I've heard that factory miter gauges aren't really the best option, but I'm not sure what brands or models people generally recommend. With so many choices—and some that can really break the bank—what miter gauges have you found to work well?
3 Answers
If you're on a budget, the Incra v27 is a solid option. I also picked up the Viking Mountain Toolworks gauge recently, which has a built-in box joint jig. It works okay for the price, and it cuts at 0 degrees right out of the box. Just be aware that it’s essentially a Torquata miter gauge with a different label on it. Once you get it set up, the box joint jig is pretty handy too!
You're right about factory miter gauges—they often have issues like loose bars and unreliable stops. When picking a miter gauge, think about what features you really need. The Incra Miter 5000 or SawStop TSA RMG are great, but they can be pricey! Here are some must-haves and nice-to-haves: Must-Haves: miter bar adjustment and a good fence for zero clearance boards. Nice-to-haves: adjustable flip stops and miter detents. I personally use an Incra 3000SE and love it, though adjusting it can sometimes slow me down since it requires a hex driver for most tweaks.
The Wood Whisperer did a thorough test of several top miter gauges in a YouTube episode. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for recommendations! Here’s the link to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBQtzhCiMhY
I was just about to mention that video. It's a solid review!
That sounds like a great deal! Thanks for the tip!