INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge

The INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge box was well packed inside the standard Amazon box with plenty of packing material, and arrived in pristine condition. One thing that immediately struck me was the attention to detail that was taken with regards to ensuring that all pieces arrived undamaged and unscratched. Even the threads on the large black knob had a little cardboard sleeve to protect the threads in transit. Inspection of the components revealed that all parts were present and accounted for. Indeed, INCRA even includes extra expansion mechanisms and instructions for T-tracks or miter gauge slots slightly wider or narrower than the standard 3/4". Bravo, INCRA. I arrayed all of the parts in preparation for assembly. Initial impressions of the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge is that it is BEEFY. This is a solidly-made, precise, well-engineered product that leaves little to be desired in terms of heft. INCRA has included hardware and instructions to build and attach a 3/4" sacrificial fence (note people's answer to my "Ask a Question", above, was instrumental in my decision to purchase this product). The instructions explain how to attach the sacrificial fence, as well as how to adjust the ShopStop so that it functions fully. The full-color glossy instructions (and a couple of good quality photocopied pages included with the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge were very easy to follow and comprehensive. The INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge was very easy to assemble and adjust to the particulars of my Bosch 4100-09 table saw. The INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge fits perfectly in the T-track of my Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand . A few minor adjustments of the integral expansion mechanisms removed what little side-to-side play there was. Once the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge was assembled and in place on my table saw I proceeded to square it up. Surprisingly, every angle tested dead-on square. When I was placing my order for my INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge I was certain I would have to also order some UHMW tape to ensure that the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge slid easily across my table saw. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I turned over the fence only to find that INCRA had already added a strip of UHMW tape to the bottom. Placing the the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge back into the table saw, I tested the action. The whole assembly glided with ease with no sticking or side-to-side play. Comparing the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge to the Bosch 4100-09 miter gauge, the Bosch miter gauge might as well be two sticks that are Scotch-taped together. The accuracy and precision of the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge is leaps and bounds beyond the Bosch miter gauge. I was apprehensive to even try cross cuts with the Bosch miter gauge, but now I have supreme confidence in the trueness of the cut and my safety while using the INCRA Miter1000/HD Miter Gauge. INCRA stands out as an excellent example of superb American engineering. I am unable to give this product 10 stars, so the standard 5 stars will have to do. Thank you, INCRA. Keep engineering quality products.

We make tenons on the tablesaw. It has always been a struggle to get square shoulders on the tenon. With the Incra miter this is a repeatable operation made easy with the indent system. The key to accuracy is the initial setup. The directions are clear. As with any new tool there is a learning curve to master but with this tool it is not difficult. Framing squares and machinist's squares will get the initial adjustments very close. But one of the best methods to determine squareness is by cutting the shoulders of a tenon in succession. As the last cut is made, there should be no visible misalignment in the wood. If there are, minute adjustments for square will solve any issues. The beauty of this tool is, barring rough treatment (think dropping or hitting it) this is only a periodic event. One word of caution is crucial. Make certain that square material is used for any testing. The sliding stop is well made and reflective of Incra's quality. I have not taken the time to understand the ruler applique. Several reviewers mentioned they wished they had cut it longer. Until i have a need, it will remain in the box. Incra has provided a very good system to reduce side-to-side motion between the miter bar and the miter track in the tablesaw. If you are finicky try to adjust the individual adjustment screws the same amount to reduce skewing of the tool in the miter track. BTW, for use with small panel cutting operations, I added a short platform on the tablesaw fence support. This allows the miter to slide off the cast iron table and eliminates twisting or trying to hold the free end of the miter up until the cutting advances enough to provide support. We are using an Incra Tablesaw Fence which allows this support to be mounted quickly. The vernier system to allow 1/10 degree adjustment requires some getting used to. It functions the same way a transit does, but reading and setting it are different. It is very good for fine adjjustments Potential product improvements include: Allen head screwdriver storage on the end of the main miter arm. The screwdriver fits one of the aluminum extrusion's slots/cavaties There is not enough friction to hold the screwdriver and allen wrench securely. Mount the vernier tables on the tool. The photos in the manual are good, but better if the tool is totally self-contained This is best miter tool I have ever seen. Well designed and sturdy. You won't regret the purchase. Glenn