I reviewed a pile of table-saw miter gauges in FWW #306, and I want this new mannequin from Woodpeckers had been accessible then, as it could have ranked with the very best for high honors. It not solely consists of each function I worth in a miter gauge, but it surely additionally carried out in addition to any I’ve tried.

First, the pinnacle indexes with a really strong pin system that enables no important wobble, which means it can minimize excellent miters at 45°, for instance, after which swivel again to an ideal 90° each time. Mine confirmed up completely calibrated for correct cuts, however the angle settings are simply adjustable in the event that they shift sooner or later. I particularly love how the pinnacle swivels freely as quickly as you unlock the clamp deal with. Push down the spring-loaded pin to lock within the angle you want, tighten the clamp deal with, and you’re able to go once more.
It’s necessary to have the ability to add a sacrificial board to your gauge to permit it to make zero-clearance cuts, and the Woodpeckers gauge provides you two nice methods to try this. It comes with a rabbeted MDF block hooked up to 1 finish, which serves the aim properly. When that block will get blown out and also you don’t need to make one other, merely connect a full piece of MDF to the entrance of the gauge and shift the flip cease ahead on the fence to accommodate the extra 3/4-in. layer of fabric.
The flip cease is superb, by the way in which, with a useful micro-adjuster, no wobble, and a bit of tab that matches into the entrance of the fence to cease the ideas of pointy miter cuts from sliding previous (picture above). The cease additionally slides easily onto the fence extension, which might be pulled out to index crosscuts so long as 31 in. I like the little bolt that stops the extension bar from falling out of the fence, a standard downside with different gauges. The product engineers considered every little thing on this glorious accent, and it’s a discount at $180.
Fantastic Woodworking Beneficial Merchandise
Craftsman Random Orbit Sander
Whereas this sander is among the many least costly fashions within the check, its efficiency ranks among the many greatest. The inventory elimination was glorious, and mud assortment was strong when used with a vacuum. It handles actually easily, too, and has a tall physique that match my hand properly whether or not I used to be holding it from above or across the waist.
Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner
This joinery machine revolutionized woodworking for therefore many. There isn’t any simpler strategy to get mortise and tenon joints—but it surely comes at a value.
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
With its easy lock, powerful case, compact dimension, and glorious accuracy, this Stanley tape is ideal for workshop use.
Join eletters right now and get the most recent strategies and how-to from Fantastic Woodworking, plus particular presents.