Author Topic: JESSEM Table Saw Miter Gauge (Read 21549 times)

Mario Turcot · « **on:** May 15, 2019, 02:16 PM »

Did a search and found nothing.

Just received a newsletter from Jessem about their Table Saw Miter Gauge and was wondering if anyone have experience with it. This is the second generation of the tool.

The tool seems to be a beast info

I have the Incra® Miter 1000SE Gauge and hate it. Flip stop is poorly made and the extension arm is flimsy & require a tool to move it.

ChuckM · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2019, 02:41 PM »

I am interested in this new mitre gauge as I have been very impressed with the performance of its table saw stock guides on my SawStop.

My search dug out these:

https://www.amazon.ca/JessEm-07100-Mite-R-Excel-Precision-Indexing/dp/B000W3K1HW#customerReviews

https://www.woodmagazine.com/review/saws/tablesaw-accessories/miter-gauges-sleds/jessem-mite-r-slide-miter-gauge-accessory

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2019, 02:46 PM »

@ChuckM yes the version one had very good reviews. They made some significant changes to version two. It seems to be lighter and made exclusively of alum. The extension arm & flip stop are locked with a simple 1/4 turn lever and the angle unit look to be very easy to operate.

All those characteristics are enhancement to my actual incra.

Birdhunter · « **Reply #3 on:** May 15, 2019, 05:17 PM »

I have the old model and I really like it. It is heavy. I use a big Woodpeckers framing square to check the gauge before a big project and have never seen the gauge out of perfect square. The pull out extension is solid even fully extended. The flip down stop is also solid. I don’t have any side to side play.

Other than being heavy, I have no negatives to mention about the miter gauge.

I’m not sure how the new model is improved over the original.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2019, 06:50 PM »

Quote from: Birdhunter on May 15, 2019, 05:17 PM

I have the old model and I really like it. It is heavy. I use a big Woodpeckers framing square to check the gauge before a big project and have never seen the gauge out of perfect square. The pull out extension is solid even fully extended. The flip down stop is also solid. I don’t have any side to side play.

Other than being heavy, I have no negatives to mention about the miter gauge.

I’m not sure how the new model is improved over the original.

Hey @Birdhunter, Thanks for your comment. I knew already that the original was solid rock but it's always good to hear it on the FOG

Since you have the original you the one that should tell us the improvement

Have you watched the video?

I can only compare with the incra;

Miter slot bar custom rolled steel from Sheffield, England
Flip stop adjustable to accommodate 3/4" sacrificial fence
Retractable stop at the end of the extension arm
Angle mechanism have no loose part
to name only those.

ChuckM · « **Reply #5 on:** May 15, 2019, 07:15 PM »

If JessEm's past products are a guide, this new mitre gauge should be a keeper. I was looking at the Incra Incra® Miter 1000SE Gauge 86N60.01, but did not pull the trigger. The JessEm's is similar to Incra 3000SE in price.

This feature "Easy indexing allows for adjustments at 0, 15, 22.5, 30 and 45 degrees" would meet all my foreseable needs. For all other angles, I have the Kapex.

jpmeunier · « **Reply #6 on:** May 15, 2019, 08:32 PM »

Yeah so 95% chance I get that instead of incra 1000hd. Good thing I hadn't pulled the trigger on that yet.

ChuckM · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2019, 08:42 PM »

Before Mario shared the product release news, did anyone know about this new mitre gauge being developed at all?

Some vendors (e.g. TSO) are good at letting people know what products they are developing, and such information can help their potential customers put on hold their purchase decisions.

Bob D. · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2019, 09:12 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on May 15, 2019, 08:42 PM

Before Mario shared the product release news, did anyone know about this new mitre gauge being developed at all?

Some vendors (e.g. TSO) are good at letting people know what products they are developing, and such information can help their potential customers put on hold their purchase decisions.

I agree that is it nice to have some knowledge of what is coming down the pipeline. I am not in the market for another miter gauge at this time but I have made a purchase after doing research to find out what was available or soon to be released only to be blindsided by a product that appears out of the blue.

But on the flip side looking at it from their perspective when you've put time and money into developing a product, even a 2G item as this miter gauge is, there is still considerable expense that they are looking to recover. Letting the cat out of the bag before you're ready to release can be risky if there is enough time for someone to bring out a copy sooner and steal your thunder thereby hurting your initial surge of orders.

In today's world with all the tools that are available to reverse engineer or copy something I think it's probably tough (and sometimes a big risk) to know when to make an announcement and when to keep quiet. Even though that may cost you some sales.

Birdhunter · « **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2019, 09:12 PM »

I watched the video and the new miter gauge does have some nice features my original lacks.

The flip up stop that accommodates a sacrificial fence would be great to have. Would the new stop fit onto my old unit?

ChuckM · « **Reply #10 on:** May 15, 2019, 09:36 PM »

Quote from: Bob D. on May 15, 2019, 09:12 PM

Snip. Letting the cat out of the bag before you're ready to release can be risky if there is enough time

Yes, a vendor needs to exercise care as to what and how much information is to be made public regarding any new product development.

It is not an easy call for a vendor to or not to release new product development information. I recall years ago L-N working on a Combination Plane and even showing a prototype but it has not, as of today, been able to actually launch the new plane. That is disappointing for many of its customers.

RKA · « **Reply #11 on:** May 15, 2019, 09:57 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on May 15, 2019, 08:42 PM

Before Mario shared the product release news, did anyone know about this new mitre gauge being developed at all?

Some vendors (e.g. TSO) are good at letting people know what products they are developing, and such information can help their potential customers put on hold their purchase decisions.

I got the email below this morning.

*edit* Sorry, I misunderstood you were asking. That email was the very first whiff of it that I saw.

Mark Katz · « **Reply #12 on:** May 16, 2019, 10:43 PM »

Question for all of you using the earlier version of this miter gauge or one of the Incra gauges. It seems that for all of these that the fence extrusion needs to be moved back whenever the angle is set to anything but o degrees to avoid cutting into the fence itself. To me, that means that a) the reading of the stop scale is meaningless when set at any angle other than 0, and b) the fence and stop scale need to be recalibrated once you return to 0.

Is my understanding correct? This seems like a considerable detriment to any of these similar miter gauges. The manual (online under the Manual tab on the web page) make no mention of moving the fence when making angled cuts.

For reference I've been using a Jointech Smart Miter for at least 15 years now. It has its problems (the flip stop is no longer robust and flexes too much, it's heavy and bulky, for example) but one of its design features is that the pivot point is close to the blade path and the extrusion is cut back so it doesn't need to moved when angled. The scale is off a bit while cutting angles but it returns to correct once you go back to 0 degrees, without recalibration.

I'd like to hear from anyone using an Incra 1000 SE or HD or the older version of this product about their experience with this issue (if it is one).

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2019, 12:16 AM »

@Mark Katz

Quote from: Mark Katz on May 16, 2019, 10:43 PM

Question for all of you using the earlier version of this miter gauge or one of the Incra gauges. It seems that for all of these that the fence extrusion needs to be moved back whenever the angle is set to anything but o degrees to avoid cutting into the fence itself. To me, that means that a) the reading of the stop scale is meaningless when set at any angle other than 0, and b) the fence and stop scale need to be recalibrated once you return to 0.

Is my understanding correct? This seems like a considerable detriment to any of these similar miter gauges. The manual (online under the Manual tab on the web page) make no mention of moving the fence when making angled cuts.

For reference I've been using a Jointech Smart Miter for at least 15 years now. It has its problems (the flip stop is no longer robust and flexes too much, it's heavy and bulky, for example) but one of its design features is that the pivot point is close to the blade path and the extrusion is cut back so it doesn't need to moved when angled. The scale is off a bit while cutting angles but it returns to correct once you go back to 0 degrees, without recalibration.

I'd like to hear from anyone using an Incra 1000 SE or HD or the older version of this product about their experience with this issue (if it is one).

Mark, yes you have to move back the fence when moving from 0deg. However if you use a sacrificial fence you can do without moving it by extending the sub fence a bit longer 2" should do it and you should not have much flex. Regarding the scale for flip stop ref, I would never use the scale. In fact on my incra I dont and quite honestly I don't know why there is one. IMHO having a micro adjustment on the flip stop defeat the purpose of a scale.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2019, 12:30 AM »

Here a picture of my Incra Miter Gauge model 1000SE

My Incra iBox

Not used yet

but I like how it slide compare to the Miter Gauge. The Miter Gauge have more friction. Alum on iron cast, should I try waxing it?

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #15 on:** May 17, 2019, 12:36 AM »

@Birdhunter

Quote from: Birdhunter on May 15, 2019, 09:12 PM

I watched the video and the new miter gauge does have some nice features my original lacks.

The flip up stop that accommodates a sacrificial fence would be great to have. Would the new stop fit onto my old unit?

I will call them tomorrow and let you know. I am also wondering if I can get a second flip stop since I didn't found any reference on their site for an extra flip stop. I have a few torsion boxes to make using cross half lap joint and it would be really handy.

Birdhunter · « **Reply #16 on:** May 17, 2019, 01:23 AM »

I use my original JessEm gauge on a SawStop Industrial Model. Any slightest contact between saw blade and anything conductive will trigger the safety cartridge to activate. You avoid body dismemberment but lose both saw blade ($150) and cartridge ($100). So being careful about clearance is critical.

I never use the supplied scale. I’ll usually use a ruler to get approximate setup, but fine tune with trial pieces. To me a “go by” is worth a hundred scales.

Setting an angle on the miter guard requires verifying cleasances.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #17 on:** May 17, 2019, 01:28 AM »

Quote from: Birdhunter on May 17, 2019, 01:23 AM

I use my original JessEm gauge on a SawStop Industrial Model. Any slightest contact between saw blade and anything conductive will trigger the safety cartridge to activate. You avoid body dismemberment but lose both saw blade ($150) and cartridge ($100). So being careful about clearance is critical.

I never use the supplied scale. I’ll usually use a ruler to get approximate setup, but fine tune with trial pieces. To me a “go by” is worth a hundred scales.

Setting an angle on the miter guard requires verifying cleasances.

I believe you can overpass the saw stop safety. I don't know if it's a easy thing and how many steps it requires tho.

Birdhunter · « **Reply #18 on:** May 17, 2019, 05:19 AM »

It’s easier to just adjust a miter gauge or whatever to be out of contact with the blade guard and, certainly, the blade. On the old miter gauge that I have, I loosen two handles, adjust, and relighted the two handles.

I just don’t want to disable the saw’s safety feature.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #19 on:** May 17, 2019, 06:46 PM »

Well, well, well!

I called JESSEM "Help Desk" at 9:15 AM and asked the two following questions:

Do the new Miter Gauge Flip Stop is available for sale separately?
Does it fit onto the original Miter Gauge?

"Help Desk" replied that she is going to get the answers and call me back in 30-45mins. At 11:20 AM I called back for my inquiry and again the "Help Desk" replied, I will get the answers and call you back in 10mins. It is 6:43 PM and no call yet!

I was that close to pull the trigger on the Miter Gauge

ChuckM · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2019, 07:37 PM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on May 17, 2019, 06:46 PM

I was that close to pull the trigger on the Miter Gauge

And JessEm was that close to have a deal closed!

Many people these days give their word, but don't follow through even when their reputation is on the line. At the very least, the lady should've called you back and given you another time that she would call again. But you know what? She could possibly too look forward to her Victoria Day long weekend!

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2019, 07:50 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on May 17, 2019, 07:37 PM

And JessEm was that close to have a deal closed!

Many people these days give their word, but don't follow through even when their reputation is on the line. At the very least, the lady should've called you back and given you another time that she would call again. But you know what? She could possibly too look forward to her Victoria Day long weekend!

True, I know myself use to take that Friday off as well. I give the benefit of the doubt and will call back on Tuesday.

Note: What's weird is there is no email contact on their sites

cause I would have send an email hoping to get someone else involved.

ChuckM · « **Reply #22 on:** May 18, 2019, 12:57 AM »

To contact them by email, click on Customer Service then Contact Us. Wait for a few seconds for a Contact Us box to pop up on the lower right corner. Click on the Contact Us box for a dialog window to enter your inquiry/message.

Please share what you found out.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #23 on:** May 18, 2019, 06:36 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on May 18, 2019, 12:57 AM

To contact them by email, click on Customer Service then Contact Us. Wait for a few seconds for a Contact Us box to pop up on the lower right corner. Click on the Contact Us box for a dialog window to enter your inquiry/message.

Please share what you found out.

Thank you Chuck, I never saw that feature

montyss · « **Reply #24 on:** May 20, 2019, 10:16 AM »

There products are very good but the customer service needs some help . I called at the beginning of Dec 2018 to see by chance if there where any side tables for sale for my Mast R Slide on my table saw , the person was going to check it out and said to give it a couple days and call back . I did and they did have one which was un anodized and that was fine . Paid for it with my charge card and it would be shipped out in a couple days , this was about Dec 14 /18 . Fast forward into Jan /2019 after several phone calls going no where with the person on the desk and the person I originally was speaking to I told the person that answered the phone what had been going on that I would be getting a hold of my charge card company to get a refund if my purchase didn't ship promptly that it had been almost a month and a half plenty long enough to get it to me . I did receive a tracking number and my package (Jan 24 2019) right after that but have reservations dealing with them again even though they have some really good products .

jpmeunier · « **Reply #25 on:** May 20, 2019, 10:23 AM »

I just tried to buy the mitre gauge......but their web store didn't work for me. I wonder if Incra or another vendor that carries their products will get them? Or I'll have to call and order.

ChuckM · « **Reply #26 on:** May 20, 2019, 12:24 PM »

Quote from: montyss on May 20, 2019, 10:16 AM

There products are very good but the customer service needs some help .

That's why whenever possible, I prefer to deal with an established, reputed merchant even if I have to pay a little more for the same product instead of direct with a small vendor/manufacturer. When things go wrong (Murphy's Law), I know I am dealing with a trusted partner on the other end. That's especially true when we are talking about bigger machines, and pricey tools and accessories. There is no way I would get them from a big box store either even if they carry them (usually they don't), as they don't give you the personal attention you want, or have sufficient knowledge of what they are selling.

I do woodworking for fun, and I don't need or want any stress or frustration over a purchase transaction to spoil my day.

ishmerc · « **Reply #27 on:** May 20, 2019, 02:57 PM »

JDS still sell this miter gauge .

https://www.amazon.com/JDS-18-34-Accu-Miter-34-Inch-Professional/dp/B0000223UX/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #28 on:** May 20, 2019, 09:28 PM »

Since that particular item is a new tool it will not be available to retailers until a few months. Currently this is on pre-order @ $337.99 CAD instead of $374.99 CAD

They should be shipped May 31 and hopefully in 2019. I believe they are already in production and will produce +/- base on the number of pre-order. I assume that retailers should get the item a few weeks after the pre-order has been fulfilled.

I sent a mail on Saturday and will see how long it take for them to reply

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #29 on:** May 25, 2019, 10:28 AM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on May 20, 2019, 09:28 PM

Since that particular item is a new tool it will not be available to retailers until a few months. Currently this is on pre-order @ $337.99 CAD instead of $374.99 CAD

They should be shipped May 31 and hopefully in 2019. I believe they are already in production and will produce +/- base on the number of pre-order. I assume that retailers should get the item a few weeks after the pre-order has been fulfilled.

I sent a mail on Saturday and will see how long it take for them to reply

I week later and no reply, you lost my business Jessem. I was also planning to buy their router table kit, but with zero support, No matter how good is the product, it's a no go for me.