Recommendations on Miter Gauge

[Guy Belleman]

I thought I had a miter gauge with 3/4" bar and couldn't find one. So now I need one just for bandsaw and router table work. I don't really need the fanciest. I have only used the basic Delta tablesaw model, and have no experience with some the newer versions. There are some reviews available, but there seems to no clear winner and quite a few different views on the qualities of most popular miter gauges.

So, after looking at price (~$25 to $80) I have narrowed down the list to several possibilities, and thought you folks might have some insights to these models. I did look at eBay, but the prices seemed a little high for generally older and beat up tools, so thought it might just be best to go new.

-Incra V27, $53 at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Incra-MITERV27-Miter-V27-Gauge/dp/B0007UQ2DW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327991682&sr=8-1 (https://owa.pac.dodea.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.amazon.com/Incra-MITERV27-Miter-V27-Gauge/dp/B0007UQ2DW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8%26qid=1327991682%26sr=8-1))

-Incra V120, $60 at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Incra-MITERV120-INCRA-MiterV120-Miter/dp/B001RCTTG6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327991682&sr=8-2 (https://owa.pac.dodea.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.amazon.com/Incra-MITERV120-INCRA-MiterV120-Miter/dp/B001RCTTG6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8%26qid=1327991682%26sr=8-2))

-MLCS 1725, $29.95 at MLCS (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/miter_t-slot_accessories.html#miter_gauge_anchor (https://owa.pac.dodea.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/miter_t-slot_accessories.html%23miter_gauge_anchor))

-MLCS 9458, $40.87 at Amazon (not listed at MLCS) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SW2N0S/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_g60_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0S54EC0CVTAKESBV8WEZ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 (https://owa.pac.dodea.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SW2N0S/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_g60_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER %26pf_rd_s=center-2%26pf_rd_r=0S54EC0CVTAKESBV8WEZ%26pf_rd_t=101%26p f_rd_p=470938631%26pf_rd_i=507846))

-MLCS 9457, Miter gauge & Miter t-fence, $79.90 at MLCS (at same website as 1725 above)

-Grizzly H5774, $38 at Grizzly, 13" miter bar is appealing (http://www.grizzly.com/products/Miter-Gauge-For-G0444/H5774 (https://owa.pac.dodea.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.grizzly.com/products/Miter-Gauge-For-G0444/H5774))

Any thoughts or views would be welcome. Thank-you. Guy

[Jerome Hanby]

I don't see how you can go wrong with anything from Incra.

[Bill White]

I have the Incra 1000SE on the TS. Took the Grizz to the router table (it was on the G0444Z). Works there for me.
Bill

[Prashun Patel]

If it's not too big for router table work, then I humbly suggest the Incra V27. It's very accurate, which is something you'll appreciate after repeated use. The biggest complaints with the Incra tend to be about the fence adjustment (which requires a screwdriver). On the bandsaw and router table though, you'll be working with a very small aux fence so this will not be an issue. That's not to say the others you cite are bad, just that this one has been for me frustration free and reliable.

Come to think of it, if you don't need the adjustability that the V27 offers, and all you really want is a slop-free sled to work at a few fixed angles (45/90) you might consider buying some UHMW and building some fixed sled/gauges. They'll be most reliable and repeatable.

[Russ Ambrose]

i agree with the others....can't go wrong with Incra. i have a pair of Incra V27s. love them.

[Jerome Hanby]

Funny how different folks are. The "screwdriver" used to adjust all the Incra settings is one of the best features IMHO.

[glenn bradley]

I ave a couple V-27's that I added Incra fences to. One for the TS and one for the RT. Very satisfied. They often go on sale for around $40 - $45. For the bandsaw I use the one that came with the saw which is reasonably decent. For the router table I need a little more precision than a generic can provide.

[Charlie Ross]

I’ve had my Incra 1000SE for a few years, and a month ago purchased an Incra miter sled. That combination is one of the best small tool buys I’ve made for my shop. Not only is the 1000SE accurate, but with the sled, it works great for cutting small pieces where I have to get my fingers up close to the blade, and also helps keep larger pieces under control. For me it was really worth the extra money!

[Charlie Ross]

Also, the v27 or any other miter gauge will work with the Incra Miter Express sled.
Charlie

[Kyle Iwamoto]

+ whatever for any of the Incras. The V27 is cheap, and accurate. Can't beat that.
Next on my list is the sled. After making 89 degree sleds, it's time to buy one. Not worth the frustration of trying to re-align a homemade sled.

[Matt Meiser]

I've got a 1000SE and love it as well. Since I was occasionally finding that it was set up for something and I didnt' want to mess with it, I bought a v27 as well and use that for special setups, places where I want a special sacrificial fence, etc. The V27 is great and the 1000se is even better.

[Myk Rian]

I use a vintage Craftsman for the band saw, router table, and sander. Don't really need more than that.
If I was to use other than my EB-3 on the table saw, I would probably get an Incra.

[Cary Falk]

I bought a v120 for my bandsaw/sander/etc. It was cheaper at the time than the V27. I don't think you could go wrong with either. I have the Incra 1000SE on my tablesaw.

[Doug Colombo]

I also have the Incra 1000SE for the TS - great unit. As many have said, I don't think you can go wrong with an Incra.

[ed vitanovec]

I have the Incra 1000HD and really like it, I would recommend it.

[Mort Stevens]

I don't know why, but the Osborne EB-3 Miter Gauge doesn't seem to get much press among woodworkers... I have one setup for my tablesaw and another one I use with the bandsaw (extension and angle guide flipped to other side) - personally having used many different styles over the years I would never consider anything else. It's accurate, repeatable, it's well designed and it just plain works as it should, what else could you want? :)

[Richard Wagner]

I use the Incra V120 and am very pleased.

[Von Bickley]

I have the Incra 1000HD and really like it, I would recommend it.

I have the Incra 1000HD and like it also......

I think the Incra, Osborne, or Kreg will serve you well. I would look at all of these and look for the best deal.

[Guy Belleman]

I appreciate everyone's advice. I ordered the Incra V27 and I am sure I will be very happy with it on my bandsaw and small router table.

I did look at the Osbourne EB-3 and that looks like it would be a very fine gauge for a larger saw, like a tablesaw. It is very tempting since Osbourne has a special offer on it right now for $99, and normally lists for $165.