops in a variety of configurations to ensure maximum precision at all common angles.
- The patented GlideLOCK miter bar on this saw has six expansion points for rapid repeats.
- A wide range of stock widths can be handled with this 18- to 31-inch telescoping incremental miter fence.
- It features the INCRA Flip Shop Stop-Fence Positioner for precise mitering.
The INCRA MITER5000 is a table saw miter gauge that comes with a sled and a telescoping fence. It’s one of the best performing miter gauges on the market, and it will help you make quick, precise, and repeatable cuts. The INCRA Miter 5000 has all the features that you need for cutting miters, including an adjustable fence, a sled for crosscutting, and an indexable stop system.
The miter gauge has a solid aluminum body that is very sturdy and durable. It also has a precision ground stainless steel bar that glides smoothly in the T-slot of your table saw. The miter gauge also comes with a built-in scale that allows you to make precise adjustments.
The sled is made from high-quality aluminum, and it has a working surface that is 12-inches wide and 24-inches long. The sled also has side rails that are 3/4-inches tall. The telescoping fence is also made from aluminum, and it can be extended from 18 to 31-inches.
The indexable stop system is a great feature that allows you to make precise, repeatable cuts. The stops are laser cut and they are very precise. The miter gauge also comes with a built-in protractor head that makes it easy to cut complex angles.
Pros & Cons:
- It’s a very well-made miter gauge
- It has a solid aluminum body
- It comes with a sled and a telescoping fence
- The indexable stop system is a great feature
- The miter gauge has a built-in protractor head
- It’s a bit pricey
- Not in the lightweight category
POWERTEC 71391 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System
Best Miter Gauge for DIYers
Specifications
- Weight: 5.74 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.62 x 3.37 x 25 inches
- Material: Laser-cut aluminum
- Color: Silver-blue
- Power: Hand Powered
- Warranty: Limited
Basic Features:
- The miter gauge system is made of high-quality laser-cut anodized aluminum.
- It has a 24-inch x 3-inch multi-track T-slot fence with 27-angle stops.
- The miter gauge has a positive locking quick release cam clamp.
- The miter bar is adjustable and it fits all standard table saws.
The POWERTEC 71391 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System is a great addition to any table saw. It’s made of high-quality anodized aluminum and it has a 24-inch x 3-inch multi-track T-slot fence with 27 angle stops. The miter gauge has a positive locking quick release cam clamp that secures the gauge in the table saw’s T-slot. The miter bar is adjustable and it fits all standard table saws.
The POWERTEC 71391 is a great miter gauge for those who are looking for an affordable and accurate miter gauge. It is a perfect match for the DIYers where accuracy and low-cost is prime. It’s well-made and it has a lot of features that you would expect from a more expensive miter gauge.
Pros & Cons:
- It’s made of high-quality laser-cut aluminum
- It has a 24-inch x 3-inch multi-track T-slot fence with 27 angle stops
- The miter gauge has a positive locking quick release cam clamp
- The miter bar is adjustable and it fits all standard table saws
- Great accuracy
- Perfect for DIYers
- Sometimes the bar doesn’t fit the table track
INCRA MITER1000SE Miter Gauge Special Edition With Telescoping Fence and Dual Flip Shop Stop
Best Value for Money
Specifications
- Weight: 8.26 lbs
- Dimensions: 18.25 x 18.25 x 4.5 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Red-silver-wood
- Power: Hand Powered
- Warranty: 1-year replacement warranty
Basic Features:
- The engraved stainless steel primary scale provides precision accuracy
- The stainless steel primary scale provides precision accuracy
- There are 41 laser-cut V-stops for extreme accuracy at all popular angles
- The patented GlideLOCK miter bar has 6 expansion points for quick repeats
- The 18- to 31-inch telescoping fence can handle a variety of stock widths
- The INCRA Flip Shop Stop-Fence Positioner ensures optimal mitering accuracy
The Incra MITER1000SE is a special edition miter gauge that comes with a dual flip shop stop and a telescopic fence. For precision and accuracy, the primary scale is made from engraved stainless steel. For extreme accuracy, you will get 41 V-stops that are laser cut at all popular angles for easy adjustments.
There are six expansion points on the miter bar for quick, repeatable cuts. The miter gauge allows you to handle a variety of stock widths because of the adjustable miter fence, which can be set from 18 to 31-inches. Along with that, you will also get the fence positioner as a bonus for optimal metering accuracy.
It also comes with a handy quick reference angle chart for whenever you are cutting complex angles or especially when you are cutting segmented turnings. You won’t have to look up anything. It’s all on the protractor head. All the indexable stops are laser cut that is very precise and provides you with very good repeatability.
Also, I want to highlight the glide lock miter bit for a moment. Unlike the miter bar that is on a stock gauge, this one is a bit different in that you can adjust the bar for a secure fit. The miter gives you a perfect fit no matter what brand of table saw you are using. You are also getting an adjustable fence mounting bracket.
Pros & Cons:
- You can custom fit this gauge to your table saw
- It’s infinitely adjustable, versatile, and precise
- Ideal miter gauge for making repeatable cuts
- Solid, all-steel durable construction
- Best value for money
- Needs a bit of time to get used to
- It’s a bit pricey
Fulton Precision Miter Gauge with Aluminum Miter Fence with 45 degrees Angled Ends for Maximum Stock Support and a Repetitive Cut Flip Stop
Best Budget Miter Gauge
Specifications
- Weight: 4.84 lbs
- Dimensions: 18 x 4.8 x 2.3 inches
- Material: Aluminum & steel
- Color: Silver-black
- Power: Hand Powered
- Warranty: Limited
Basic Features:
- The steel-aluminum miter fence has 45-degree angled ends for maximum stock support
- There is a repetitive cut flip stop that you can use for making accurate cuts
- It comes with an easy to read scale that is laser engraved
- The miter gauge has a solid steel-aluminum construction
- Best budget choice for DIYers and Pros
The Fulton Miter Gauge is a high-quality, well-conceived, and cost-effective solution for cross-cutting on your table saw. The 45-degree ends of the Aluminum Miter fence are just as well-considered, providing optimum workpiece support while also allowing it to be mounted to most any miter gauge. A useful aluminum flip stop for repetitive angled cuts on your table saw is also included. These three things work wonderfully together for your table saw cutting requirements.
The Fulton Precision Miter Gauge with Aluminum Miter Fence is made with a thick, adjustable, solid aluminum head that is machined with 13 positive stop holes. The head is mounted to a solid steel miter bar that measures 18” in length and is .354” thick by .730” wide.
It comes with a metal, a removable retaining disc that measures 7/8” in diameter and is just shy of 1/8” to fit into the “T” slot to prevent accidental lifting when feeding your stock through. The angles on the head are perfect for many woodworking projects. To adjust the head, you simply loosen the post knob handle, pull the spring-loaded indexing pin outward, rotate the head to the desired position, release the pin, and lock it into place. The miter bar is equipped with a 45-degree angled end for maximum stock support and a repetitive cut flip stop.
The miter gauge is a great addition to any woodworking shop as it provides precision and accuracy when cutting at various angles. The solid construction and adjustable features make it a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of projects. Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just starting out, the Fulton Precision Miter Gauge is a great choice for your shop.
Pros & Cons:
- Sturdy and well-made
- Ideal for making repetitive cuts
- Features an easy-to-read scale
- Perfect budget choice for DIYers and Pros
- May be difficult to read the scale in low light conditions
- Miter bar could be longer
INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge
Best Easily Adjustable Table Saw Miter Gauge
Specifications
- Weight: 4.84 lbs
- Dimensions: 21 x 7.8 x 3.6 inches
- Material: Aluminum & steel
- Blade Length: 31 inches
- No of teeth: 30
- Color: Silver-red-yellow-wood
- Power: Manual
- Warranty: Limited
Basic Features:
- The INCRA Miter1000/HD miter gauge has patented glide lock miter bar expansion disks that provide a perfect fit.
- This Miter Gauge has 180 angle indexing stops with 1-degree step spacing and special stops at ±22-1/2-degrees.
- Additionally, it has heavy-duty machined and laser-cut components.
- The retaining clip is also removable for T-slot miter channels.
- Finally, it has a 1/10th-degree Vernier cursor and telescoping fence that expands from 18-inches to 31-inches overall length.
INCRA miter gauges are one of the best adjustable table saw miter gauges. Ask any woodworker, and they will swear by it. Even if you buy something else, you will sell it anyway and get this one eventually down the line. You can cut half laps, and tenons more efficiently. The INCRA Miter1000 can drastically improve your table saw capabilities.
With a miter gauge like the INCRA Miter 1000, you can do beveled cuts and more angles without eating into your crosscut sled and also cut a perfect miter every time. Making precise cuts is pretty straightforward and repeatable with this INCRA miter gauge. It’s also easy to set up and adjust.
Once you set this one up properly, you will be able to witness drastic improvement over your stock miter gauge. This miter gauge features an exclusive angle lock indexing system that houses 180 indexable pins along with the steel protractor head. In addition to that, there are positive stops in 1-degree increments.
As the name implies, it’s the Miter 1000 HD. The HD stands for high definition. The nice thing about this model is that it comes with a Vernier cursor that allows you to adjust the gauge in 1/10th of a degree increment. You will also get a telescopic aluminum fence with this miter gauge which is a full 18-inches long.
Pros & Cons:
- A high-resolution steel protractor
- A whopping 180 indexable stops
- The best miter gauge in the miter 1000 series
- It has a smooth and adjustable miter bar
- It’s not a budget one
INCRA MITERV27 Miter V27 Miter Gauge
Get Perfectly Accurate Miter Cuts
Specifications
- Weight: 2.71 lbs
- Dimensions: 17 x 6.88 x 3.5 inches
- Material: Aluminum & steel
- Color: Silver-orange
- Power: Manual
- Warranty: Limited
Basic Features:
- Incra V27 comes with 27 angle stops for extreme precision
- The compact size and simple design make it easy to use
- Zero side play for perfect cuts every time
- Universal Mounting Bracket supports any user-made fence
Up next, we have the V27 miter gauge, which is also from Incra. For precise and incremental control, this gauge features twenty-seven angle stops. The Incra MITERV27 has a compact size with a no-nonsense design that makes it the ideal miter gauge for DIYers and professional woodworkers alike.
This is a high-performance miter gauge that has outstanding accuracy and an affordable price tag. In terms of quality, it’s way better than any stock miter gauge that typically comes with a table saw. With the Incra’s Miter V27, you can get perfectly accurate cuts, all thanks to the exclusive angle lock Indexing system and the glide lock.
The glide lock miter bar is adjustable and offers extreme miter cutting accuracy. The locking angle stops in 5-degree increments, and the gauge offers 41 angle stops. For optimal versatility, this unit also features special stops at 22-1/2 degrees (plus or minus). You can also make 60-degree range miter cuts.
It’s the most accurate yet affordable and compact tool in Incra’s lineup of miter gauges. However, it has the quality and reliability of the bigger miter gauges. This means you aren’t actually sacrificing anything here except for the size. A lot of the time, the small ones do a better job. Try this one out. You won’t regret it.
Pros & Cons:
- Special stops for versatility
- Most accurate and affordable miter gauge in its class
- Compact and no-nonsense design
- Laser-cut V-stops for accuracy and precision
- The track adjustment discs need improvement
POWERTEC 71005 Deluxe Table Saw Miter Gauge
Best Designed In the Class
Specifications
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 20 x 8 x 3 inches
- Material: Aluminum & steel
- Blade Length: 4 inches
- No of Teeth: 30
- Color: Black
- Power: Hand Powered
- Warranty: Limited
Basic Features:
- Extremely beautiful design in the class
- Provides crosscuts at any angle with high precision
- Large ergonomic grip for control and comfort
- Positive stops at all common angles for exceptional accuracy
- Made with a combination of a high-quality aluminum head and the solid steel miter bar
- Tip resistant washer to keep the unit steady when extended over your work surface
- Set screws to remove any play
- Fits and accommodates most standard 3/4 x 3/8 inch miter slots, with or without t-slotted miter slots, including DeWalt, Delta, Jet, Craftsman, Bosch, and other brands of table saw and router table slots.
This is a premium table saw miter gauge from POWERTEC that is beautifully constructed using a combination of solid steel miter bar and aluminum head. The premium build quality of the POWERTEC 71005 ensures long-term usability and durability. One quick look at it, and you will realize it’s built for professional use.
It is designed to fit 3/4×3/8-inch miter slots as well as other standard slots with or w/o t-slotted slots. This includes popular brands of table saws and router table slots such as Bosch, Craftsman, Jet, Delta, DeWalt, and more. There is no doubt that is miter gauge has good compatibility. Moreover, this one is inexpensive.
Even though it’s a premium table saw miter gauge, this price is actually more on the affordable side. It’s the perfect replacement gauge for your table sawt that provides you with the accuracy and precision you need to make crosscuts at any angle. You can also do a lot more with this deluxe table saw miter gauge.
For any woodworking project, you will need a miter gauge that can deliver highly accurate and consistent crosscuts And that is the specialty of this deluxe table saw miter gauge by POWERTEC. In short, this is the perfect replacement gauge for most brands of table saws. You won’t go wrong with this one.
Pros & Cons:
- Beautiful design
- It has indexable stops at all common angles
- It can be set to hold in any position manually
- Ideal upgrade for a lot of popular brands of table saws
- Set of screws for eliminating wobbling and removing play
- Measure your slot first before ordering
- The handle is a bit small
Choosing The Best Miter Saw Gauge | A Definitive Buyer’s Guide
In this section, we will be going over the steps and things you will need to look for in order to buy the best miter gauges. You will also learn how these tools work, their benefits and how a miter gauge can improve your current woodworking activities. So, sit back, take a cup of coffee, and enjoy reading.
If you are DIYer or a professional woodworker, you already know the importance of owning and using a table saw. Apart from the fact that it’s the most practical tool for woodworking, these machines are also very powerful.
Woodworkers rely on a table saw to take care of all the wood cutting tasks. This is because a table saw is sturdy, powerful, and durable. However, if you want to enhance your experience of using a table saw, you can do that by adding some useful accessories.
Now, a table saw is not just about the table and the saw. There are other accessories that make it the most useful tool to have in your garage—for example, a miter gauge. When you buy a table saw, you will get one with the table.
However, those aren’t up to the mark. For your woodworking activities, you will need something better and more professional. A miter gauge allows you to work with your table saw in many ways. Now, I’m not talking about the ones that come with your table saw.
Throw them away even if it’s working. Once you get used to a more professional miter gauge for the table, you will be going through wood like a hot knife through butter.
Getting the right components for your table saw will improve your woodworking skill, and to do that, you will have to understand how those components work. That’s why we will start with the basics of a miter gauge.
Why Do You Need To Use A Miter Gauge For Your Table Saw?
First of all, this accessory allows you to achieve more versatile cuts with your table saw while increasing efficiency and saving precious time. A miter gauge is mostly used for making miter cuts.
Let’s explore what miter gauges can do.
1. Repeatable Angle Cuts
For this article, we will be focusing more on the miter gauge instead. The best feature of using a gauge is that it makes the whole process of making repeatable angled cuts very easy because you can easily adjust the cutting angle to something that fits your needs.
Once adjusted, the miter gauge will stay locked in the position and allows you to cut wood pieces worry-free. With a miter gauge, you can make compound cuts, square crosscuts, and many more.
All the table saws on the marker will come with a miter gauge because it’s an indispensable accessory. However, most of the stock ones won’t feel that good to use. This is because of the poor quality of those gauges.
2. Precision & Accuracy
As I’ve said before, precision and accuracy are the most important things in woodworking. There are plenty of other important things to consider, but everything starts with accuracy. You make a mistake somewhere along with the project, and chances are, you will have to redo it all over again.
A slight mistake is all it takes to lose a significant piece of lumber. This is why you need all the necessary tools to support you in your woodworking project.
This is where a miter gauge comes into play. If you want to make cuts with proper precision and accuracy, a miter gauge provides you with a more secure platform to do so.
3. Safety Improvement
You might be wondering, what is the role of the miter gauge when it comes to safety improvements? Before I get to that, let’s talk about the features that you are getting for this type of accessory. Apart from allowing you to cut precisely, you are getting additional features such as expansion points, angle stops, and more.
However, most woodworkers tend to overlook the most important feature of them all, which is safety. Woodworking is a trade that is exciting, challenging, and physically dangerous if you don’t know how to handle your tools properly.
Large power tools such as table saws are dangerous to handle, and that’s why you will need to ensure a safe workspace. If you don’t know how to handle a table saw properly, you will end up hurting yourself.
4. Reducing Margin Of Errors
At the very least, you will encounter minor mistakes that are enough to ruin a good wood piece. However, when you install a good miter gauge to your table saw, you can prevent a lot of mishaps. The worst that can happen when you make a mistake during cutting is damaging your hands.
5. Prevents Kickbacks
There are a lot of miter gauges that come with a solid fence that holds the wood piece in place firmly to prevent accidents. This fence also prevents the wood piece from lifting off the table. Among all the features that a miter gauge offers, the best one is perhaps the one that you least expected.
I’m talking about reducing kickbacks. That’s right. A miter gauge can greatly reduce the chances of kickbacks since the wood piece is supported by the miter gauge’s solid fence.
6. Going Past The Limitation
When it comes to cutting at an angle, table saws have a limitation. You can only cut wood pieces at a maximum angle of 45-degrees. Some table saws might offer a bit more, but this is about as far as it goes. Table saw blades can only go as far as 45.
This is where a miter gauge shines the most. A tool like this allows you to go beyond the 45-degree limitation and allows you to make a more versatile cut. With a bit of elbow grease and some planning, you can make cuts on your table saw that were only doable on a compound miter saw or a radial arm saw.
I know there are certain types of cuts that are better on these saws, but the addition of a good miter gauge can certainly reduce the need for those saws by a lot. You can make your table saw suitable for a lot of different types of cuts.
7. Versatility
There are plenty of fancy accessories for woodworkers. Some are gimmicky, while others are really useful. A miter gauge is both fancy and attractive but can be gimmicky if you don’t buy the right one.
I’ll talk about the price of these tools later on. For now, you need to understand that an aftermarket miter gauge for a table saw will be expensive. However, you are paying the extra money for the versatility.
While it’s an attractive woodworking accessory for a table or saw user, the quality of these accessories varies a lot. That’s why you will need to make sure that you choose the right one from the start.
8. Better Than The Stock Model
If you are a beginner and have decided to take up woodworking, you might be tempted to buy a table saw for beginners. You know, the ones that are mostly considered entry-level table saws. One thing you will notice right away is the poor quality of the miter gauge.
Also, you can’t just build a good miter gauge or a jig out of wood right away. This is where a good miter gauge comes into play. I know a lot of the gauges will cost almost half the price of a new entry-level table saw, but it’s an investment of a lifetime. This is something you won’t regret.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Table Saw Miter Gauge
There are a lot of miter gauges that come with additional features to make your wood cutting task more efficient. However, not all of the features are worth having. Some may or may not be useful to you. However, when you want to buy the best miter gauge, you will have to keep a couple of things in mind.
Since there are a lot of options available, choosing the right one can be tricky at first. That’s why I’ve included this short yet comprehensive buying guide so that you can easily find the right table saw gauge for you. Let’s dive right into it.
When looking for a precision miter gauge, make sure it has a solid, all-steel construction. This will determine how well you can use the tool for your woodworking job. The rest of the features are there to increase your overall efficiency.
It’s the smaller things that fail first. So, having a miter gauge that has high-quality parts will make sure you get the best performance out of your tool.
Get a gauge that uses metal knobs instead of plastic because plastic will wear out due to constant usage. On the other hand, a miter gauge that comes with metal knobs will ensure more durability and longer use.
When it comes to buying a table saw gauge, every detail counts. Since you are upgrading your table saw, you don’t want to compromise on quality. Higher quality means the gauge will be more expensive.
However, if you want the best miter gauge for your table, aim for the highest quality gauge on the market. Don’t go for the most affordable gauge because those don’t last long.
On the other hand, metal is better because this material can help absorb vibrations better. Aluminum is flexible and might break if you apply too much force. However, metal is harder and won’t flex easily.
As for the fence, this will depend on the type of material you mostly work on. You can either opt for a long miter bar or a short miter bar. For general purposes, both of them are good enough to work with.
Consider getting a long fence bar if you plan on working with long wood pieces. There are occasions where a more extended fence bar will allow you to work more easily.
To find the right miter gauge for your table saw, you need to check the miter slot size first. It’s important that you get the right gauge that will fit smoothly without any play. The gauge should slide right in.
Also, if you don’t get a proper fit, you will have problems regarding the accuracy on your cuts. A good quality miter gauge will have adjustable fence bars. Those are simply the best because you can adjust the bar to fit any table saw.
For most woodworking projects, the basic requirement is to cut the woods precisely. And a good quality miter gauge can help achieve that. There are other factors that I’ve not mentioned because those are more of a personal opinion type feature. I’m sure you can figure out the rest.
An Interesting Video on Miter Gauge Basics
Courtesy: Cal State LA A&L Productions
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you use the miter gauge and fence together on a table saw?
Avoid chucking the board and sliding it towards the saw at the same time when making cross-cuts. Why? Because if you use a miter gauge to move the wood toward the saw, it will most certainly bind against the fence.
Are table saw miter gauges universal?
The vast majority of table saw miter gauges will fit most table saws. However, you should always check with the manufacturer to make sure that the miter gauge is compatible with your specific model of the table saw.
Can a rip fence and miter gauge be used together?
Yes, a rip fence and miter gauge can be used together on a table saw. However, it’s important to note that the two devices serve different purposes. A rip fence is primarily used for making rip cuts (i.e., cuts along the grain of the wood), while a miter gauge is primarily used for making cross-cuts (i.e., cuts across the grain of the wood).
How much does a table saw miter gauge cost?
Miter gauges can range in price from around $20 to $200, depending on the quality and features. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for with miter gauges. Higher-end miter gauges will typically be made from higher-quality materials and will offer more features than lower-end models.
Parting Words
And that’s all there is to it. It was a long journey, but hopefully, you now know how to choose the best table saw miter gauge. To narrow down your search, I’ve handpicked seven of the best miter gauges on the market that are widely used by woodworking professionals all over the world.
I assume, you already know that a miter gauge is an exciting accessory for a table saw because of the tool’s ability to increase cutting accuracy and precision. Apart from that, this tool will also save you time and increase efficiency.
You can greatly reduce the margin of error on each cut because a miter gauge can greatly improve the precision. This is the main reason why most woodworkers prefer to use a third-party miter gauge. Woodworking is all about accuracy and precision.
Considering all of that, it’s essential that you apply all the techniques and use the tools that you need that will provide an extended rate of precision on each woodcut.
Unlock a whole new world of cutting woods and improve your woodworking game with a good miter gauge. You can cut wood at many different angles with great precision and can also perform a crosscut that will be perpendicular to the grain of the material.
If you are in a hurry and want a quick recommendation, I would suggest you go with INCRA Miter 1000SE as a starter or The KREG KMS7102 if you are a pro. These are the bests in their respective classes.
That’s over-and-out from me today. Happy woodworking!
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