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What the gauge-block jig repeats—and what it does not
The WOOD Magazine jig registers against the router table’s miter slot. Once the fence is aligned to the cutter’s guide bearing and locked, adjustable blocks are slid against the fence and secured. The jig is then removed before routing. When you change bits, the blocks provide a reference for returning the fence to its established position.
This is a fence-position jig, not an automatic setup for every part of the cut. It does not establish the correct cutter height, guarantee a matched profile, or eliminate test cuts. The method is described in WOOD Magazine’s “Gauge Blocks for Faster Rail-and-Stile Setup,” updated March 22, 2024.
Make the jig work without a miter slot
If your table has no miter slot, WOOD Magazine says to make the gauge blocks longer and guide the jig’s hardwood runner against the table’s front edge. The runner then supplies the reference that the miter slot provides in the standard arrangement.
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#1 Best Overall
- Simplify Your Work: Each setup blocks (with varying thicknesses) can be set for router bit height, milling thickness, testing the depth of the workpiece, setting the cutting angle of the table saw blade, or stacked into hundreds of combinations to meet your different needs and make work easier
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- 4-in-1 Versatile Design: Each set up blocks for woodworking combines 4 essential tools (angle, step, depth and fence) in one, realizing the versatility of your project, you can set the height of router bit, milling thickness, test the depth of workpiece, and set the cutting angle of table saw blade
- Premium Quality Material: These woodworking setup blocks are crafted from lightweight, high-strength aluminum alloy with CNC machining, anodized finish, and laser-engraved markings for clarity and durability
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Capture and reuse the fence position
- Set the fence for the first cutter. Align it to the guide bearing and the miter slot as appropriate for your table, then lock it. Confirm the alignment before recording the setting.
- Register the jig. Loosen the jig’s wing nuts and place its runner in the miter slot. If using the no-slot adaptation, guide the runner against the table’s front edge.
- Bring the blocks to the fence. Slide the adjustable blocks up to the fence and tighten the wing nuts to hold their positions.
- Remove the jig before routing. Make the cut only after the jig is clear of the work area. Keep the captured block positions intact.
- Repeat after the bit change. Reposition the fence against the blocks to recover the recorded fence setting, then verify the setup with scrap before cutting project parts.
Set cutter height separately and verify the joint
A profile-specific setup block or setup bar may help reference cutter height, but it serves a different purpose from the fence jig. Follow the instructions for the specific block and cutter: use the correct side or profile for the cutter in use, and observe the stated stock-thickness limits. For example, the cited Infinity block is 3/4 inch thick and intended for 3/4-inch stock; MLCS also specifies uniform 3/4-inch stock for its block method. Check the dimensions and compatibility of the setup aid against your own cutter and material before relying on it.
Use the profile block as a starting reference
MLCS recommends cutting the cope or rail end first with same-thickness scrap, then setting the stile cutter with the opposite face of the block and checking it against an already-cut rail. Make test cuts, inspect the fit and face alignment, and adjust as needed. MLCS explicitly notes that its setup block is not guaranteed to match the profile; it is intended to help set cutter height quickly. If a coping sled changes the reference surface, account for the sled base thickness in the bit-height setting.
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For an independent alignment check, WWGOA’s rail-and-stile setup guidance describes disconnecting power for cutter changes, using a straightedge across the fence gap to contact both the bearing and fence, locking the fence, and test-cutting scrap. Compare the rail lip and shoulder, adjust if needed, then use a cut rail end to reference the second cutter and dry-assemble the pieces. A featherboard can hold stock down while a push stick keeps it against the fence.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The setup blocks can easily set the height of the fence, blades bits and other cutters according to the needs, which is faster and more accurate than using a combined ruler.
- Combine bars to setup 100's of measurements. Stack setup bars for a wide variation or sizes, or use on their own, work and measure quickly.
- Set up gauge blocks are all 3 inches long. Accurate saw gauge block set sizes: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8 ",5/32" ,3/16" ,7/32" ,1/4" ,5/16" ,3/8" ,7/16", 15/32", 1/2", 23/32", 3/4", 1x2x3"
- Easy-to-read laser etched labels on each block. Fitted case included, so the combination square will be more tightly protected during transportation.
- 15 pcs Blocks Solid Aluminum Construction Black Anodized to better protect router bits and saws.
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- SETUP BLOCKS HEIGHT GAUGE SET: The setup blocks can easily adjust the height of fences, blades, bits, and other cutters according to your needs, providing faster and more precise measurements than traditional rulers
- MEASUREMENT OPTIONS: With 15 precision aluminum setup blocks, you can combine them to create hundreds of different measurements. Whether stacked for varying sizes or used individually, they ensure quick and efficient work
- EASY TO READ: Each block features laser-engraved size markings that are easy to read, ensure that work continues as usual. The set also includes a case for added convenience
- CORRECT DIMENSIONS: Each setup block is 3 inches long. The dimensions of the 15 setup blocks are: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 15/32", 1/2", 23/32", 3/4", 1x2x3". Calibrated to within 0.001 inches
- DESIGNED FOR WOODWORKING: These Set up gauge blocks are made of solid aluminium and feature a black anodized finish to protect your milling cutters and saw blades
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- Simplify Woodworking Tasks in Seconds: Each setup block (with varied thicknesses) handles router bit height, milling thickness, workpiece depth, and table saw blade angles effortlessly. Stack them for hundreds of combinations—cutting setup time from minutes to seconds
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- Multi-functional Wood Working Tools and Accessories: Combines angle, step, depth, and fence alignment in one set. Perfect for setting router bits, table saws, band saws, and planers—no need for multiple gauges. A must-have for woodworkers, machinists, and DIYers
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Choose a setup aid by the job it performs
| Setup aid | Best use | Limits to check |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable gauge-block fence jig | Repeating a fence position after it has been aligned and locked; the WOOD Magazine jig references the miter slot, with a front-edge runner adaptation for tables without a slot. | It preserves a fence position, not cutter height or a verified joint fit. Test cuts are still required. |
| Profile-specific rail-and-stile setup block | Referencing cutter height for the matching profile. The cited Infinity and MLCS examples address 3/4-inch stock. | Confirm the block matches the cutter profile and stock thickness. It is a setup reference, not proof of a correct cut; make scrap cuts and check the joint. |
| General-purpose router setup bars | Referencing bit height and bit-to-fence distance across general routing tasks. Kreg’s setup bars are a broader-purpose option. | They are less specific to a named rail-and-stile profile than a matched profile block, and do not replace test cuts or fit checks. |
Safety and final checks
- Disconnect power before changing cutters or making adjustments that put your hands near the cutter.
- Remove the fence jig before routing; it is a measuring reference, not a workpiece guide.
- Use same-thickness scrap for both profiles, inspect the cut relationship, and dry-assemble before routing production stock.
- Use appropriate workholding, including a featherboard and push stick, to keep the stock controlled against the table and fence.
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