Rip Fence Setup Gauge

Rip Fence Setup Gague Photo When setting the rip fence on my table saw, I used to check the distance between the fence and my saw blade with a tape measure.

But trying to hold the end of the tape against the rip fence and adjust it at the same time took more coordination than I could muster. So instead, I made a simple set-up gauge.

This gauge is nothing more than a block of hardwood and a 12"-long steel rule, see drawing at right.

Rip Fence Setup Gague Diagram I simply cut a shallow dado across the bottom edge of the block to hold the rule. Then I glued the rule into the dado with epoxy so that it was flush with the back edge of the block.

To use the gauge, just clamp it to the rip fence, as you see in the photo. The gauge moves along with the fence, leaving both hands free to adjust it accurately.

Good Woodworking,

Ted Raife
Online Editor, Woodsmith

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