I just got a new miter gauge with a fence to help me make more precise cuts on my table saw. While I was setting it up, I realized that if I measure too precisely on the fence, the aluminum part might touch the saw blade. It came with a zero clearance block, but I can't keep sacrificing that for every cut! I'm wondering what I'm missing here or if there's a better way to set this up.
2 Answers
It's probably easier to see what you're working with if you post a pic. I don't usually use the fence markings; instead, I keep the fence away from the blade and then if I need the zero clearance feature, I just clamp on a sacrificial piece of wood as a temporary fence.
You actually don't need to rely on the miter gauge's ruler for measuring the exact distance to the blade. It's more of a reference tool. Usually, you'd adjust the stop block to where you want it, say 4" for starting, and then move it back a half inch if you want to take that off. Just make sure the aluminum edge of the miter gauge is set slightly away from the blade. If you want to get the cut pieces through without them getting stuck on the blade, you could attach a sacrificial board that extends past the front of the miter gauge.