Without a miter gauge, your workpiece can wobble, leading to a less-than-perfect cut. It’s essential to understand the ins and outs of this tool to avoid subpar projects and potential accidents.
To make things easier, I have compiled a list of the best table saw miter gauges I’ve used throughout the years, along with a handy guide on how to use them effectively!
Reviews of the Top Table Saw Miter Gauges
1. INCRA MITER1000SE Miter Gauge Special Edition
Starting off my miter gauge review is the INCRA MITER1000SE. This INCRA special edition miter gauge is the brand’s most popular product in the upper midrange price point.
It has a long, telescoping aluminum fence that can extend from 18 to 31 inches, offering great stability to your cut. The legends for the primary scale are engraved, making sure they do not fade over time.
The gauge also includes the patented INCRA Flip Shop Stop-Fence Positioner, enhancing its accuracy. Overall, it’s incredibly precise, adjustable, and is compatible with many of the popular table saws out there.
What I Like
- The laser-cut V-stops ensure precise angles and stability.
- Its adjustable miter fence handles a range of stock widths seamlessly.
- It's versatile enough to custom-fit any miter gauge groove.
- The innovative flip-stop locks are great for consistent, repeated miter cuts.
What I Don't Like
- It might be challenging to find outside the US or Canada.
- The provided setup instructions could be clearer.
2. INCRA MITER5000 Miter 5000 Table Saw Miter Gauge with Sled and Telescoping Fence
Incra’s MITER5000 is the priciest INCRA model but the biggest gauge on this list. It promises the utmost stability and accuracy money can buy.
This particular model from INCRA can cut boards across the table surface of the saw. It’s unique in design, being a hybrid between a table saw sled and a traditional miter gauge. In a way, it brings the best of both worlds.
The telescoping aluminum fence’s far end can clamp onto many standard angles. Sure, it might need a few screws during installation, but in my opinion, the precision it offers is totally worth the effort!
What I Like
- The double-locking mechanism is the most stable I've ever encountered.
- Its precision is evident, with the various partial degree settings.
- The miter fence is of premium quality.
- It comes with a practical set of accessories.
What I Don't Like
- The cost is on the higher side.
- Setting it up takes a bit of time.
3. INCRA MITERV27 Miter V27 Miter Gauge
The most affordable INCRA miter gauge on this list is the MITERV27. It is aptly named for the 27 laser-cut V-stops on its head, marking common angles.
This is one of the most portable miter gauges I’ve worked with. It features two machined slots on its head for adding an auxiliary fence using nylon screws.
In terms of value, it’s the top miter gauge for its entry-level price, especially within the INCRA lineup. It’s a great pick for woodworkers like me who move between different workshops and want to bring their tools along.
What I Like
- It's portable, making transport a breeze.
- The stops are both precise and stable, ensuring consistent cuts.
- In terms of value, it's arguably the best miter gauge available for its price.
- The four expansion points on the miter bar are a great touch to minimize any play.
What I Don't Like
- It's frequently out of stock, making it hard to snag one.
- Shipping is limited, restricting its availability to certain destinations.
4. Kreg KMS7102 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge
The Kreg Precision miter gauge is easy to assemble and perfectly aligned. It is factory calibrated so that you can use it right away. Its fence has swing stop slides.
There are five bar adjusters on the miter bar, preventing play on the miter slot. It also looks sleek compared to bulkier miter gauges. It offers Kreg’s patented Swing Stop, an adjustable clamp that can be repositioned easily along the fence with a simple knob.
It also fits popular table saws from DeWalt and Metabo. Generally, it is the next best table saw miter gauge after Incra MITER1000SE.
What I Like
- It comes factory calibrated, ensuring accuracy right out of the box.
- It's perfectly square to both the bar and table, a detail I appreciate.
- The micro-adjustments up to 1/100th of a degree add another layer of precision.
- Given its features, it's a standout product for its price range.
What I Don't Like
- It's consistently hard to find in stock.
- The color choice is limited to just blue.
5. Fulton Precision Miter Gauge with Aluminum Miter Fence
The Fulton Precision Miter Gauge has been my recommendation for anyone looking for their first upgrade. It’s budget-friendly, and it’s straightforward to put together and use. With 13 positive stops – one at 90 degrees and six on both sides at different angles – it offers excellent versatility.
The fence is cut at 45 degrees on either side, allowing extra close positioning of the fence to the table saw. The fence also has a convenient flip stop that can be easily positioned or taken out of the way. Overall, it’s a solid choice I highly recommend if you’re in search of a budget miter gauge.
What I Like
- It's priced affordably, suiting various budgets.
- Its configuration is very beginner-friendly.
- Both the miter fence and gauge head are crafted from aluminum, ensuring they remain rust-free.
What I Don't Like
- Its shipping destinations are somewhat restricted.
- For those used to heftier gauges, its lightweight nature might feel a bit off.
6. Rockler Table saw CrossCut Sled
Regular miter gauges have positive stops that might be so tiny that doing minute degree adjustments is such a hassle. This is where a crosscut sled, aka miter gauge sled shines. It has a large protractor-like rule where you will swivel the fence to the desired angle.
Compared to a traditional miter gauge, placing the angles and adjustment mechanism at the side makes for an adjustment mechanism that is easy to read and adjust precisely.
The right edge of this Rockler Table saw CrossCut Sled could act as a zero-clearance chip breaker, so you don’t have to make your own.
What I Like
- The mechanism is designed for precise angle adjustments, down to half-degree graduations.
- You can trim the sled material to achieve a snug fit with your table saw.
- The sled's right edge acts as a useful zero-clearance chip breaker.
What I Don't Like
- It's on the pricier side.
- Its design feels a tad bulkier than some might prefer.
7. POWERTEC 71142 Universal Table Saw Miter Gauge Assembly/Miter Gauge with 27 Angle Stops
Rounding off my recommendations, the POWERTEC 71142 serves as an excellent “first upgrade” choice. It boasts angle-cut stops for 27 distinct angles, each at 5-degree increments. Crafted from thick aluminum for the gauge and stainless steel for the miter bar, it’s built for lasting durability.
The gauge handle is thick and ergonomic. This miter gauge has no built-in fence but has machined slots for mounting your own auxiliary fence with two screws.
It fits table saws or machines with a 3/8” x 3/4” t-slot. Overall, it’s a very good miter gauge for its price.
What I Like
- It's priced affordably, yet the build quality is durable.
- Its design is straightforward and without unnecessary frills.
- It's particularly well-suited for smaller table saws.
What I Don't Like
- The quantities available are often limited.
- It tends to sell out quickly, leading to frequent understock situations.
Table Saw Miter Gauge Buyer’s Guide
Design and Build
Overall, you might want to consider a miter with mostly steel components, as aluminum components might get dented or chipped when dropped. The best table saw miter gauges are made with a steel miter bar for a durable, snug fit.
Check for out-of-the-box samples whenever possible to check for wobbly or loose components and if they can be tightened or not (i.e. they should be too wobbly).
Protractor Head
For the protractor head, the thicker the material, the better. Steel types are usually more durable than aluminum, but you might want to check regularly for rust in case of prolonged storage.
Those with engraved angle markers are also the best, ensuring the numbers won’t fade away.
In addition, look for a table saw miter gauge with precise and smooth adjustments, as this will enhance the accuracy and ease of making angled cuts in your woodworking projects.
Miter Fence
Most of the budget options do not come with a fence but machined slots to help you put in your own shop-made auxiliary fence.
Most of the premium gauges do include an aluminum fence attached to the head, and some also provide a flip-stop attachment, which can help you make repeated miter cuts of the same angle or length.
Go for a gauge with a telescoping fence for additional support when cutting. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on a rip fence. Also, consider using a measuring tape, as most miter fences may not reflect the correct length due to it being away from the blade.
Miter Bar
T-Slot or Rectangular
Are the slots for miter gauges universal? Not really. Most table saws accommodate a rectangular miter bar.
Some do have a ‘T track,’ a sort of inverted ‘T’ shape, which firmly secures the miter bar in place, making sure it just slides forward or backward and not pop off the miter groove.
Check what miter bar your table saw miter groove can take in. Most rectangular miter bars have a T-slot adapter, so check both the table saw and miter gauge for compatibility.
Tight Fit
Miter bars should have a tight fit into the groove and should slide smoothly without wobble, or what woodworkers call ‘play.’
You can put smooth tape on miter bars without expansion disks to tighten their fit. But this might reduce the consistency of the cuts due to the nature of the tape.
Most aftermarket miter gauges have expansion disks anyway, so steer away from those that don’t.
Adjustment Knobs
Adjustment knobs on miter bars usually have an Allen wrench head and a mechanism to expand or contract nylon washers to ensure the miter bar fits snugly into the miter groove.
Generally, the more expansion disks on the miter bar, the better to ensure the length of the bar slides nicely into the groove.
Angle Stops
Accurate angles provide accurate cuts. Angle stops on most budget options have positive stops, which are just holes marking certain angles. You can then pull the brass pin out of a hole, adjust the fence to your preferred angle, then drop the pin in that angle.
While positive stops provide easy adjustments, they can wiggle if the pin is not tightened enough. The holes also take up a lot of space, so you can only have a few holes for the more popular angles, as the usual nine miter detents of a common miter saw.
For more choices of angles, I’d recommend going for angle stops that are laser-cut V-shaped stops, like saw teeth. Compared to positive stops, these are usually more stable, accurate, and have a lot of angle options, usually per stop per 5-degree increments.
Other Accessories
Fence Bar
If you can, go for miter gauges with a telescoping fence bar that can adjust and support any length of wood you need to cut.
Sacrificial Fence
More premium gauges allow you to attach an extended fence bar called a sacrificial fence. This is just any piece of scrap wood a bit taller and longer than the woodpiece you’re cutting.
This allows you to support the entire woodpiece, laid flush against the sacrificial fence, reducing the possibility of a tear-up when you cut it by the saw.
Vernier Cursor
If you need to do half-degree angle cuts, you should definitely buy a gauge with a vernier cursor (aka vernier scale). The vernier scale [1] provides very minute adjustments and is usually made of steel to match the protractor head.
Why You Need a Miter Gauge
Miter gauges hold your workpiece in place if you’re cutting it at a set angle. Without a miter gauge, you are basically guessing the cutting angle, which won’t be precise.
Without the support from the miter gauge fence, your workpiece may wobble and ‘kickback,’ where your workpiece is thrown backward at you by the table saw. Kickback is the leading cause of injury when using a table saw.
What’s Wrong with the Built-in Miter Gauge on Table Saws?
The stops in the main gauge are notorious for being loose most of the time and thus require constant tightening. Their miter bar that goes in the miter slot may become loose as well and may require tape or mechanical adjustment (i.e. hitting it with a hammer) to fit snuggly.
An aftermarket miter gauge usually solves these two problems, earning its place with other power tools.
A stock miter gauge comes with only the popular angles like 45, 22.5, and 90 degrees, making it unfit for custom woodwork.
How to Use a Miter Gauge
Here are the general steps in using a miter gauge. Always refer to your gauge’s manual for safety features or additional steps you might need to do.
- Make sure the miter gauge slides snugly in the table saw’s miter groove. Adjust the expansion disks of the miter bar if the movement is wobbly.
- Plan the length and angle of your cut first. Mark it clearly with a pencil.
- Set the miter bar’s protractor head to the correct angle. Tighten the knob of the angle stop mechanism (especially if it’s a positive stop) to prevent it from wobbling while you make the cut.
- Do a practice pass by pushing the miter gauge past the table saw. To do this, first, prop up your table saw but do not power it on yet, and put a blade guard on.
- Push the miter blade past the blade. Very Important: If your miter gauge comes with a built-in fence, make sure that the fence will not hit the saw blade as you do the pass. Adjust the fence accordingly. Make sure the fence telescopes are away from the blade.
- Power on your saw. Put your workpiece flush to the fence. While supporting the workpiece with one hand, gently push the miter gauge past the blade over the cut length.
How to Make Your Own Table Saw Miter Gauge (DIY)
This miter gauge will start out as a sled, like a rip fence, but for accurate crosscuts. But, you can easily attach a fence on angles you use the most to customize it.
Step 1
First, measure the distance between the miter slot on either side of your table saw. Add at least 6 inches on either side for added support and clearance. This will be the total length of your miter gauge/sled. Measure the length, width, and height of the miter grooves as well.
Step 2
Acquire a half-inch thick plywood that will cover the total length of the miter gauge you measured above. For the miter bars, acquire two strips of hardwood (maple wood or oak, etc.) that will fit in the miter grooves.
Cut and file down the hardwood miter bars, making sure it slides snugly in the miter grooves.
Step 3
For the fence, acquire two strips of plywood about 4 inches wide and cover the total length of the miter gauge. Stack and glue them together, clamp them, and leave them to dry overnight. Repeat this step for another fence on the top part of the board.
Step 4
Time to assemble! Lay down the hardwood miter bars in the groove. Put some super glue on top of the hardwood miter bars, then put the plywood board over them.
When they stick, flip it over, then secure the hardwood miter bars to the plywood board using #6 ⅝ inch screws.
For the miter fence, lay down your stacked fences above sideways, one on the bottom of the board and another on the top.
You should have two 4-inch tall fences on the top and bottom of the board. Use a speed square to ensure they are aligned 90 degrees before gluing and clamping it to dry.
Step 5
Power on your table saw. To create the initial slit for the table saw blade, gently slide your miter gauge board on top of the running blade to make the slit, going all the way to the bottom.
Congratulations! You’ve made your 90-degree DIY miter gauge! You can now use it for things like square cuts. For custom angles, just mark the angle on the board, and then glue a stacked 4-inch wide plywood on Step 3 to make a fence for the custom angle you want.
Safety Tips for Using a Miter Gauge
- Make sure to wear safety gear whenever you work with cutting tools.
- Do practice runs of what you plan to do while the cutting equipment is off.
- Make sure the miter bar fits snugly in the miter groove.
- Make sure that the fence don’t hit the saw blade even before you start cutting.
- Keep your eye on the blade when it is on and your hands off it.
My Top Pick For a Table Saw Miter Gauge: INCRA MITER1000SE Miter Gauge Special Edition
After extensive hands-on experience and research, I can confidently name the INCRA MITER1000SE as the best table saw miter gauge in the market. Its unmatched precision, versatility, and premium build cater perfectly to the needs of seasoned woodworkers like myself.
What’s more, even with its rich feature set, it’s competitively priced, especially when juxtaposed with its closest rival, the Kreg miter gauge. For anyone serious about advancing in the woodworking realm, this miter gauge is a wise investment—it’s unquestionably the top miter gauge on the market today.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
