Welcome to the home of MiterSet, one of the most valuable tools a woodworker can have.
“What Is MiterSet?”
MiterSet is a patented tool that saves you time and materials by allowing you to adjust your miter gauge to virtually any angle with precision and speed. The inability to make precise adjustments on a miter gauge has been an ongoing problem when working with any saw or machine that uses a miter gauge to cut angles on a work piece.
“MiterSet Standard”
Figure 1
The original MiterSet Standard (figure 1), is the model designed to allow you to adjust your miter gauge in .5° increments from a 90° cut to a 52.5 ° cut, either left and right handed. MiterSet gives you a positive adjustment each and every time.
“MiterSet For Segments”
Figure 2
Our newest model is MiterSet For Segments (figure 2), that we developed because of great interest in segmented bowls and innovative picture frames. It allows the woodworker to adjust their miter gauge simply by the number of segments wanted, or the number of sides wanted for a custom picture frame. We have done the math for you. Just place two pins in the appropriate holes, slide your miter gauge into the slot and against the pins, and tighten down your miter gauge. You’re now ready to cut.
Models Available
The original fits all ¾ X 3/8-table slots.
The original fits all ¾ X 3/8-table slots.
For ShopSmith Mark V, 18.5 mm (.728) X 8 mm (5/16 inch) table slots.
For ShopSmith Mark V, 18.5 mm (.728) X 8 mm (5/16 inch) table slots.
Each Model $29.99 plus shipping
$4.75 in USA
Contacts
E-Mail: miterset@comcast.net
Phone: (209) 835-1626
8 AM to 5 PM PST Week Days
“How MiterSet Standard Works”
View this video to see MiterSet Standard in action!
Instructions
Figure 3
MiterSet consists of a plate with two arched hole patterns, two tapered pins, a detent bar, and a miter gauge slot. Each hole is 5° apart as engraved in the plate. In (figure 3) the pins are located in the bottom most holes. This allows your miter gauge to be adjusted exactly at 90°.
Figure 4
(Figure 4) Your miter gauge has been inserted in the miter gauge slot, and adjusted to contact both pins for a 90° setting. Tighten the adjusting knob, and you are ready to take it to the saw and cut a perfect 90° cut. Don’t be surprised if the factory stop on your miter gauge is not adjusted to this new setting. After you are satisfied that MiterSet has done its job you may want to adjust the factory setting to match.
Figure 5
Let’s move on to both of the 45° settings. (Figure 5) shows the tapered pin relocated for a right-handed 45° setting. We already slid your miter gauge against the pins, all that is left is to tighten the adjusting knob and take it to the saw. Again, once you are satisfied with MiterSet’s performance you may want to readjust the factory stop. To adjust your gauge for a left hand 45° angle simply use the other 45° hole and the opposite pivot hole. Re-adjust the gauge to this new pin position.
Note: the two holes that are marked with the 00 are called pivot holes as all angles pivot on their location.
Figure 4
Figure 6
Now the fun starts. I will randomly pick an angle at which to set the miter gauge. Let’s say you need to cut a 35° angle for a project. With MiterSet it is so simple! I’ll bet you already have it figured out. Yes you are right, simply place a pin in the 35° hole and the opposite pin in the pivot hole and you are ready to slide the miter gauge in the slot against the pins, and tighten it down (figure 6). You have just set your miter gauge to 35° for the first time, on the first try, and any time you need to go back to it, it is 100% repeatable.
Detent Bar
Figure 7
Adjusting your miter gauge in .5° increments is where the detent bar comes into use. (Figure 7) shows the detent bar and the value of each machined step. The 1° step and the 2° step are stamped on each side of the detent bar. The increments of .5°, 1.5°, 2.5°, have been purposely left off. The idea is that they would clutter the ba,r and it would become confusing for the user.
The Detent Bar in Use
“Setting a 22.5° Angle” View this video for a first hand view of the Detent Bar in Use
Figure 8
The detent bar is a device that allows you to shift the adjustment either plus or minus 2.5°. Remember, the pin holes are 5° apart so the ability to shift the setting up to +2.5° or –2.5° will give you the full range of adjustment. Lets say that you need to adjust your miter gauge for an 11° cut (figure 8). Notice the pin location is at 10° and the pivot pin is at 00. Now I add 1° by placing the detent bar against the pins with the 1° detent against the pin in the 10° hole and the opposing end against the 00 Pivot hole.
Figure 9
See close up of the placement of the detent bar against the 10° pin (figure 9).
Figure 10
Now notice that I have the miter gauge against both pins ready to tighten, and make my cut of 11°. (figure 10)
How to use MiterSet For Segments
Figure 11
As seen in (figure 11), I have added a fence extension to my miter gauge. It is faced with an abrasive tape found on stair steps to stop slippage. I also use a stop to make sure all of the cut segments are the same length. It is a must that your saw be in the best of tune and the blade is good and sharp and right for your material. Another must do: have your material straight and true. Any one of these factors will cause you trouble down the road. MiterSet For Segments will set your miter gauge accurately but it can’t make up for any of the other factors. Your miter gauge must fit both your saw and MiterSet, not so loose it wobbles and not so tight it becomes a safety issue because it pushes too hard.
Setting the MiterSet For Segments is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is put a pin in the hole labeled with the number of segments desired, and one pin in the 00 pivot hole and you are ready to adjust your gauge. Just loosen the adjusting nut, slide the gauge into the slot against the pins, and tighten down the adjusting nut. You are ready to got to the saw and cut.
Some Examples
Figure 12
I assembled this stack of cut segments when I was testing out one of my early models of MiterSet For Segments. I cut them as fast as I could! I would set my miter gauge, throw up a stop, and wack away until I had a complete ring. I would reset to another number of segments and do it over again. When I was all done with all 16 rings (that’s how many different angles MiterSet For Segments is designed for) I put them together and held them with a rubber band. You can tell when they are right because they actually kind of JUMP together. While I was at it I had a little MDF left so I knocked out a five-sided picture frame (no rabbit on back). It took about 5 minutes. If I had only used some good material, it would have made a nice frame!
Figure 13
I think I better show you something with a little more time spent on it! This was my very first attempt at making a segmented “anything”. I chose thirteen segments for both the center section and the rim ring. The turning became a combination of machine turning on my metal lathe, as well as free turning with wood related tooling. I didn’t have a wood lathe then but I do now! Hey I gotta give all you segment turners a lot of credit! This is just as hard as it looks, and I did it with an old beat up Miter Gauge and a great new tool called MiterSet For Segments!
Dick Pattee, Inventor of MiterSet
Testimonials
"Your device is an elegant solution to an ongoing problem." J.D. Troy, OH
“It is so simple to use that it is almost disappointing, you expect to be more involved, and it is all over. Why didn’t I think of that?" B.S. Mountain View, CA
"Dick,
This is GREAT!! Used the MiterSet yesterday. WOW was that easy.
Might not be any of my business, but why is this product not available at a major woodworking retailer? I am going to Nashville next week and the folks at Woodcraft and a local wood store there will see this device. I don't know how many angle setting gadgets and high-dollar miter gauges are available out there but this one seems to be the simplest to use, most accurate and the best value on the market today. I am also going to use it as my "show and tell" at the next woodworking club meeting. I am sure that I see more orders for the MiterSet from North Mississippi in your future. Thanks for the great deal. Have a sawdust day!" M.S. Tupelo, MS
"I am very pleased with your product. I found that my really expensive miter gauge was not calibrated correctly from the factory. My comments are meant to be constructive." J.P. Moorestown, NJ
"Thank you for the miter set!! My father in law thought it was an awesome gift to him. I saw it in Wood Magazine, and it just fit perfectly with the type of gifts he would enjoy." A.K. Jamestown, ND
"Simple to use, price is right & very accurate. I make many frames for my wife's needlepoint works & this save me from using wood filler at the miter cuts. Thanks for making my job easier." R. L. Port Orange, FL
"It's what I expected, easy to use, and accurate. I found out about it through WOOD magazine's "Best New Tools" article. Beyond the table saw, I use it for my band saw, router table, and belt sander (I've rigged a trick table for that). Great product. I'm taking it to show-and-tell at my woodworking club in January 2008". C.N. Encino, CA
"I have had a very positive impression with the MiterSet. For a fair price, I now have accuracy I would have only previously considered spending a lot more on an entire new gauge. I have found it very easy to use and accurate and would definitely recommend it to a friend. I’m glad I discovered your product in WOOD magazine under “Smokin New Tools for 2008”. Kudos to you on your invention, I wish you much success." R.K. Springfield, NJ
"As for the 'MiterSet' - you bet - it's everything expected and more - especially with the custom grinding offer - and about $300 cheaper than a comparable tool." E.F. Highland, MD