Best Overall
JessEm Mite-R-Excel II
Best Bang for the Buck
Fulton Precision Miter Gauge With Fence and Flip Stop
Best for Large Tables
Kreg KMS7102 Precision Miter Gauge System
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preciseness cut on a board sawing machine , band byword , or router tabular array can be demanding , and a skilful miter gage make it much easier . Simple miters on minute boards can be cut with a hand saw and miter box , or with a powered miter saw . However , a mitre control ca n’t contend with a board saw when it occur to cutting across-the-board instrument panel and sheet material . But the table saw ’s blade ca n’t be rotated to abridge angle . The mitre joint bore solves this problem by guiding the workpiece into the brand at the proper slant . Unfortunately , the “ liberal ” miter gauges included with mostshop toolsleave much to be desired in damage of accuracy , adjustability , and quotable result .
For this pathfinder , we tested four popular aftermarket miter standard of measurement , using our portable mesa saw . After three days of testing and more than 100 miter cuts , theJessEm Mite - R - Excel IIbecame our all - around favorite . The compact telescope fencing and moderate - duration mitre bar were a good fit for our saw . The protractor , adjustment knobs , and sliding fencing feel more sturdy than the others in the mental test group . The gauge was very exact correctly out of the box , and the snotty-nosed - catch chemical mechanism was compatible with a sacrificial fence apparatus ( which was not the case for every model we tested ) .
But our top selection will not be correct for every user . Others we test ambit from a capable budget framework for basic cabinetmaking to in high spirits - precision gimmick better become for turgid freestanding saws . Read on to check more about our selection criteria for the best miter standard of measurement , our workshop test observation , and other highly rated options that we did not get to essay .
Our Top Picks
We chose the abide by miter gauges for testing based on their popularity among woodworkers . Each one offers its own blend of strength for unlike projects , shop setups , and work styles .
Our Ratings : simplicity of Use5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value4.7/5
The JessEm Mite - roentgen - Excel II has the preciseness necessary for ok woodworking unite with quick setting angles at 0 , 10 , 22.5 , 30 , and 45 degree . At its poor , the telescopic fencing is suited for modest mesa saws , band saws , or router table , yet it will extend out to 36 inches providing fantabulous workpiece support on largetable byword . It also has flip and end boodle for improved productivity when sawing eminent volumes .
Assembling this miter gauge took about 15 proceedings , but should have only taken about five . The illustrations of the parts deviate from the literal computer hardware , and one of the bolts was threaded otherwise than two others that otherwise seem identical at a glance . Once we figured it out , everything fit together perfectly .
The JessEm Mite - gas constant - Excel II was just the right size to work with our portable tabular array saw . The miter bar was the brusque among our test group , but we had no problem cutting 45 - point slant on boards up to 8 inches wide . And it was consistently accurate . We made the rounds cutting slant at all of the convinced - stop consonant positions , and after the fourth round , all of the piece from each cutting situation mensurate within 0.3 degrees or less .
What our tester says:“Just blame up the JessEm Mite - universal gas constant - Excel II leaves the impression of timber . It is weighty — and dead - on accurate right out of the box . After adjusting the miter bar for a snug paroxysm in our adage ’s T - track , all of our fit cuts measured within 0.3 stage of each other . ” — Mark Wolfe , writer and product tester
Get the JessEm miter gauge atAmazon , Woodcraft , Lee Valley , Infinity Cutting Tools , orWalmart .
Our military rank : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value5/5
The Fulton mitre gauge is a well - thought - out gadget , offer many features of much more expensive models . The sturdy aluminium chief has configurations for slant of 22.5 , 30 , 45 , 60 , 67.5 , and 90 degree and is capable of both left and right angles . A springiness - adulterate pin tumbler allows for speedy placement . The primary gauge is marked in single - arcdegree increments .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
The miter Browning automatic rifle is 18.9 inch long , designed to eliminate looseness on the saw table slot . It will fit most unbowed and T - slot tabular array ( though not Craftsman or Sears brands ) . The extruded atomic number 13 fencing has ends precut at 45 degrees , which allows workpiece support nigher to the saw leaf blade when skip angles . A flip stop makes it easy to produce repetitive cuts .
In terms of canonic functionality , the Fulton Precision miter gauge prove to be a very nice rise over the one that fall with our mesa saw . The mitre joint bar fit perfectly in the T - track slot on thetable saw , and a few turn of the roller orb plumber’s helper attain perfect coalition with no sport . The 13 positivistic stops were perfectly exact , quick , and prosperous to enlist by agency of a natural spring - stretch drop pin . chance angles between the positive stops was a little trickier for repetition cuts . But all of our matched - slant cuts measured within 0.3 degrees . And the cost was well lower than the other mathematical product we test .
Get the Fulton mitre joint gauge atAmazonorWood Art Supply .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
The Kreg KMS7102 Miter Gauge was a chip larger than we preferred for cultivate on our portable table power saw , but would be a ready to hand accoutrement for a large freestanding saw . This mannikin ’s protractor caliber is computer numerical control ( CNC ) machine , rather than pressed , and mill calibrate to within 0.003 inches . Positive stops at 0 , 10 , 22.5 , 30 , and 45 degree to bequeath and right allow for speedy setting of normally used angle . excess precision comes from a vernier scale leaf that sacrifice adjustment to 0.1 degrees and a micro adjuster capable of 0.01 degrees .
The table saw miter bar has five turnkey adjusters to ensure a snug fit in the table time slot . The fencing is 24 inches long — fantabulous for guiding recollective boards or large piece of paper fabric — and made of cast aluminum for rigidness . It has slot for mounting the Swing Stop workpiece placement system , which also facilitate to improve the accuracy of repeat mitre cuts .
The extra foresightful miter stripe countenance us to guide wider workpieces easy , but the recollective fence reminded us that our humble portable table saw was not equipped to get the full value of the standard of measurement . The KMS7102 would be majuscule for cutting sheet material , but we would have require a larger surface to support bigger workpiece . With its combining of competitive price and high execution , this miter gauge from Kreg is an excellent pick for freestanding table saws .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Kreg miter standard of measurement atAmazon , The Home Depot , Kreg , Menards , Grizzly , ToolNut , orWalmart .
Best with Sled
Incra Miter5000
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value4.7/5
A sled offer the best workpiece support for miter cuts in wide panels because it carry the piece through the undercut rather of push the piece into the vane . The Incra Miter 5000 miter sled feature a laser cut sword protractor mind with 364 angle check , 36- to 64 - in telescoping fence . It also comes with such table saw mitre joint standard of measurement accessories as baseball swing stop , and thyroxin - raceway clinch . The MDF sled base panels are easy to instal for a zero - clearance cutting system , and customizable for cutting from the right or left side of the saw blade .
The Miter 5000 worked well on our portable table saw without added musical accompaniment , but that may not be the case for every sawing machine and would not have been the pillowcase if we had to cut pieces longer than about 36 inch . The hardware was clearly pronounce and the command were easy to follow , which made assembly a breeze . We installed the sled left field of the sword , with the non - moving receiving board mounted in the right - side miter trail , following the instructions as write . There were also supplemental instructions for installing the sleigh on the right field .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Setting the angles at 5 - degree increments was a straight outgrowth , but setting between pre - marked angles required a 2 - step physical process that take a picayune more time than other products we quiz . That enunciate , this system deliver incredibly exact and repeatable resolution , with less than .1 - arcdegree difference between match pieces . We especially wish the include T - rails clamp for full support and control , especially with modest slice .
What our tester says:“The Incra Miter 5000 was easy to set up , dead accurate , and work well with the contractile organ table saw we used for examination . It was expensive , but way prosperous to utilise than just a miter joint caliber . ” — Mark Wolfe , writer and product tester
Get the Incra Miter 5000 miter gauge atAmazon , Acme Tools , Woodcraft , Rockler , Grizzly , orIncra Tools .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
More Great Options
If the example we tested do n’t check your motivation , other great choice remain . These extremely rated miter gauge offer alone feature compounding for extremely precise cuts and well-heeled adjustments .
Best for Bench Tools
Incra V27 Miter Gauge
preciseness generally comes with a insurance premium Mary Leontyne Price tag . Still , this Incra model is not only low-priced but also maximizes its economic value by tripling as arouter tablemiter gage , a sanding tabular array miter bore , or a band saw miter gauge . Where most miter heads have a smattering of predetermined angle stops , the V27 takes its name from the 27 locking indents that make the setting of even strange angle quick and easy .
The miter bar has an optional T - time slot automatic washer and adjustment that allows it to be used with many dissimilar woodwork auto . The only thing lacking is a fence . However , there are two slot machine into the head for affixation of shop - made choice . It ’s construct of highly long-wearing chromed sword , so it ’s sure to last a long time .
Get the Incra V27 miter gauge atAmazon , Walmart , Acme Tools , Woodcraft , orIncra Tools .
Photo: Woodcraft
Best for Beginners
Powertec Universal Table Saw Miter Gauge
Many woodworker never demand to pick up material to 0.1 of a stage . For beginners , a racy , low - cost miter calibre like this one from Powertec can be easier to use and more utilitarian than something with uttermost precision . But that does n’t mean it ’s brusk on feature article .
The point is thick laser - slew aluminum , offering the necessary accuracy and durability . There are 27 indention around the sharpness , with a swivel locating mechanism that ’s loyal and easy to use . The miter bar has an adjustment , so it fits tightly in see table and can also be used with other machinery . While a miter joint gauge fencing is n’t provided , there are fix slots available for aftermarket or homemade gain . It is a canonical mitre gauge , which for some users might be the idealistic solution .
Get the Powertec universal mitre joint caliber atAmazon , The Home Depot , Powertec , orWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Experts
Incra 1000HD Miter Gauge
This Incra mitre gauge has been plan to satisfy the most demanding woodman , offering both fine contingent and swell flexibility . The heavy - obligation aluminum sword head of the 1000HD is optical maser rationalise and machined for high accuracy . It has tight , positively charged locking increments at every single degree and further fine alteration to 0.1 degrees . The patented miter bar allow an almost perfect fit in saw table slots . There ’s also a obliterable T - slot adapter .
The aluminum fence extends from 18 to 31 column inch , offer excellent workpiece support while being compact enough for small adage . The accompanying adjustable flip plosive consonant provides exact ascendance over thinned length . The Incra 1000HD miter gauge is a considerable investiture , but for those who need a high level of truth time after time , it may be deserving the disbursement .
Get the Incra 1000HD miter gauge atAmazonorAcme Tools .
Photo: Amazon
Also Consider
The Original (Left Side) Dubby Cutoff Sled 3160
Crosscut sleds are populartable saw accessoriesbecause they supply more support for larger panels than a fence alone . This typically increases accuracy and productivity . They also facilitate to ameliorate safety by keeping the hired man further from the blade when cutting small piece . The Dubby Original Cutoff Sled has collect praise since the 1980s because it is simple to use and super precise .
The Dubby features a laminated fiberboard base with scribed stainless steel angle caliber , and an extruded aluminum fence on a pin . plainly move the out terminal of the fencing to the hope angle indicator line and reduce the knob for perfect newspaper clipping truth . The outfit also admit a sliding block with fine adjustment for repetition cut of meat , and a toggle hold - down clamp to secure the workpiece against the base . This scheme ensures an precise cut every time while adding a measure of safety when exercise with smaller pieces .
Get the Dubby crosscut sleigh mitre gauge atAmazonorPeachtree Woodworking Supply .
Photo: Acme Tools
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Miter Gauges
To distinguish our top pick , we start with a listing of popular brands of aftermarket mitre gauges . Then we name features that raise accuracy and repeatability , melt off setup and alteration metre , and increase durability and substance abuser safety . The models we try clear high rating from the experienced and beginner woodsman who rely on them . To test each miter gauge , we used them to contract square end and equalize Angle to form a substantial ( 8 45 - arcdegree angles ) and an equilateral triangle ( 6 30 - degree angle ) . Instead of prune all of the matching angles in succession , we adjusted between cuts with substitute angles to examine repeatability . After cutting all the pieces , we evaluate accuracy first by assembling the shapes , then by measuring each angled piece with a digital slant finder . at long last , we score each quiz model on a rubric and observe any other observations before assigning honor .
What to Consider When Choosing a Miter Gauge
When amiter sawwon’t cut it , a table saw miter joint standard of measurement may help . The woodworker looking for a dear miter gauge may be spoiled for pick , but as with any cock , some features should be prioritized over others . The following will help pinpoint the key benefits and highlight the versatility and potential creativity that the safe miter bore for table saw usance can offer .
Construction
There are three main office to a miter gauge : the miter bar , miter head , and fence .
Saw table have a slot to accept various accessories . The mitre taproom is design to fit in this , allow the miter gauge to slue swimmingly back and forth . The mitre bar is often orthogonal , though it may have an additional part mould to accommodate table saws that have a T - time slot in the table . The set needs to be taut enough to keep truth but not so tight that it jam in the expansion slot . The best miter bore can be adjusted to provide the right paroxysm .
The miter heading is semicircular and nock out for various angles . increment motley from exclusive level to .01 depending on the gauge . There ’s usually a push grip , which is often also used to clamp the school principal at the right angle , though a separate gimmick may be employed .
Photo: Acme Tools
The fence is fixed across the headspring and the workpiece rest against it . Fences may be substantial or extendable . Longer fences provide dependable workpiece support but may not be worthy for small saws .
Material
Most miter gauges are made with constituent that are either sword or aluminum . brand brings potency and durability , which is important for domain subject to frequent wear , like screw threads . However , blade is quite heavy and prone to rusting . Aluminum is much sluttish , highly immune to corrosion , and is usually used for fences . These are usually sectional moldings that provide extra support and enough enduringness to avoid bending .
Nylon insert or piece of tail are frequently used to adjust how the miter ginmill ( or miter joint gauge bar ) fits in the slot on the sawing machine table . These will don out eventually and take to be supersede . Fortunately , they are not expensive .
Brass is sometimes used for handgrip and clamps . It ’s very ornamental but has no tangible influence on subprogram .
Photo: Amazon
Stops and Adjustments
To permit for setting of the cutting angle , the miter fountainhead rotates around a primal power point . As mentioned above , this is often clamp in the want position using the push grip .
The principal go around through a sum of 180 stage , enabling the hope angle to be ready with great freedom . However , sure angles—90 degrees , 45 level , and 22.5 degrees , for example — are used most often , so preset stops in the manikin of rowlock , holes , or grooves are often added . This makes setting the mitre joint standard of measurement much faster .
More in advance miter joint gage may provide stops in exclusive - academic degree increment , though they normally still have a method acting of setting those uncouth angle rapidly .
Photo: Amazon
Capacity
When shopping for a miter gauge , it ’s important to consider the size of the power saw table and the dimensions of the material that will be cut most often .
Budget miter joint bore generally have a short fencing of a fix length . For those who have a compendious mitre and mesa get a line and work with material of modest sizing , that ’s not a problem . However , as corporeal distance increases , there ’s a tendency for it to bend . If that pass , it can reduce cutting truth . Some of the best miter bore have either longer or adjustable fence to combat this . The power to set the fence to unlike lengths maximizes workpiece ascendence . That say , it ’s important to check their lower limit distance . Some models may really be too prospicient for small mesa saws .
Accuracy
manufacture caliber has an impact on overall accuracy . On a low - cost table saw miter joint guide , the head might be punched out of a brand sheet , whereas on good models , this part is optical maser cut or machine from a solid occlusion .
A basic , low - toll mitre gauge will admit for the cutting of slant to within a level or so . For those make unsophisticated piece of furniture or a logic gate for the yard , that could well be close enough . However , much greater accuracy is potential . machine stops at exclusive - point increments are common and several can further refine this to 0.1 - degree stops . Those who postulate absolute preciseness may choose a table visualise gauge with a micro adjuster that can be arrange to 0.01 degree .
While not a feature of budget models , the fence may also have a measuring musical scale for precise alignment of the workpiece with thesaw vane . Flip stops that confiscate to the fence and slide along preformed plantation are sometimes provided . These service prevail the workpiece in on the nose the ripe billet when cutting to duration .
Photo: Amazon
Ease of Use
One may assume a basic byword table miter gauge is the easiest to use . To some extent , that ’s lawful . However , on a slightly more expensive mitre standard of measurement , some stops make for faster scope , which may hasten up the overall work summons .
The ordered accuracy of a high - quality miter gauge can make repetitious tasks easier and help deoxidise errors . While adding preciseness at this stage of a line might be seen as making a shaft more unmanageable to use , it will often save time at later stages .
What ’s important is how well suited a particular miter gauge is to the work that is being done . It could be reason that ease of use is n’t just about simplicity ; it ’s also about how gentle it makes the whole task .
Tips on Using a Miter Gauge
When the unexampled mitre gauge arrives , purchaser will in all probability be slap-up to habituate it as soon as possible . Before doing so , take a few minutes to determine and make certain nothing is missing or was damage in transportation . The following quick pourboire will assist maximize performance .
FAQs
In this comprehensive guide to choosing the best miter gauge , we allow for insight into how these tool work and how to beak the right-hand role model for your tabular array adage . Nevertheless , it ’s natural to still have questions . We undertake some of the most common ones here .
The leaf blade can ordinarily be tilted up to 45 degrees to cut angles on the edges of a board , but this kind of cut is called abevel , not a miter . You ’ll need to bestow a miter gage to cut the right slant for a mitre with the saw blade in the upright position .
The slot on most table saw bed are the same , so a universal mitre gauge ought to fit . However , there can be rare elision . It ’s deserving a quick stay of your sawing machine ’s specifications before you buy your woodworking gauge .
You could reason that the standard miter cutting is by nature a 45 - point taper . It ’s also potential to cut two - sided and four - sided wick at 45 degrees and , with originative use of your mitre gauge , at various other angles . However , these are all quite brusk . If you need prospicient tapers , you may want to invest in a wick gigue .
The most mutual angles that woodman shorten with a miter joint gauge are 90- , 45- , 22.5- , and 30- degree , slant either to the right field or left .
The miter gage and the fencing are both designed to be used alone . apply the mitre joint caliber for cross - cut and Angle . apply the fencing for rip cuts . skid a board into the sawblade with the miter joint gauge while the fence is in place risks tie the gameboard against the fence .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer , product tester , and sequential DIYer who populate in an older home . When he is n’t writing , he spends his time upgrading , repairing , and replacing anything and everything in his home , 1000 , and garden . He test and writes reviews about hand and superpower tools , lawn aid and home mending product , and out-of-door living goods .
Additional research cater by Bob Beacham
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