Miter gauges are built into most table saws, although there are also after-market miter gauges available. A high-quality miter gauge is a highly accurate tool that can cost hundreds of dollars. Miter gauges of the highest quality are accurate down to tenths of a degree.
If you’re a woodworker or carpenter, chances are you’ve had to use a miter gauge at some point. Whether you’re cutting crown molding or angling dowels, having a good understanding of how to use a miter gauge can make your life a lot easier.
This post will go over the basics of using a miter gauge on a table saw. We’ll cover everything from setting up the gauge to making cuts like a pro. By the end, you’ll know all there is to know about using this essential tool. Let’s get started!
What a miter gauge is and what it does:
A miter gauge is a tool that helps you make accurate crosscuts on your table saw. It consists of a long, adjustable arm with a variety of markings that help you set the angle of your cut. The gauge also has a slot that slides onto the miter gauge track on your table saw. This track helps keep the gauge in place as you make your cut.
The primary purpose of a miter gauge is to help you make accurate crosscuts. However, they can also be used for other tasks, such as cutting angles or slopes. A high-quality miter gauge can be very accurate, making cuts within tenths of a degree.
How to use a miter gauge on a table saw:
Now that you know what a miter gauge is and what it does let’s look at how to use it on a table saw. The process can be broken down into three simple steps: setting up the gauge, making your cut, and adjusting the gauge for future cuts.
Setting up the gauge:
To set up your miter gauge, start by loosening the knob on the arm and extending or retracting it until it’s at the desired measurement. There are typically markings on the arm that correspond to joint angles, such as 45 degrees or 90 degrees. Once you’ve got the arm positioned at the desired angle, tighten the knob to lock it in place.
Next, slide the miter gauge into the track on your table saw. Make sure that it’s snug in the track but not so tight that it’s difficult to move. You should be able to slide the gauge back and forth with relative ease.
Making your cut:
To make a crosscut with your miter gauge, set the blade height to the desired measurement. Then, place the piece of wood that you’re cutting against the fence on the table saw and push it through the blade. Make sure that the wood is pushed past the blade before releasing it.
Adjusting the gauge for future cuts:
Once you’ve made your first cut, it’s a good idea to adjust the gauge so that you can make the same cut again in the future. This is quickly done by loosening the knob on the arm and moving it to the desired angle. Then, tighten the knob to lock it in place. You can now repeat this process for future cuts.
Tips for using a miter gauge:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using a miter gauge:
- Always make sure that the arm is locked in place before cutting. Otherwise, the gauge may move during the cut and produce an inaccurate result.
- When setting up the gauge, take care to position the arm at the desired angle. Even a tiny error can result in an inaccurate cut.
- When cutting, always push the wood through the blade with both hands. This will help ensure that the wood stays in place and doesn’t kickback.
With these tips in mind, you should use a miter gauge with ease.
The benefits of using a miter gauge on a table saw:
There are many benefits to using a miter gauge on a table saw. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it helps you make accurate crosscuts. This is essential for tasks like cutting crown molding or angling dowels. A miter gauge can also help you make repetitive cuts quickly and easily. And, if you’re working with a variety of different wood sizes, a miter gauge can save you time by allowing you to set the same cut angle for each piece.
In addition, using a miter gauge can help improve your safety while using a table saw. Keeping the wood against the fence while cutting reduces the risk of the wood kicking back.
Conclusion:
A miter gauge is a handy tool that can be used for various tasks, such as cutting crown molding or angling dowels. When appropriately used, a miter gauge can help you make accurate and consistent cuts. And when coupled with a table saw, it can also help improve your safety. With these tips in mind, you should use a miter gauge with ease.