Table Saw Miter Guage

[Bigdog72]

Most miter gauges have a washer at the end of the bar to hold the gauge in the slot. I am always trying to lift mine out of the slot and am deterred by that washer so I am thinking of removing it. Are you a washer or non washer person?

 

[ebarr]

washer...but seriously thinking of ditching it all together in favor of a crosscut sled. Saw an angle jig for one the other day think it was in the latest wood magazine

 

[Bill Clemmons]

I've left the washer on mine. I usually just push it all the way out the back end and lift it. Actually, its rare that I use the miter guage. I usually use some type of jig, or just the fence to rip cut.

Bill

 

[Gotcha6]

Non. All my table saws were made before they started with T slots. :gar-Bi
But if it had one I'd take it off........

 

[sawman101]

I leave mine on, but then I use an Incra miter gage, primarily because I am making a # of 90 deg. cuts of equal lengths. Simple to matter lay the gage guide in the track and push it forward until the front edge falls all the way into place, then pull it back. Same procedure to remove it. But then I have a simple mind--please don't confuse me with logic.:icon_scra

 

[Joe Scharle]

Geoff, make one of these and forget all about miter gauges!
Universal TS jig from Wood.

View image in gallery​

 

[jhreed]

Joe, did you make the jig or is it store bought? Appears to be a logo on the center section. Also, need help in understanding, does the sawblade cut the cross arm?

 

[Bigdog72]

Geoff, make one of these and forget all about miter gauges!
Universal TS jig from Wood.
[/QUOTE

It's on my list, Joe, but right now I use an Osborne and the washer is starting to be a pain.

 

[Joe Scharle]

Joe, did you make the jig or is it store bought? Appears to be a logo on the center section. Also, need help in understanding, does the sawblade cut the cross arm?

James, it's shop built. What you see in the pic is the angle setting step. Since it works in either miter slot, I use one to place it beside the fence and with an adjustable right angle or electronic protractor, I can set the miter angle.....right on.
After setting and locking the angle, I lift it up and over to the other miter slot.
Also, since it's zero clearance cutoff, I set the mark to the edge and let her rip...er crosscut, that is.

 

[Joe Scharle]

Geoff, make one of these and forget all about miter gauges!
Universal TS jig from Wood.
[/QUOTE

It's on my list, Joe, but right now I use an Osborne and the washer is starting to be a pain.

Yea, I used to have one of those.....

 

[Gotcha6]

Joe Scharle with a store bought jig?
The recession must be over!

 

[JackLeg]

Joe Scharle with a store bought jig?
The recession must be over!

:rotflm: AMEN!

 

[ehpoole]

With respect to the original question...

I use the retainer washer/clip (it is not always a washer) with any T-Tracked miter track that allows their use. As others have mentioned, not every miter track is 'T'd (as in T-Track), some only allow for the 3/4"x3/8" bar.

The purpose of the washer/clip is to positively retain the miter gauge in the slot when it is pulled forward beyond the front edge of the table -- such as for wide boards -- whether it be at the tablesaw, bandsaw, router table, etc. With the washer/clip installed the miter gauge will not tip up precariously, nor will it crash to the floor when extended beyond the front edge of the table.

I have never found mine to be a hassle so I always leave them in place for any tool that has a true T-track, but I will remove them when working with a tool that does not. To easily remove a miter gauge with such a retainer, you can either simply pull it back fully until it is free OR you may push it forward until the retainer washer/clip clears the rear of the table and then lift the miter gauge up and clear of the table.

As with much in woodworking, it is very much a matter of personal opinion and is not mandatory. If it really hassles you, go ahead and remove it -- just be careful when mitering or cross-cutting wide boards where the miter gauge must partially extend beyond the table's front edge.

 

[JimD]

I use (and recommend) an Osborne but my saw (a Ryobi BT3100) came with no miter gauge slots. So I built accessory tables with them but they are not t-slotted. So I run without a washer. Mostly I cross cut on a radial arm or a dual bevel 12 inch CMS.

Jim