The Bottom Line

The Craftsman Digital Miter Gauge (Model #320.29939) represents a major
improvement to the standard miter gauge. The angle is precisely measured and
displayed on the LCD screen accurate to one-tenth of a degree. The unit is
easy to calibrate, and can be used to accurately determine the angle of your
table saw <http://woodworking.about.com/od/machinetools/p/tablesaws.htm>
blade as well. 

There are a couple of minor improvements we'd love to see, and while setting
the angle to an exact number can be a little bit touchy, we absolutely love
using this miter gauge, and plan to use one of these miter gauges regularly
on our table <http://woodworking.about.com/od/machinetools/p/tablesaws.htm>
saws, band
<http://woodworking.about.com/od/woodworkingmachines/p/bandsaws.htm>  saws
and router tables in the future.

Manufacturer's
<http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00929939000P?keyword=digital+miter
+gauge&sLevel=0>  Site

Pros

.         Doubles as a miter gauge and table saw angle gauge 

.         Accurate to one-tenth of a degree 

.         Fits table saws, band saws and other tools with T-slot or non
T-slot tables 

.         Solid metal locking handle can be easily adjusted to any optimum
angle 

.         Has click sound feature to provide audio feedback when adjusting
angle

Cons

.         Disappointed that the display doesn't show whether the angle is
right or left of center. 

.         Fence lock lever mechanisms are a bit tricky for big fingers 

.         Because of one-tenth degree precision, can be touchy to set to an
exact angle


Description


.         A magnetic blade attachment is included, that attaches the gauge
bar to a table saw blade for blade angle-adjustments. 

.         LCD screen display can be flipped with the push of a button so
user doesn't have to read display upside-down. 

.         Long miter fence can be easily adjusted for stable cuts. 

.         Unit is easy to calibrate with a framing square. Simply adjust the
angle and push the Zero button to calibrate unit. 

.         When making fine adjustments close to zero, would be nice if the
display showed if the angle is right or left of zero.


Guide Review - Craftsman Digital Miter Gauge Review


For many years, miter gauges have been sturdy, simple mechanisms: a strip of
metal (that fits precisely into a miter slot on your saw table) is attached
to another machined piece of metal that swivels at the connection point and
can be locked in specific positions to guide a piece of stock past a saw
blade at a particular angle. 

Until now, there hasn't been much innovation in miter gauges. However,
Craftsman's Digital Miter Gauge is a big step in the right direction. This
digital miter gauge is accurate, sturdy and easy to set. The ability to use
the same tool to set the angle on your table saw is a nice touch. The LCD
display can be set to flip over, so the operator doesn't need to read it
upside-down when setting the angle of the table saw blade. 

There are a lot of thoughtful features that enhance this woodworking
accessory. The solid metal locking handle can be easily adjusted to any
angle, so that the handle locks and can be moved out of the operator's way.
When the gauge angle is adjusted, there is an audible click to provide
feedback, and calibration is as simple as a push of a button. The unit fits
both T-slot and non T-slot tables, and the sturdy aluminum fence is
relatively easy to adjust. 

The one improvement we'd really like to see would be an indicator as to
whether the angle displayed on the LCD is right or left of zero. This would
be especially helpful when trying to move the angle on the gauge back to
zero after making an angled cut. When adjusting the angle and the display
gets to less than a degree, it's difficult to determine whether you're
approaching zero or have passed zero. A right/left indicator on the display
would alleviate that issue.

 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Reply via email to