Incra 1000SE, 3000SE, or 5000?

[Matt Roth]

I know the "Which miter gauge" question has been beat to death, but I searched and couldn't find an answer.

Most of my projects for the next few years will include cabinets, small boxes, and bedroom type furniture. I would like to make better use of my TS for accurate, repeatable cross cuts and miters. That said, I'm considering the three of the above miter gauges. Here's what I'm seeing with each:

1000SE: Probably would work for most of my projects, best price.

3000SE: Longer miter bar/telescoping to 49" vs. 31" for 1000; more angle stops

5000: Probably wouldn't have considered a sled, but it's close in price to the 3000; do I need a sled? Telescopes out to 64". Sure looks cool!

Having never used any of these, I'm not sure how useful features such as a longer telescoping bar or sled really would be. I'm thinking it would be nice to have the additional capacity to make repeat cuts for longer rails, etc. Am I missing something obvious?

[Von Bickley]

Check out the 1000HD. I watched the internet for a couple of weeks and got mine from Amazon for $120.00.
Just like the 1000SE but with more angle stops (180). Some people have lucked up and caught it for $99.00.

[Matt Roth]

Is there a good way to set up the 1000's to do repeatable cuts on pieces longer than 31"?

[Von Bickley]

Is there a good way to set up the 1000's to do repeatable cuts on pieces longer than 31"?

I think you can get a longer fence for the 1000.

[Michael Heffernan]

You can get the longer fence (27"-49") for about $55, if you decide to get the 1000SE or 1000HD. Amazon.com, Woodpeck.com or Incrementaltools.com carry it. Item code is INCRA FLIPFNC27-49. You can just swap out the 31" fence and use your FlipStop that came with the gauge.
But if you want that length of capacity, you might want to just go with the 3000SE, as the 49" fence comes standard. If you want the maximum capacity, go with the 5000 with the 64" capacity.
I have the 1000HD and love it. Extreme repeatability of cuts, infinite micro-adjustability, etc. There are time that I wish I had the longer fence, but not often.

[Mark Woodmark]

I would get either the Miter Express and either the 1000SE or 3000SE to go with it or I would get the Incra Miter Gauge Combo Pack. I have the Miter Express and the 3000SE. The 3000SE is more than I will ever need. The Miter 5000 is a little bigger than the Miter Express but doesnt allow you to change miter gauges in it. I also have the Miter 2000. Both these gauges work great. I will admit having to remove both miter tables absolutely every time I want to rip is somewhat of a pain. Also with the Miter Express or the Miter 5000 you will loose about 5/8" of cutting depth capacity

http://www.incrementaltools.com/INCRA_Miter_Express_p/miterexpress.htm

http://www.incrementaltools.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ME%2F1000SE

http://www.incrementaltools.com/INCRA_Miter_1000SE_p/miter1000-fslash-se.htm

http://www.incrementaltools.com/INCRA_Miter_3000SE_p/miter3000-fslash-se.htm

http://www.incrementaltools.com/INCRA_Miter_2000_p/miter2000-fslash-27.htm

[Derek Gilmer]

I have the 1000HD and love it. Extreme repeatability of cuts, infinite micro-adjustability, etc. There are time that I wish I had the longer fence, but not often.
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I concur. If you can wait the 1000HD occasionally drops to $129 or $119 on sales.

[Jesse Espe]

I think you can get a longer fence for the 1000.

It's available on Amazon as stated in previous posts, but has anybody actually done this? Would hate to order it, then go through the hassle of sending it back or recouping the money becuase the holes didn't line up, for example.

Already did that dance with the X5 Cabinet Saw and the Unisaw mobile base...

[Greg Portland]

You can get a longer fence on any of these gauges. Take a board, drill some holes for the T-nuts and mount it onto the gauge. If you want aluminum, check out 8020 on ebay and get a long T-nut rail of your choice.

[Ray Newman]

See what Greg Portland wrote. I' 'gonna' may make one for my 1000SE to have on hand JIC -- "just in case"....

Also, those long aluminum fences add a great deal of "dead weight" when extended and are/can be cumbersome to move for the cut. And when not extended, they are still heavy.

I once thought 'bout buying another OEM longer fence for my 1000SE for a job. It was easier and quicker for to add an approx. 42" wooden sub fence to the miter gauge. A simple wood block clamped to the fence allowed repeated cuts.

[Matt Roth]

Thanks all! I think I'm leaning toward the Miter Combo thanks to the suggestions here. The wooden subfence to extend the existing fence for the 1000 negates most uses I'd have for the 3000 and buys me a sled to boot! Thanks!