Woodworking depth gauge3/23/2023 ![]() ![]() Sometimes it’s necessary to set the fence to a given distance to the outside of the blade. It’s also easy to set the height of the blade using a setup block. Just slip block, or combinations of multiple blocks, between the two and adjust the fence until the blade allows the block to pass between while only ever-so-slightly touching the blade. Gauge blocks are used to set precise settings in the range of 5” or less between the blade and fence. Now you can easily adjust the fence to a perfect setting. Now slowing rotate the bit until it reaches it’s maximum swing away from the fence. If the distance is less than the diameter of the bit simply bridge the block between the infeed and outfeed fences above the bit. Want to set the distance from the bit to the fence? It’s easy. You will be amazed that settings within a few thousands of an inch can be made this way relying on both you eye and the touch of a finger. Now adjust the bit up or down until the tip of the bit is set exactly at the top edge of the block. All that’s necessary is laying the desired height set up block next to the router bit. Lock the adjustment rod in place and the router is perfectly set to cut to a 3/8” depth.Īt the router table, setting the bit height adjustment is a cinch. Lastly, drop the adjustment rod until it contacts the gauge block. Next, insert the gauge block so that it rests on router depth stop. Zero out the router bit as before on the surface the router is resting. Choose the gauge block size that matches the desired depth of cut say 3/8”. Now consider the ease and simplicity of using a gauge block. This phenomena is called parallax and occurs regularly when reading rulers. If not dead level, reading will be either too great or too small. Second, you’ll need to bend over and view the measurement with your eye dead level to the ruler at the measurement mark your trying to read. First, most plunge routers offer little space to insert a ruler to take the reading and at best, the corner of the ruler is all that’s resting on the depth stop. This is a difficult reading to take for a couple reasons. A ruler is then used to measure, then adjust, the distance between adjustment rod and depth stop. First, the bit is set until the tip touches the surface of the router is resting on. Often, further adjustment is necessary.Ī second method for setting depth of cut involves the use of the router’s depth stops and adjustment rod. Then a series of bit adjustments are made (awkwardly, I should add) until they are ready to make a test cut. Some woodworkers will make an approximate setting then try to measure it by bridging over the router base to the tip of the bit using a combination square. Say you want to set the depth of cut on a plunge router. There are a number of reasons setup blocks are superior. Hands down, they beat more traditional measuring devises like rulers and tape measures. ![]() ![]() Using gauge blocks (sometimes called setup blocks) can eliminate the often tedious process of getting a saw blade or router bit set precisely. These precision-machined blocks are perfect for your table saw, router table, drill press, band saw and other shop equipment. Woodworking machine setup is often most easily accomplished using gauge blocks. Use Gauge Blocks for Fast, Accurate Woodworking Machine Setups
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