Throw Away Your Miter Saw and Make this Instead

Of course I'm not getting rid of my miter saw, but this is a good alternative to use on the table saw. And yes, you can buy one of these ready made (and you saw may have come with one), but this is more about the methods I used to build it than the final product.
Accuracy - you can dial it in to perfection at several angles (0, 22.5, 45 both ways) and then drill a locking pin hole through the plywood protractor and into the guide cleat for a 1/8" drill bit shank to lock it at that angle. Takes a bit of time, but once it's done, it'll be accurate every time you set it to that angle and insert the pin. I'll make a video on my Scrap Bin channel later this week showing how.
My "Scrap bin" channel:
/ ibuilditscrapbin
The key feature is the way the fence works and you can add it to a ready made miter guide. It folds back and acts as a handy place to keep the stop block. I need to add a magnet to hold the fence extension in the folded back position and I'll do that in the Scrap Bin video as well.
▶️ Project plans for sale: ibuildit.ca/plans/
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ibuildit.locals.com/
▶️ Patreon:
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My "Scrap bin" channel:
/ ibuilditscrapbin
#ibuildit
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Website: ibuildit.ca/
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[@JohnHeisz]

Of course I'm not getting rid of my miter saw, but this is a good alternative to use on the table saw. And yes, you can buy one of these ready made (and you saw may have come with one), but this is more about the methods I used to build it than the final product. Accuracy - you can dial it in to perfection at several angles (0, 22.5, 45 both ways) and then drill a locking pin hole through the plywood protractor and into the guide cleat for a 1/8" drill bit shank to lock it at that angle. Takes a bit of time, but once it's done, it'll be accurate every time you set it to that angle and insert the pin. I'll make a video on my Scrap Bin channel later this week showing how. My "Scrap bin" channel: kzbin.info The key feature is the way the fence works and you can add it to a ready made miter guide. It folds back and acts as a handy place to keep the stop block. I need to add a magnet to hold the fence extension in the folded back position and I'll do that in the Scrap Bin video as well.

[@kendosan25]

Nice! Mostly wood miter gauge should help prevent inadvertent Saw Stop safety triggering 😊

[@MRrwmac]

Absolutly perfect build! Thanks John!

[@iiaandre]

John, you are my favourite woodworker to observe and emulate. Always a no-nonsense blend of practicality and beautiful results without resorting to thousands of dollars of specialty tools. Your shop is an absolute work of art that has been a pleasure to watch develop over the years. The hours you put into planning, filming, executing and editing these projects is very much appreciated by this guy.

[@PrimalEdge]

I don’t always comment like I should, but I just want to share that. I never miss your videos and I thoroughly enjoy your content.

[@act.13.41]

Comments help push the popularity of the video. 🙂

[@PrimalEdge]

@@act.13.41 yeah, I know. But I usually watch his stuff when I’m downstairs on the television. And I don’t always have my phone with me. I just happen to have it this morning.

[@wrongtown]

Always love it when you leave the mistakes that emerged during the build and subsequent fixes in mate 👍

[@wilsonhardy2100]

Not “mistakes”… they are just design changes! 😁 absolutely love your content. This is one more project of yours I will have to make. Keep up the great work that you do.

[@ThavronMakes]

"iteration"

[@deanwellerassociates]

The sliding dovetail lock looks most satisfying to use. Great work Sir.

[@donny_bahama]

The whole time I was watching this video, I was thinking, “How is this going to replace a miter saw?” Then I got to the end and thought, “How is this going to replace a miter saw?” Perhaps this should have been titled “Throw Away Your Miter GAUGE”? Thoroughly enjoyable video, though, and as always, some really good ideas.

[@mattedwards4533]

You humble me. I am seeing your video for the first time. I am retired and well on in years. I worked as a contractor in the past. If I were able to do it now I would want someone like you working for me.I like how when you made an error you addressed it and kept going. Well done video!

[@Geoff_G]

Adding a tape measure for use with the stop block would step this amazing tool up a notch. Great video, thank you.

[@minisinscale1944]

There are many many very inspiring and replanted folks here on you tube. But I have to say you are one of the most ingenious craftsman/woodworker on here. I don’t mean to take anything away from anyone, but your work is so inspiring, clever, and pragmatic! Thank you John!

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

Admiring your build I did notice how much you used your miter saw building this. So build this and THEN throw away your miter saw 😄

[@willieobermann4915]

Thanks John for another project

[@Fatcobra10]

Another great idea! Love the fence. Also I think its great that you didn't edit the "mistakes" as we have all been there. Thanks for a Sunday morning coffee pastime.

[@Changtent]

Not a "mistake". Rather adapting as we learn. Very inspiring video, thanks.

[@act.13.41]

What a great project idea John. Just excellent.

[@jeffreydraytoncfprcdfar8035]

You are fun to watch, John.

[@Hichamhasan]

You usually produce clever/independent man solutions for woodworking needs. Thank you for sharing

[@rafvdp6391]

Perfect Sunday if a new video from John Heisz is out. Great little project, I love it. 👌

[@sattchy_tis4212]

I bought a used table saw to get started in my journey a little over a year ago and it came with no accessories. I know there's other videos out there showing their shop built tools but I enjoy watching all of yours because you are very detailed and don't sound like a robot lol. Thank you for posting this video because I've been needing to make 1 and now i know how to.

[@AquaPeet]

Another great video! Love seeing the nifty techniques and tricks and how accurate you can be if you're careful and take your time.

[@TransplantHelper]

You are still the king of DIY. Love your videos

[@craigsudman4556]

Nice and accurate! Pretty slick John great video thumbs up.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

although it doesn't take a lot to be better than the miter included with the saw, this is by far the best upgrade you can get without spending a fortune

[@philliparudolph9595]

watching your videos I'm always amazed at how you seem to be able to visualize the outcome of a project while building it.

[@halfbubbleout]

Ha! I loved the glue up at the end. I rewatched it at 1/2 speed to find the transition. Fun watch, and useful build. Nice work John!

[@michaeltona5034]

Exceptional work, as always, John. I love seeing your mistakes and how you fix them. You have such incredible talent. I make so many mistakes in my own work and always find ways to adapt and overcome as you did, but it's easy to get down on myself sometimes when that happens. It's always helpful to remember that one doesn't become as skilled as you without making plenty of mistakes and figuring out how to repair them. Thank you for sharing.

[@tomkinney3216]

Outstanding project made with “scrap” parts! Good that you showed the mistakes. Particularly liked the dovetail key way.

[@LittleShadowWoodcraft]

Thanks for sharing the honest mistakes you made along the way in the design. No one is perfect, even those of us that spend so much time in the shop. Great build, love the way you incorporate the swinging extension.

[@jimmcnett]

All of your shop projects are amazing. Excellent video. I really enjoyed it.

[@playamytrumpet]

Always a pleasure to see your work John, thank you for sharing

[@hobbes1970ca]

Really enjoyed watching this build.

[@Wordsnwood]

Wow, @14.54 it's magic instant glue! 😁

[@GregsGarage]

Great design John!

[@justinswett3724]

Are you sponsored by “big ply” yet 😂? It’s cool to see previous projects being used to make new projects and demonstrates how you don’t need to go out and buy everything you want. Thank you for the content!

[@MrBubbajohnson1]

Awesome as usual John! Happy Holidays!

[@carlmoses1956]

thanks

[@StuartGeers]

The fold back with the stop on the fold back along with the mechanism to keep it straight is game changing. Thinking about a similar modification for a sled extension now

[@bretttomlin5908]

Fantastic concise content John, great project and as always inspiring. ❤

[@paulruud5804]

Thank you, John!

[@ronnyrice697]

John you are blessed with engineering. Watched your video on the planer chip collector with the brute trash can last week ,and got it built . it works fantastic,even put the Cabin filter like you used. Thanks so much for the advice. Made me subscribe

[@ToolsandTime]

Cool upgrade, nice work!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job John! 😃👍🏼👊🏼

[@hassleoffa]

OUTSTANDING

[@sureshot311]

Whoaa. I caught that edit there at the end. Nice! Great project. Thank you

[@martinmajernik601]

So inspiring and neat.

[@54mgtf22]

Awesome job

[@benzmansl65amg]

Excellent work!

[@davip5876]

That's a realy neat project !👍

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

Pretty cool..another great project.

[@qaszim2012]

Great job

[@MASI_forging]

Excellent work as always 👍👍

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@marcbarash6045]

Thanks John

[@timothyvanderschultzen9640]

Nice project!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, John! Brilliant solutions there!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 And happy holidays!

[@paulhirst3548]

Very nice.

[@whynotanyting]

This is therapeutic

[@scott8351]

I use plywood for runners, never swells but I live in a humid area. I made johns mini sled and the norm sled which is awesome. You all need the norm sled. That thing is a must. Also i got a used incra from a retiring woodworker, it needed tweaking since it had abuse. John you should make plans for this. I love your plans, so clear and well engineered. Your small toolbox is next.

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

Those are not mistakes, they are design changes! 😊 Nice build!

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

oOoOO I needed something like this, for so long!!! 😮😮😮 Thank you!! Thank you, so much!

[@deanwilliams93]

The concept is sound. I Like IT! I will use the concept and make it! Yet, I have found most "Framing Squares" used in general construction are notoriously NOT really square. Verifying the final cut with the caliper or even the caliper and the "5 Cut Method" without spending upwards of $500 for the gold anodized commercial instrument. And making it DIY, knowing how to adjust it to the tolerance we desire. More Valuable!

[@btparker08]

Design iterations not mistakes lol. Good stuff John!

[@Vikingwerk]

Pretty nice!

[@daifeichu]

I like it!

[@EngineerMikeF]

Sweet outro! IIWMI'duv left the stop block on the back for taller stock clearance & accepted the stop block assembly as removable, just my $.o2

[@jakematic]

If, like my house my 'Heisz Station' wasnt gone, id be all over this. Thanks John. Edit: your hands are too close to the blade and youll burn the joint down ;^)

[@brw3079]

I'm so glad you made all those mistakes. I feel better now about always having to redo my own projects.😂

[@JorgTheElder]

Nice jig. I I would leave the knob on the back of the stop and just flip the whole stop around when stored.

[@peterl9097]

literally looks like the professional miter gauges you can buy for $150+ that's amazing!

[@CaptK-py8rq]

A straight spiral bit's the cats meow! Good video, thanks!

[@gsilcoful]

Awesome.

[@davestinyworkshop]

awesome!

[@billmaguire6216]

John, you're my hero. Your tips and tricks and innovative ideas is what I love to do too. Did you make your table for yourself made table or did you have the shop you got the material put the runners in? Thank you.

[@Captainwonderlad]

It was a good video and everyone rejoiced. 😊

[@user-kq7pn3li1s]

You ad genius 😮

[@TrainFlood]

Neat. I'll probably build something similar but attach to my existing Incra miter gauge.

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks

[@rickculpepper709]

Good stuff again…

[@dougc78]

Nice!!👍

[@janmalan471]

Nice

[@mwoody4560]

John, I really like the creativity and engineering you put into your projects. I especially like the shop made tools. I’ve thought of making my own, but I already have really good tools, so maybe I’ll spend my energy on other projects. I was surprised that you chose to use plastic knobs on this project in lieu of wooden ones I’ve seen you have on other projects. Not criticizing, just surprised. Love your channel. I watch every new episode and I’m catching up the ones you made before I found your channel. P.S. Have you ever made a drum or wide belt panel sander? I don’t have one of those yet.

[@mikedurkee7296]

freaking ingenious! Now let me get this straight... everything everywhere is made out of baltic birch😆

[@VadymZakrevskyy]

Great content! What clear finish spray do you use/recommend?

[@ferdinangomessilva976]

Aqui do Brasil sempre acompanho seus vídeos top

[@oliverosearts4429]

the scroll saw art i make involves cutting paper glued to wood. the best treatment to keep the paper from fraying is 5 to 7 light coats of clear coat letting each coat dry 1 or more hours between coats.

[@sergey8692]

Как всегда просто и гениально!

[@PaulSteer-lu1id]

Brilliant once again John...one question, what size is the protractor from point to point on its base?

[@Jotnene]

Love your work, but would the sliding dovetail expand/contract so it gets stuck?

[@StanCrafted]

That's brilliant, mate! Curious if you considered making the protractor on the CNC.

[@JohnHeisz]

I did, but that would turn off a lot of viewers. The paper one is easier and faster, anyway, and may be more accurate.

[@5280Woodworking]

Very cool idea indeed. If you don’t bill by the hour then it’s probably cheaper than the JessEm miter gauge I use.

[@dpmeyer4867]

Cool

[@Stakman1]

Nice! Thinking about how much thinking this would have taken to even start is giving me a headache. I think I should go lie down.

[@scott98390]

I've often wondered why there isn't an "indexer" on miter gauges - like two poker chips that nest together, that provides a positive interlocking position.

[@Rusty_ok]

Commenting to help the algorithm

[@JohnnyUmphress]

Well shoot, that looks better than my $200 Kreg T-Square setup.

[@daveydacusguitars9033]

I purchased a new table saw of much higher quality than I've owned in the past and it came with a miter gauge like this thaylt works super well and is very accurate, so I had the thought of getting rid of my miter saw.... The next day, I was cutting 8ft and 10ft boards on the miter saw and decided to keep it... But I could also just cut those with a square and a circular saw. And still free up the space. Ultimately, out of laziness more than anything, the miter saw is right where it has been for several years now... But.... I made a frame for a mirror recently out of some birds eye maple that I didn't deem worth enough for an instrument, and I knew automatically the table saw would cut the miters better. And it did, and the frame came out great because of the accuracy of the table saw with the miter slide. So really I need to get rid of the miter station probably.... one day...

[@johnselander8230]

Why wouldn’t you use the pivot for the slot? Was it easier and just didn’t need to be precise?

[@observingfrank8435]

Which adhesive do you use to bond metal to wood? This didn't look like epoxy.

[@Glassed_in_Nature]

What did you use to protect the paper with?

[@beth3914]

It’s so cool that 95% of the tools you use were made by you.