Newbie - Attaching featherboards?

Question

I'm so excited to finally have 220v for my unisaw - the first few cuts were just amazing. Very quickly did I realize I will need some featherboards. As easy as they are to make, attaching them to the saw's top and unifence is less obvious - I'd like to avoid having to use clamps every time.

I found the obvious T-tracks etc that could be attached to a sacrificial fence, or even the replacement unifence fence which has integral T-track all over.

I'd like to keep cost low however, and the challenge of making something is more fun than slapping (too much) money down. Has anyone made a mechanism that clamps inside the miter groove? And what about attaching to the unifence for downward pressure/guidance?

Regards, Pieter

Lew Hodgett · Accepted Answer

SFWIW, the following has worked for me.Build a sacrificial fence using two (2) pieces of 3/4", 13 ply Birch that isabout 8" high, glued together which provides a 1/2" thick fence.Why 1-1/2" thick?Look at the Unifence calibration markings.The space on the scale between the "inside" "outside" markings is 1-1/2".Makes a no brainer out of setting the fence.Installed a piece of 3/4" miter track about 5"-6" from the bottom edge ofthe sacrificial fence the full length of the fence.Bought a couple of ready made feather boards complete with knob and 3'4"aluminum stock that slides in miter track.At less than $5 apiece, it wasn't worth my time to make something.Works for me.YMMV

GeeDubb · Answer

Here's one that fits in the miter slot for downward pressure using the unifence, make a feather board and clampit.

Bridger · Answer

my table saw has t slots for the miter guage. I made a hardwood runner that engages the t slots and has a nut recessed into the bottom of it to recieve a knob above the table. the knob secures a dog that holds down a featherboard. works pretty well.

I did it this way because the point loading of a sliding nut made me nervous. prolly being anal, but it would suck to chip the t slot.... Bridger

Pounds on Wood · Answer

I have a free plan for this on my site.  Link below.--Bill Pounds

Pieter Ruiter · Answer

exactly what I needed! Thanks a lot Bill. The slider design is where I was confused - but not anymore ;-))Pieter"Pounds on Wood"  wrote in news:vvtq552q3bvda5

Newbie - Attaching featherboards?

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