Device assessment: Rockler Precision Miter Gauge and Miter Gauge Fence

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Miter gauge by Rockler $120, Miter gauge fence by Rockler $70

Easily adjustable. A spring-loaded pin engages detents to lock the head at common angles. For in-between angles, the pin can be withdrawn so the knob can lock the head anywhere within 70° left and right. The handles and knobs are easy to grip. — **Simply adjustable.** A spring-loaded pin engages detents to lock the top at widespread angles. For in-between angles, the pin might be withdrawn so the knob can lock the top wherever inside 70° left and proper. The handles and knobs are simple to grip.

I had the chance just lately to check out Rockler’s new Precision Miter Gauge and Miter Gauge Fence. The setup is straightforward and efficient, and the gauge particularly works properly. I used the miter gauge and fence within the store for a number of weeks, and so they each carried out dependably, whether or not making sq. cuts, 45° cuts, or miters for an octagonal body. All in all, the Rockler miter gauge makes a helpful addition to a tablesaw. The fence is sweet too, however with some caveats.

The information bar was simple to tune for a exact match within the miter slots through 4 nylon set screws. As soon as set, the bar tracked easily and exactly. The entrance face of the gauge was precisely plumb.

The protractor head has detents for accuracy. Along with one at 90°, there are detents at 5 widespread angles on both sides of the top. There’s additionally a detent that positions the information bar parallel to the fence for ease of storing. The bar even has a big gap for hanging, making storage a snap. The detents usually are not microadjustable to the bar, however my gauge got here sq. out of the field anyway.

The gauge has a high-contrast protractor scale that’s simple to learn and align with the gauge’s hairline indicator. A tall deal with locks the top in numerous positions. Moreover, there are knobs for securing a sacrificial fence, which means all changes on the gauge might be made with out further instruments. An added plus is that each one the knobs and adjusters are simple to grip.

The fence is product of light-weight anodized aluminum. On the finish of the primary fence is a brief part that telescopes out. A flip cease for setting repeat cuts slides alongside the highest of the fence, although there isn’t a measurement scale. Included with the fence is a removeable melamine face for zero-clearance cuts.

The fence is a pleasant, easy concept, however I ought to observe that the telescoping arm, when tightened, extends ahead of the primary fence by 0.010 in. This pushes the workpiece barely out of sq..

Flip stop is a convenient timesaver. With a flip stop, you can alternate between squaring the ends of boards and cutting them to equal length without the stop getting in the way or you losing your setting. — **Flip cease is a handy timesaver.** With a flip cease, you possibly can alternate between squaring the ends of boards and chopping them to equal size with out the cease getting in the best way otherwise you dropping your setting.

Telescoping arm is a stretch. The fence worked well, but not with the arm. When the arm was extended, it was slightly forward of the main fence, interfering with square cuts. — **Telescoping arm is a stretch.** The fence labored properly, however not with the arm. When the arm was prolonged, it was barely ahead of the primary fence, interfering with sq. cuts.

—Contributing editor Chris Gochnour stands behind a tablesaw in Salt Lake Metropolis.

Photograph: Barry NM Dima

From Positive Woodworking #299

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