Installing the JessEm Table Saw Stock Guides

After having the chance to use stock guides on my JessEm router table, I decided to purchase a set of JessEm Clear Cut T.S. Stock Guides for my table saw. On this week's show, I demonstrate how to install, set up and use the guides. Although my method of installation is not exactly as the manufacturer suggests, it's a great installation method that I am sure that some of you will find useful.
If you are interested in obtaining a set of the clear cut stock guides, you can find them on JessEm's website at the following link.
jessem.ca/collections/table-s...
The mag-switches that I used for this product are pricey but the work perfectly and they can be found here. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/...
If you are interested in the frame spline jig episode of the show, you can find it here. • Making a Table Saw Spl...
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As always, I want to thank you for stopping by the channel and taking the time to watch the program. Your support is truly appreciated.

[@markk4015]

Another great video, Ken, thanks for posting! I was looking for something like this since I breakdown sheet goods routinely, and these would be a big help in that regard. I own some Jess-Em products and was always impressed with their quality, but their customer service is subpar. To get in touch with them you call a number they never answer. They get back to you in a day or two and leave a voicemail telling you to call back to the same line you originally used to contact them, the one they never answer......and so the saga continues..... Thanks again! Mark

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That's the most bizarre customer service procedure I've ever heard Mark. I hope they improve that because they products are truly well made. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for chiming in with your story. It's very much appreciated.

[@PPerquin]

After seeing your recent updates video, I went back to view this original. Now I've got an even bigger Christmas wish list. Thanks Kenny!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that I could help Phin. LOL. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@randyrockwell6136]

This is a great product!! I installed this set up on my old Craftsman 10” saw. I was fortunate, because the rip fence had tee tracks built in so I’d did not have to worry about drilling. I just use the supplied tee slot fasteners and I was set to go. The guides work great for holding the material and when not in use they easily just flip out of the way. Another great video, Kenny 🤠

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Randy. It sounds like you really got lucky on that installation. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to chime in with your experience with the T.S stock guides.

[@danmac4132]

Super good info. Much Appreciated. I've had 2 mag switches without purpose.. now they certainly do!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that I could help Dan. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@robbiterry38]

hey Kenny, you will love those guides, i have set for my table saw and also my router table, they work really good. keep up the cool videos, love watching...

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I love them so far Robbi. It's been a few months since I actually installed them and I've had some opportunities to put them to good use. I love the easy setup and the functionality of them. So far so good. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave the kind words. It's very much appreciated.

[@SandyMasquith]

Thanks! Those MagSwitch things are such a great idea. Good use for something like that. I’ll have to think about this setup a bit, I think it’d be very useful in my shop.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I think the biggest issue here Sandy is the price point. I mean, the JessEm stock guides are expensive enough, but then you add the price of the mag switches and it add a whole lot more to an already expensive modification. So far though, they are fantastic and I don't regret the purchase one bit. Thanks for tuning in to the show. I truly appreciate it. If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

[@bobwebberkc]

Love it as always! I need aluminum magnets though. I have used Jesem stuff for years. Thanks for all you do!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The magnets were only a solution that worked for me Bob. If mounting the guide rails to your fence and just removing the stock guides when you need to works for you, then the magnets wouldn't be necessary. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to leave the kind words.

[@rak7101]

Many thanks, just got the guides and your video explained setup much better/clearer. Am also using the mag-switches r/

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked the video. Good luck with your installation and thank you for tuning in to the program.

[@jimpalmer1944]

Great job Kenny, makes me think I need this. Your adaptation of the installation removes most of my reservations. Only deterrent is the price.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It is pricey Steve but I have liked it so far. It really does a nice job of holding down that stock and keeping it to the fence. I will say that it is pretty much useless for anything less than about 1-1/2" because there is no room to get a push stick through. But for anything 1-1/2" and above, it's been pretty spectacular. Thanks for tuning in this week.

[@woodysranch2690]

I just discovered this. Looks like a great accessory and I loved how you attached it. I might have considered dadoing a groove for the track.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I got the mag switches from lee valley and the stock guides directly from Jessem Woody. I think the links are in the description. Thanks for tuning in.

[@woodysranch2690]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thanks. I think I watched your video a while ago but recently another channel called A Glipse Inside featured the Jessem guide. What he showed and was not obivious in your video was an end view showing how the rollers prevent kickback and pull the board into the fence. If you watch the video its at about the 3 min mark. Lee Valley was off line earlier today, but I just ordered some Magswitches. Since you drilled 1 5/8 holes I assume you used the 40 mm, 150 lb version which is not sold at Lee Valley. I am hoping the 30 mm 95 version will work ok. Elite Tools have a good price for the guide

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@woodysranch2690 Glad that you got your order in. The 1-5/8" hole is for the 30mm mag switches and they work just fine. Very strong connection to the fence. I haven't really done a review of the mag switches yet because I like to use them for a while before I actually state an opinion of what I think of them so that is primarily why the anti kickback feature wasn't mentioned in the show. The show was about the installation, not the function. Good luck with your installation and be sure to ask any questions you might have. Thanks for the video viewing suggestion. I will check it out.

[@woodysranch2690]

@@acutabove_woodworkings 1 5/8 converts to 40mm. 1 3/8 converts to 30 mm. Could you have gotten it mixed up?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@woodysranch2690 I'm not mixed up. I think you might be confusing the magnet size with the mounting hole size. The 1-5/8" is not the size of the magnet but rather the size of the hole required to mount the magnet in your project. Now, I'm going by memory but I think that was the way it went.

[@johndesormier8099]

Great video! I just got these. I like the MagSwitch option. Wish my magnets would work on my fence.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

As others have pointed out John, while the magnets are a great solution, they do add a large amount of cost to an already expensive system. They do work great though and I've really enjoyed that solution. I think you will like your stock guides. I've enjoyed mine for the time that I've had them. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@hjchrisman17]

Got them on my incra TS/LS fence and love it great video!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that you love them Jamie. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave the kind words. It's very much appreciated.

[@Broncort1]

I had to order the kit for my TS direct from Jessum...whoever I ordered it from (Rockler?) didn’t have it.

[@michaelconroy8060]

Just bought mine! wish my fence was steel because I would have done it your way. But I have a Shop Fox fence that's aluminum so, no go. After researching these JessEm guides, primarily for my router table, (which they didn't make a set for my Bosch table), I came to the conclusion that I could buy the table saw guides and make a jig to use them on my router table. The Table saw shop fox fence is tall, as is the Bosch router table fence, so I can use this set up on either one and not have to mess with the length of the extendable arms! Sometimes fabrication Karma shines on you!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Nothing wrong with that Michael. I love the fact that you were able to think outside the box and make your guides work for both setups. Well done. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your comment.

[@marinusbeimers7293]

Nice job Kenny

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Marinus. Thanks for tuning in.

[@kyleolson8977]

Here's the one trick with the MagSwitches here - you don't need to screw them in or cut perfect holes. When I needed to attach the guide, I didn't have the right Forstner bits and went to the bandsaw. Instead of cutting a perfect hole, I cut U shapes on each end for the flaps of the switch to hold on to. Whenever I attach the wood piece the bars are mounted on, I simply tighten the far Magswitch, and then push the wood and the other switch into the far switch . I honestly don't think it could work any better if the switches were perfectly fit and screwed in. I've been using it for 18 months and It's not loose at all. In fact I really don't need to push it together much. All I think that matters is that the board is a good fit across the rip fence and is planed to the right height. The Magswitches can be moved to another jig if needed without much trouble.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You bring up an interesting point Kyle. The mounting screws for the mag-switches are not there for the purpose of making the switch function better but rather they are there to keep the switches from falling out, should you move the jig around or hang it on a wall etc. I like your idea of keeping them unscrewed for use in other jigs. That would definitely be handy and considering the cost of mag switches, it would be a money saver for sure. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your suggestion. I may just have to unscrew mine now and use them in other jigs as well as this one.

[@billinfarmington5189]

Holy cow Batman! I have used these for several years as I mentioned in my comment on your update. I never knew about the 30 degree adjustment. But, when you showed it I had to pause the video and go out and check mine to see if those screws were there and they are. Don't know if I missed it in the instructions from back then or if they put it in later. But, I mount to the Incra fence and never did that adjustment and have always had great success with them. Regards, Robin (Bill)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that you were able to take something positive away from the show Bill. I hope you found it useful. Thanks for tuning in sir.

[@GaryLundgrenCrafts]

'Ey Kenny! Great video! I've been considering these stock guides for my shop. You certainly cleared my questions. Now, if I can sell a kidney to buy a set . . . . I appreciate your insights. I recently installed an Incra TS-LS fence system. Wondering how to install this stock guide on that. I saw another video that seemed to be a bit beyond what may be necessary. I got ideas from you that I will try. Oh, yeas, I have a few sets of those mag switches too. Valuable tool. Thanks!! 👍👍

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Well I hope your installation is successful Gary. These stock guides (while expensive) are just amazing and do a great job of holding the stock down to the table and tight to the fence while preventing kickback at the same time. Good luck with your installation and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@hgohlke]

Ordered those for my tablesaw

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're going to love them Henning. I've had mine for quite some time and still love them. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@jessehensarling4861]

Great video! Have you used these in combination with overhead dust collection? Curious how the dust hood would fit around the guides.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

As long as the boards that you are ripping are wide enough Jesse, the combination of the over arm dust collection and the stock guides work just fine. You just need enough room between the stock guides and the blade guard to fit your push stick. In reality, these stock guides really aren't for ripping more narrow stock and for that matter, the over arm dust collection doesn't work well with the smaller stock either. I hope this answers your questions. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@Broncort1]

I got these for my table saw but had to order the kit for my Incra TS 3 fence system....nothing like staring at this for a week waiting for the kit to show up...lol. I had no idea they extended down like that!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That has to be torturous to have a new tool or jig in the shop and not be able to use it. Good luck with your installation when the kit finally comes in. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@Broncort1]

@@acutabove_woodworkings this all happened a couple months ago, so were all good now...lol

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@Broncort1 Glad to hear it.

[@normjacques6853]

Hi Ken......Just curious: If a board were to bind up while under the guides, would that trigger the safety features of the SawStop and leave you with an expensive cartridge replacement? Other than that question, that rig looks really slick and solves a number of problems. Great video and great mounting idea! Thanks! :-)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Absolutely not Norm. The SawStop's brake mechanism is trigger by the blade coming in contact with something conductive such as a finger or a metal fence. It does not trip for something like binding so if (by some slim chance) the stock were to bind under the guides, the brake mechanism wouldn't care and would continue to function as normal. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@Dandroid61]

Also a big fan of JessEm products. These stock guides are the single best addition to my tablesaw. The router version...not so much.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Really? I like my router table stock guides. I don't use them as much as I could but for certain processes, I really enjoy the way that they function. I have to say that the table saw guides are definitely designed to be a little more user friendly with their spring loaded tension but the router table guides still have a place in my shop and I like them. Thanks for tuning in to the show Dan and for chiming in with your opinion. I truly appreciate it.

[@philshock3805]

That's a great solution, Kenny! I've been interested in the JessEm guides for a while but kind of balked about the idea of a permanent mount that modifies the fence. (Well, that and price.) I have a couple of jigs as well that straddle the fence. But I'm curious if the guide rail (sans the guides), protrude over the tops of the fence? It seems if the rail sits flush or below the tops of the fence, you could still use a straddle type jigs if you remove the guides. Or is there something else I'm missing? I love the ingenuity of your mounting solution but adding the price of a couple of Mag 150s on top of an already pricey kit, makes it even further out of reach. Woodworking ... can't afford the tools - can't afford the wood! Haha...

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The rails would be slightly proud of the fence and any jig that ran on top of the fence would be easily modified to accommodate the rails Phil. I know what I'm like though and if the setup isn't easy, I wont use it so I didn't want to have to remove the stock guides from their track and have to set them up every time I want to make a cut using the guides. This solution worked for me and if you are one that wouldn't mind sliding the guides back onto the track for setup or breakdown, then the mag switches may not be needed. As I've stated many times on the show, my method is not the only method and just because it works for me, doesn't mean that someone else will find it the best method. If you are interested in how much the guides sit proud of the fence, I can take some measurements tonight for you if you like. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@rw7532]

Thank you for the video. I’ve read/ watched reviews about these stock guides that mention they are best for smaller boards in that they do not have the pulling power to keep large sheets up against the fence, what has your experience been? Will these guides “pull” say a 4’ x 4’ sheet of plywood up against the fence and keep it there? As my eyeballs get older I sometimes cannot see that small gap if I’m standing at the opposite corner of the sheet trying to hold it up, push it in and push it through.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have run sheets of ply through the saw using these guides and although I had to still apply pressure toward the fence, the guides definitely helped to pull the stock in as well as keep it flush with the saw. While it may be true that they will not pull the larger sheets in by themselves, they definitely make the job much easier and trouble free. I love these guides. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@rw7532]

@@acutabove_woodworkings thank you for the response. That clears things up quite a bit.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@rw7532 I'm glad I could help a little.

[@woodysranch2690]

I have another suggestion for you and other viewers that own this product. Install a bolt/nut in front of the rear guide to prevent any chance of it moving forward if the thumb turns are inadvertently not tightened. I recently adjusted the rear guide, but forgot to tighten the thumb turns. As I attempted to feed a board into the guide it moved forward and almost contacted the blade. Since I have a Sawstop it could have activated the blade stop cartridge and damaged or destroyed the rear guide. Many may say it will never happen to me, but mistakes are made and accidents happen. Installing a stop in front of the rear guide is easy and cheap insurance. I used a short 3/8 bolt, washer and nut.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Great advice Woody. Thanks for chiming in with that. It's a valuable piece of information for sure. Thanks for tuning in.

[@richardh6964]

Thanks for the video. The mag switch idea is a good one. How much pressure does it require to push your piece though the blade with the guides engaged? I just added the. To my saw and it seems like it takes a lot of force to push the work forward when adjusted as you stated. I started to raise them a 1/8” higher than recommended but that kind of defeats the kickback feature as they can slip on the wheels. It might be I just need to get use to the increased amount of force needed to push though the cut now.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There can be a considerable amount of resistance provided from the guides Richard but nothing that is crazy. You need that resistance to keep the stock in place as well as provide the kick back prevention feature. If the pressure seems to be too much, try just setting the arms in place on the stock when setting them instead of applying downward pressure as well. That little bit of a difference might change it just enough for you. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@richardh6964]

@@acutabove_woodworkings I adjusted the arm length so it was closer to 30 degrees and that seems to have largely fixed the issue. It was about 15 degrees when touching the table so I should have done that earlier. Thanks for your response.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@richardh6964 15 degrees is pretty steep and would definitely put a lot of extra pressure on the stock. Glad that you figured it out Richard. Thanks for the update.

[@calebhewitt7579]

Nicely done! I have a table saw with a router on the right hand side. Is it possible to insert the wheels through the other way to hold down stock on the router?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I am almost positive that the guide can slide in either way on the track so they would be able to be used on the opposite side of the fence as well. The wheels on the stock guides however, are a one way application and you would just have to make sure that they are able to rotate in the way that you want for the router table application. I hope this helps a little Caleb. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for the kind words.

[@calebhewitt7579]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Great to know! Thanks for the reply and keep up the outstanding content. Now to drop some hints about those magswitches...

[@cottagemail4066]

QUESTION: Would these Table Saw Stock Guides, if removed from the track, be able to slide into the top rail (not the side one), of the JessEm Router table Fence? (I would not have the Miter Slide part attached and wish to use the Stock guides from the table saw also at the router table!)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I am not exactly sure if that would work or not but I will be in the shop tomorrow if you would like me to test it and find out for you. Let me know if this would work for you. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@cottagemail4066]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Was just working on it this morning and found a "work-around" for what I need. Thanks for asking but no need to check further.

[@bobbg9041]

As with everything I've gotten from jessem its top qulity parts worth what they ask for them.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I couldn't agree more with you. I have never gotten anything from Jessem that wasn't top notch. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@garyconway439]

Question if I may, why should the magswitch be turned off when not in use? I’ve looked on line, but cannot see why. Are the magnets weakened if left on?

[@garyconway439]

Just read this in the manual, it appears that as a safety issue when not used they should be left off in case any metal comes nearby, otherwise -for example when on a table saw fence as you describe, they can be left ‘on’ indefinitely. …….Ensure that the Magswitch MagJig is stored in the “off” position when not in contact with Ferromagnetic metals. The MagJig can be left ON or OFF indefinitely without harm. When ON and near Ferromagnetic metals there will be a sudden and powerful attraction

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I see that you have already gotten an answer Gary. My personal preference in the shop is to always remove the tension on any tools. Band saw blades, fences, mag switches, sanding belts etc. I never leave tension on any tool and it's a good practice to get into. Leaving the mag switches on can cause issues with the switches themselves as you have already read, but even if that weren't true, I would still release the magnets when not in use out of pure habit. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to ask your question AND post your answer. LOL. I love it.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The opened frame lasers can be an issue with smoke Julie and for that reason, I have purchased an enclosure for this one that has its own ventilation. (show coming in December) The 20watt laser claims it can cut 3/8" (or 10mm) wood in one pass. I haven't tested that theory yet but I am still playing with settings. I have cut 1/4" in one pass with no issues whatsoever and I have seen videos of people cutting 3/4" thick stock with 2 passes but again, I haven't tried it. I will obviously have more information as I continue to learn the ins and outs of the tool but please feel free to ask any other questions you might have and I would be glad to test it for you. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@dominicdiclemente8877]

just ordered from LV ... damn you

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

LOL. Well I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for tuning in Dominic.

[@dwightl5863]

I have been following your channel for awhile now. I have noticed that you work on "smaller" type projects such as your models, boxes, frames, etc. rather that building kitchen cabinets as an example. It will be interesting to see in your future videos how this fixture comes into play in every project. But your clever modification is definitely a plus. Sadly, in my case, I seldom use the blade guard because of the narrower pieces I rip and the guard gets in the way. So when a larger piece is cut I usually forgo the guard when I really should use it. Bad on my part I know. What I'm saying is will you be using this setup religiously on the cuts you can use it for? Granted it is easy to install and remove. Just considering the time/effort for perhaps a "one of" cut. With all due respect.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You make a good point Dwight and you are absolutely right. A lot of the projects that I make on the show are smaller items and these cut guides are not ideal for that as they don't allow room for a push stick and become a little awkward. However, smaller items are not the only things that I make. I've made tables, frames, a roll top desk, closet organizers, kitchen cupboards etc. While these guides may not be useful for my smaller, more delicate work, they definitely come in handy with the other projects that I work on. The unit lives on my saw fence and I only remove it if I have to so setting it up for that one cut is fast and easy. Will you see it in use constantly? Probably not but you will definitely see it in use. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show Dwight and taking the time to leave your comment. It's very much appreciated.

[@dwightl5863]

@@acutabove_woodworkings I should have known you aren't a "one trick pony".

[@mikeygee2465]

The majority of people seem to like these. I have actually seen some that don’t. For me, I would like to use them to cut down 4x8 plywood. I can not get a concise answer as to how well they work for that purpose. Anyone actually find this task significantly easier with the Jessel guides?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I can honestly say that I have not cut down 4x8 sheets of plywood in the shop but I have done some half sheets of 4x4 and the guides worked perfectly. They held the stock down firmly to the table and assisted in keeping it tight to the fence so that I could concentrate on feeding the stock through the blade. I will say this though, you still have to be mindful of keeping a little inward pressure toward the fence. While these guides do pull the stock into the fence and keep it from kicking back, they will not stop you from being able to knock the sheet stock askew while feeding. They do help tremendously though and I have loved the way they helped with sheet stock, albeit only 1/2 sheets of ply. I hope this helps a little Mikey. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@mikeygee2465]

@@acutabove_woodworkings thank you Kenny. Really appreciate your insight.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@mikeygee2465 You're very welcome.

[@schwartzmatthewe]

Hate that intro man. Way too loud. Scares me every time. Great video otherwise though. Much appreciated. They are magnets. Can someone explain what I missing? Why in the world can’t you keep them engaged when not in use. That entirely defeats the purpose. And it’s not going to damage a magnet to be turned so that it’s polarity is “on”.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Sorry that you're not a fan of the intro. As for the magnets, it isn't the magnets that get worn or damaged by leaving them engaged, but rather the mechanism that releases the magnets from what I understand. By leaving the magnets engaged, it weakens the release mechanism making them hard to "turn off". I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.