For T-square type fences (Biesemeyer style) it is best to keep the gauge as close to the front of the fence as possible, because when you loosen the fence it is no longer (necessarily) perpendicular to the rail, and the further from the rail you place the gauge to measure, the more the angular error compounds as a distance.
Very true, and I can't believe I forgot to mention that. I was so focused on trying to get decent camera shots that I didn't even think about it. But you're absolutely correct. Thanks for the comment!
Like the one with the yellow magnet. What if you also add an horizontal 3/4" bolt, bolted to the wood base, parallel to the indicator and use it to screw it and push the fence? cheers!
Thanks for the comment! I don't think I would recommend that in a video, because I wouldn't want to take a chance someone would damage their table top because of me. But if it works without problems, then that's awesome!
I have that HF stand and just looked at it. Beneath front label are two Phillips screws. Magnet doesn't seem easy to remove. But it is circular. I think drilling and tapping on the edge of the base to mount dial mightl work but it is cheap metal. Or unscrew silver upright stand and make a wood/metal horizontal extension that screws into upright hole and mount dial on other end. (My dial mounting hole won't reach base center) 2nd method easier) hope that makes sense Cheaper $12 vs $26.
As luck would have it, I had a very old gauge gathering dust in the shop. Bought the magnetic switch and built the device. Works great, although my fence goes backwards when I clamp it. I can compensate for it, but I ish I knew how to fix that.
There's probably some adjustments on the face of the fence, or the fence's clamp, that can fix the problem. Look closely for some screws or hex bolts, either on the top or underneath (or both). Take the fence off and examine it - you'll probably find them.
I've been critical of some of your ideas. Not this one. You're smarter than I am. You have good ideas. I intend on using this idea ASAP. Thank you, and sorry I have been so critical in the past.
Never be sorry for having an opinion, and I seriously doubt I'm smarter than you are. Honestly, I get an idea, try it out, and record it. Some are better than others. Anyway, thanks!
I appreciate the AVGN reference. Glad to see a potential and, and even an older one at that! Personally though, I think I'm going to stick with stick-on magnetic backing.
As I’m one of the many who don’t have the space, $, or strength to lift a steel top table saw out of the way when it’s not in use. I’m stuck with my aluminum top saw. I need to find a way to make a suction cup model of your micro adjuster.
I have the same Makita cordless drill you showed at the beginning. It is difficult to hold the lock ring to close the chuck on a bit. I'm not not sure why, but I don't have the same problem with my Festool, Porter Cable, or DeWalt drills. Other than that, it's a good drill with a lot of power.
Could there be something wrong with the drill? If so, it's probably under warranty. I had a problem where I couldn't change from screwdriver mode to drill mode (or hammer-drive mode). Makita fixed it under warranty.
Definitely no:3. Thanks for a very informative video. Love the cardboard surround on the sander by the way. Dust control can be such a pain sometimes so I guess whatever works 😆.
Oh you sly woodworker you! As soon as you mentioned magnetic on Option 2 I thought of Magswitch and then, boom, there it was for option 3! Well done! Elegant and effective tool. Or as my cousin would say when he's had a little too much to drink, "sessy!"
How funny that your vids sync with my life. I am a professional abstract painter and I have been framing paintings. I spent the last 4 days cutting big wood into little stock. I have a very good fence on my table saw with precise increments but this is a very good idea. Oh yeah got thinking two steps ahead adjusted the fence incremnentally with saw running work piece just there an got a shot of luan plywood in the gut...... looks like my wife was in high school again..hickey. I know you and I are in a competition for near injury stories.
Awesome, now attach some kind of threaded rod (maybe make a wooden thread?) and attach it. Then, when you need to push the fence, just turn the rod to adjust slowly vs "tap tap tap, crap too much..."
Thanks for the comment! I actually have a SketchUp model for that - even if you don't know SketchUp, you can look at the picture: 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/6e5d73a4-4cf4-438f-aba8-6b4960e689de/Micro-Adjuster-Jig-for-Fences.
Just found your channel (and website) - this is a great video. I love the way you try out different solutions and am going with your option 3. Many thanks
Yes I do. Age 62 and still loving it. My brother's 72 and he does too. But I don't play online competitive games. I don't need some kid telling me I suck - I already know that. I've been playing Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild for years now. It's amazing how much time I've spent on it. 😄
Once again, good job. I appreciate the "idiot proof approach" I usually need it. I have a Ridgid with an aluminum top so I will try to put a runner on it or try to put a piece of steel key stock down in the slot.Have you done a vid on the device with a pusher screw on it? I may have gotten enough of a look at the one you used to reverse engineer one.
Another way to move your fence; instead of tapping just grip your fence guide rail and roll a little pressure on the fence with your thumb. You’ll have to choose which hand to use as to the direction you want too move. Should work great with your indicator. Thanks for the ideas!
Nice tip. I also liked the cardboard box dust collector shroud on the sander in your magnet mount montage , I’ll try something like that to prototype similar idea for my mitre saw before cutting any expensive wood.
Oh man I hear ya, 2 speeds, full bore and stop! 😭😭😭 Those mag switches are brilliant, a little hexy but brilliant and good for many other uses. 👍 Love that super duper dust shroud on your bench sander, mate. 😋👍😂
LOL, thanks, Bill. I knew I couldn't be the only one with that problem. Not sure what "hexy" means, but I'm guessing "pricey"? Regarding the dust shroud, I actually made a video on it, believe it or not. It's not worth watching if you haven't already, but I think the box is cool in a ghetto kind of way. 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Wait, what? Not worth watching? But it's kind of cool in a ghetto kinda way! Now you know I just gotta watch it.... 😂😂😂 Bang on the money, mate. Hexy = pricy. 😋
@@SMee67 LOL - I just didn't want you to think I was overly proud of the video or anything. 😄The video I *am* overly proud of is one that almost nobody else appreciated: ua-cam.com/video/ZjzN45k6Dq0/v-deo.html 😛
Great tool! Using the magnet approach is the best. I made one myself using a small block of hardwood and a neodymium magnet and a tapped hole on the side to mount the gauge. In addition to using it for fine tuning the fence as you illustrated, Russ Veinot on his web site, used the tool to accurately measure and account for the blade kerf width for any blade in use at the time. Simply square of a small piece of sacrificial wood and then use the gauge to move the fence exactly 1/4 of an inch, make a thin rip cut on the piece of wood and using a caliper measure the actual width of the thin strip. I will be 1/4 inch minus the actual width of the kerf. So 0.25 minus the with of the strip = the width of the kerf. Write it on the blade if you wish. Great presentation as usual.
Dan - Awesome! I have all of these things. Such a simple and quite accurate remedy. It is fun doing this with my Incra TS/LS fence (I'm easily entertained) Thanks for your excellent video on a great solution!
@@TheNewbieWoodworker ..nope.. not needed but it is fun to actually see the consistent accuracy of the Incra fence... 12 clicks to move the fence 1/64 inch... it just tickles me to see the movement register on the igage... big boys toys... retired and i still don't want to grow up... you have a great channel Dan!
@@stevenrayhoward Thanks for the compliment. I totally, 100% understand what you're saying, and I couldn't agree more. It's fun to see things work like they're supposed to, and you can never have too many toys. 😄
I thought of an add-on for you for number three, make your wood base longer on the front side, and mount a threaded rod with a knob on the end to make the adjustments mechanically instead of tapping.
That's a good idea, and I actually made a jig like that a while back. But moving the fence requires the jig to be clamped down, or a really strong magnet, otherwise it you can't guarantee you won't move the jig. There's a couple of other issues too - enough to make it not worth the effort, at least to me. But it's a good idea in theory, for sure.
Im not surprised it was either, I WOULD be surprised if it still is 2 years later. ;-) That's where the good stuff counts is something you can always count on although you still always have to recertify it periodically. Less surprises with Mitutoyo, Starrett, Brown and Sharpe, etc.
@@DavidBaumgarner Sometimes it's a calculated trade-off between something that will last a long time, but may not be used a lot, to something that is cheap and you may need to replace it.
It worked for me. Try scrolling down about an inch from the top of the site. It's $26. www.amazon.com/s?k=magnetic+switch&crid=V5RYD1TE9TZQ&sprefix=magnetic+switch%2Caps%2C242&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_15
I agree, nice video. As long as we are offering alternatives, I put the Wixey digital fence readout on my table saw and I use it the way that you use the digital dial indicator. Of course, I can also use it for accurate measurements.
@@paulruud5804 Thanks for mentioning that. I saw it mentioned somewhere once, but then couldn't remember who made it, and I could never find it in a Google search. Out of curiosity, why do you use that *and* the Incra fence?
Good job Dan One thing I like about your channel is you find things on Amazon that I didn't know you could buy. The magnet switch would be great for a lot of projects. You can bet Ill add one of those to my wish list.
I have one of those magnetic stand thingies so I would probably go with that. But in case of runners, I usually try something that I also try on the chop saw for "sneaking" cuts: if I need to shave off a bit, I turn the saw off (duh! :D), put the piece between the blade and the fence, unlock the fence, "push" the fence a bit towards the blade so that the blade deflects ever so slightly. Then lock the fence and re-cut. Of course, this will not work with either zero clearance inserts or blades that are most of the way up (too close to arbor = too rigid to move).
For T-square type fences (Biesemeyer style) it is best to keep the gauge as close to the front of the fence as possible, because when you loosen the fence it is no longer (necessarily) perpendicular to the rail, and the further from the rail you place the gauge to measure, the more the angular error compounds as a distance.
Very true, and I can't believe I forgot to mention that. I was so focused on trying to get decent camera shots that I didn't even think about it. But you're absolutely correct. Thanks for the comment!
Like the one with the yellow magnet. What if you also add an horizontal 3/4" bolt, bolted to the wood base, parallel to the indicator and use it to screw it and push the fence? cheers!
I had actually done that with a previous jig, but I decided to go for simple this time. 😄Thanks for the comment!
There is one more option for those of who have job site saws with aluminum tops, use a block of wood with sand paper attached to the Bottom
Thanks for the comment! I don't think I would recommend that in a video, because I wouldn't want to take a chance someone would damage their table top because of me. But if it works without problems, then that's awesome!
another good tip, and with the 80's porn music it was the cherry on top lol... thank you
Thanks, and OMG, I didn't think of that, but now that's all I'll hear. 😳😂
Lol
I have that HF stand and just looked at it. Beneath front label are two Phillips screws. Magnet doesn't seem easy to remove. But it is circular. I think drilling and tapping on the edge of the base to mount dial mightl work but it is cheap metal. Or unscrew silver upright stand and make a wood/metal horizontal extension that screws into upright hole and mount dial on other end. (My dial mounting hole won't reach base center) 2nd method easier) hope that makes sense Cheaper $12 vs $26.
Let me know if it works!
If someone wants to attach the drawer liner material to wood, use double sided carpet tape.
Great idea! Thanks. 😄
Does spray adhesive work?
As luck would have it, I had a very old gauge gathering dust in the shop. Bought the magnetic switch and built the device. Works great, although my fence goes backwards when I clamp it. I can compensate for it, but I ish I knew how to fix that.
There's probably some adjustments on the face of the fence, or the fence's clamp, that can fix the problem. Look closely for some screws or hex bolts, either on the top or underneath (or both). Take the fence off and examine it - you'll probably find them.
I've been critical of some of your ideas. Not this one. You're smarter than I am. You have good ideas. I intend on using this idea ASAP. Thank you, and sorry I have been so critical in the past.
Never be sorry for having an opinion, and I seriously doubt I'm smarter than you are. Honestly, I get an idea, try it out, and record it. Some are better than others. Anyway, thanks!
I appreciate the AVGN reference. Glad to see a potential and, and even an older one at that! Personally though, I think I'm going to stick with stick-on magnetic backing.
Thanks! 😄
Great jigs, but I wouldn't call it an adjuster. It indicates the micro adjustments you make, but does not adjust.
Thanks. And I suppose you're technically correct.
As I’m one of the many who don’t have the space, $, or strength to lift a steel top table saw out of the way when it’s not in use. I’m stuck with my aluminum top saw. I need to find a way to make a suction cup model of your micro adjuster.
Here's an idea that might help: 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/6e5d73a4-4cf4-438f-aba8-6b4960e689de/Micro-Adjuster-Jig-for-Fences
Great ideas there and i defo agree with you, that the 3rd option was the best.
Barry (ENG)
Thanks, Barry. 😄
just buy incra
That's an option, for sure. 😄
mr NW you got a kick as shop with some real nice tool upgrades and jigs. great suggestions too!
Thanks, John! It's funny though - there's always bigger and better shops. We do what we can with what we have, and what we can afford, right? 😄
I have the same Makita cordless drill you showed at the beginning. It is difficult to hold the lock ring to close the chuck on a bit. I'm not not sure why, but I don't have the same problem with my Festool, Porter Cable, or DeWalt drills. Other than that, it's a good drill with a lot of power.
Could there be something wrong with the drill? If so, it's probably under warranty. I had a problem where I couldn't change from screwdriver mode to drill mode (or hammer-drive mode). Makita fixed it under warranty.
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Maybe, but I don't think so. It just seems stiff. However, I'll look into it since you had the problem.
@@patlaw53 Good luck!
Definitely no:3. Thanks for a very informative video. Love the cardboard surround on the sander by the way. Dust control can be such a pain sometimes so I guess whatever works 😆.
Thanks! And yes, whatever works. 😄
Nice touch with those star-burst flares :) Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for noticing! 😄
I had to rewind to see that. I thought I was the only one who might have noticed that. 😂
@@rchavez5056 I've got to put more easter eggs in my videos. 😛
Thank God mine came with a miter slot attachment.
👍
Oh you sly woodworker you! As soon as you mentioned magnetic on Option 2 I thought of Magswitch and then, boom, there it was for option 3! Well done! Elegant and effective tool. Or as my cousin would say when he's had a little too much to drink, "sessy!"
LOL. Thanks!
How funny that your vids sync with my life. I am a professional abstract painter and I have been framing paintings. I spent the last 4 days cutting big wood into little stock. I have a very good fence on my table saw with precise increments but this is a very good idea. Oh yeah got thinking two steps ahead adjusted the fence incremnentally with saw running work piece just there an got a shot of luan plywood in the gut...... looks like my wife was in high school again..hickey. I know you and I are in a competition for near injury stories.
LOL, that's a contest I'd prefer neither of us win! 😄
Awesome, now attach some kind of threaded rod (maybe make a wooden thread?) and attach it. Then, when you need to push the fence, just turn the rod to adjust slowly vs "tap tap tap, crap too much..."
Thanks for the comment! I actually have a SketchUp model for that - even if you don't know SketchUp, you can look at the picture: 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/6e5d73a4-4cf4-438f-aba8-6b4960e689de/Micro-Adjuster-Jig-for-Fences.
Just found your channel (and website) - this is a great video. I love the way you try out different solutions and am going with your option 3. Many thanks
Awesome! Glad I could help. 😄
Do you really play video games?
Yes I do. Age 62 and still loving it. My brother's 72 and he does too. But I don't play online competitive games. I don't need some kid telling me I suck - I already know that. I've been playing Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild for years now. It's amazing how much time I've spent on it. 😄
Once again, good job. I appreciate the "idiot proof approach" I usually need it. I have a Ridgid with an aluminum top so I will try to put a runner on it or try to put a piece of steel key stock down in the slot.Have you done a vid on the device with a pusher screw on it? I may have gotten enough of a look at the one you used to reverse engineer one.
Thanks! I feel like an idiot here, but what device with the pusher screw? Can you give me a timecode?
Or you could invest in an Incra Table saw Fence and joinery system! Nice ideas DAN. A solution for many budgets.
Thanks. The thing I don't like about the Incra fence is that it partially covers the extension wing, where I like to pile stuff. 😄
The thing I don't like about Inca are their prices.
@@robira1313 Well, yeah, there's that too. But honestly, if it works, it doesn't look overpriced to me. On the other hand, it's certainly not cheap. 😄
I have this one from Rockler on my table saw. I love it.
www.rockler.com/wixey-saw-fence-digital-readout
@@rchavez5056 Thanks. I ordered it yesterday. 😄
Another way to move your fence; instead of tapping just grip your fence guide rail and roll a little pressure on the fence with your thumb. You’ll have to choose which hand to use as to the direction you want too move. Should work great with your indicator. Thanks for the ideas!
Thanks, that sounds like a great idea!
Nice tip. I also liked the cardboard box dust collector shroud on the sander in your magnet mount montage , I’ll try something like that to prototype similar idea for my mitre saw before cutting any expensive wood.
Thanks! It helps... some. 😄But I think using cardboard to prototype is a great idea! Good luck.
Great idea.
Thanks! 😄
made mine today... thanks for the idea! so much cheaper than the magswitch version or the woodpeckers
Awesome - glad I could help!
Just to pick on you a bit: I love your anti slip material, which side is the factory cut side?
LOL, I had to think about that for a moment. I guess that's why I'm not a seamstress. 😛
Well done.
Thanks! 😄
Nicely done! Definitely going with number 3 on this one! Thanks for posting..........
Thanks, and you're quite welcome! 😄
I missed what you were doing because I was groovin to that music!☺️
I don't *think* I have music in this video, do I?
Once again a great inspiring video. Gives me a lot of ideas. Thanks! 😁
Greetings from Switzerland
Awesome! Thanks for the nice words. 😄
Oh man I hear ya, 2 speeds, full bore and stop! 😭😭😭
Those mag switches are brilliant, a little hexy but brilliant and good for many other uses. 👍
Love that super duper dust shroud on your bench sander, mate. 😋👍😂
LOL, thanks, Bill. I knew I couldn't be the only one with that problem. Not sure what "hexy" means, but I'm guessing "pricey"? Regarding the dust shroud, I actually made a video on it, believe it or not. It's not worth watching if you haven't already, but I think the box is cool in a ghetto kind of way. 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker
Wait, what?
Not worth watching?
But it's kind of cool in a ghetto kinda way!
Now you know I just gotta watch it.... 😂😂😂
Bang on the money, mate. Hexy = pricy. 😋
@@SMee67 LOL - I just didn't want you to think I was overly proud of the video or anything. 😄The video I *am* overly proud of is one that almost nobody else appreciated: ua-cam.com/video/ZjzN45k6Dq0/v-deo.html 😛
Well done, I like it. Number 3 for me, thanks, friend.
Thanks! 😄
Great tool! Using the magnet approach is the best. I made one myself using a small block of hardwood and a neodymium magnet and a tapped hole on the side to mount the gauge. In addition to using it for fine tuning the fence as you illustrated, Russ Veinot on his web site, used the tool to accurately measure and account for the blade kerf width for any blade in use at the time. Simply square of a small piece of sacrificial wood and then use the gauge to move the fence exactly 1/4 of an inch, make a thin rip cut on the piece of wood and using a caliper measure the actual width of the thin strip. I will be 1/4 inch minus the actual width of the kerf. So 0.25 minus the with of the strip = the width of the kerf. Write it on the blade if you wish. Great presentation as usual.
Thanks, and great idea! Thanks for sharing. 😄
Me too, I'm a cheapscape..lol
@@TheUnofficialMaker 😂
Dan - Awesome! I have all of these things. Such a simple and quite accurate remedy. It is fun doing this with my Incra TS/LS fence (I'm easily entertained) Thanks for your excellent video on a great solution!
Thanks! I'm amazed at how many people use that fence. Do you really need this, if you have that fence?
@@TheNewbieWoodworker ..nope.. not needed but it is fun to actually see the consistent accuracy of the Incra fence... 12 clicks to move the fence 1/64 inch... it just tickles me to see the movement register on the igage... big boys toys... retired and i still don't want to grow up... you have a great channel Dan!
@@stevenrayhoward Thanks for the compliment. I totally, 100% understand what you're saying, and I couldn't agree more. It's fun to see things work like they're supposed to, and you can never have too many toys. 😄
I thought of an add-on for you for number three, make your wood base longer on the front side, and mount a threaded rod with a knob on the end to make the adjustments mechanically instead of tapping.
That's a good idea, and I actually made a jig like that a while back. But moving the fence requires the jig to be clamped down, or a really strong magnet, otherwise it you can't guarantee you won't move the jig. There's a couple of other issues too - enough to make it not worth the effort, at least to me. But it's a good idea in theory, for sure.
@@TheNewbieWoodworker thanks for taking the time to reply. Glad you already thought of it too.
@@TimL1979 👍
Very nice,, thanks for sharing
Thanks, and you're quite welcome! 😄
I love the harbor freight dial indicator. I took it to work, out of curiosity, and tested it. It is just as accurate as the high dollar ones.
That doesn't surprise me at all. Thanks for sharing!
Im not surprised it was either, I WOULD be surprised if it still is 2 years later. ;-) That's where the good stuff counts is something you can always count on although you still always have to recertify it periodically. Less surprises with Mitutoyo, Starrett, Brown and Sharpe, etc.
@@DavidBaumgarner Sometimes it's a calculated trade-off between something that will last a long time, but may not be used a lot, to something that is cheap and you may need to replace it.
Do you have another link to the Magnetic Switch?
The first link does not work
It worked for me. Try scrolling down about an inch from the top of the site. It's $26. www.amazon.com/s?k=magnetic+switch&crid=V5RYD1TE9TZQ&sprefix=magnetic+switch%2Caps%2C242&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_15
Thanks for pointing that out. The link was correct, except I didn't start a new line after it. Here it is: amzn.to/2G54KAc
@@robira1313 Thanks, Rob! I fixed it. amzn.to/2G54KAc.
Clever. Nice job. The Incra fence allows for this type of precision, with repeatability.
That's good to know. Thanks!
I agree, nice video. As long as we are offering alternatives, I put the Wixey digital fence readout on my table saw and I use it the way that you use the digital dial indicator. Of course, I can also use it for accurate measurements.
@@paulruud5804 Thanks for mentioning that. I saw it mentioned somewhere once, but then couldn't remember who made it, and I could never find it in a Google search. Out of curiosity, why do you use that *and* the Incra fence?
@@TheNewbieWoodworker I don't have the Incra fence. :-) Just the Wixey.
@@paulruud5804 That makes sense. Thanks!
Good job Dan One thing I like about your channel is you find things on Amazon that I didn't know you could buy. The magnet switch would be great for a lot of projects. You can bet Ill add one of those to my wish list.
Thanks! And I love to find products I never even knew were there before, so I get it completely. 😄
I have one of those magnetic stand thingies so I would probably go with that.
But in case of runners, I usually try something that I also try on the chop saw for "sneaking" cuts: if I need to shave off a bit, I turn the saw off (duh! :D), put the piece between the blade and the fence, unlock the fence, "push" the fence a bit towards the blade so that the blade deflects ever so slightly. Then lock the fence and re-cut. Of course, this will not work with either zero clearance inserts or blades that are most of the way up (too close to arbor = too rigid to move).
Huh. I never thought of that. I like it! I'll have to give that a try. Thanks!
@@TheNewbieWoodworker :D Also thanks for the tips! I thought I did thank you in the previous reply but reading it again it seems that I forgot :P
@@AlipashaSadri You forgot?!? After all that work I did? Just kidding. 😛No worries.