If you find your shop-made jigs are a bit sloppy in the miter track as you work, you need to grab a hold of Micro Jigs new “Zero Play” Guide Bar System (this is the same company that delivered the GRR-Ripper). This guide bar system allows you to accurately dial in the perfect fit to a miter slot, no matter if it’s for your table saw, band saw or any other track. The way the system works is by fitting two glass-reinforced polymer half pieces into the slot, then you add a few small screws to lock everything in place. Once the guide bar is set, it stays put. No more adding tape , painter, duct or scotch, for that matter , to your current guide bar to get a good fit.
Don’t think you need this jig? Take a milled stick that exactly fits one of your miter slots, then try that same stick in a different slot. I know at the Popular Woodworking shop we have more miter slots than do most woodworkers, but I found differences in quite a few.
In addition, Micro Jig supplies you with a stop that you have to insert into your t-shaped miter slot and lock in position with a nylon set screw. The stop acts as a block to help position the guide bars. What’s cool is that after you are finished assembling the bars, the stop can be used to lock other things , hold downs, feather boards and the like , in the slot. It’s like getting another jig included. At $11.99 I like the two-for deal.
Instructions are complete and they include couple additional ideas as to what extra you can do with the stops. Set-up is easy and the stop does lock strong into the slot.
To catch a video of the system, click here.
Looking for More Free Woodworking Information?
– Sign up for our newsletters to get free plans, techniques and reviews HERE.
– Like tools? We do! Read our latest tool coverage HERE.
– Learn a new woodworking technique today. Click HERE.
– Check out our selection of half-price woodworking books HERE.
– Get 8 years of Popular Woodworking on one CD. Click HERE.
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.