MFT Height adjustment/"Thickness gauge"

[rokonies]

There is a Height adjustment/"thickness gauge" on the hinged (pivot) rail support and the rail support on the MFT. There does not appear to be an index or reference line marking on either one. Can anyone provide some guidance on using this? I put a board of approximately 3/4 inch thickness under the guide rail but what appears to be the reference is above the markings (or about 60 on the scale).

A search of the forum did not return related info. Thanks in advance.

 

[Loren Hedahl]

Don't know if I'm misinterpreting your question but, I just set it up so the guide rail sits flat on the piece I'm cutting.  Therefore no marking is needed.

I suppose if you were cutting pieces of various thicknesses you might want to pre-set the height.  But for some reason I don't understand how that would be of much advantage.

Loren

 

[ejantny]

This rear adjustment as well as the front on is for leveling the rail on the work piece. A snug fit on the work piece is what I use (very light hand pressure).

When the work piece is less than 1/2" the fit is not very snug if at all. I'll use a backer board so the work piece will not move.

 

[rokonies]

Thanks for your thoughts.

Having the guide rail sit flat on the piece to be cut makes sense. I was just wondering what the scale on the pivot and support were used for and assumed they might be some sort of material thickness measurement.

I'll use your suggestion for the backer board.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Having the guide rail flat and supported against movement during the sawing or routing operation is very important to getting accurate cuts!  Be certain to support the guide rail with additional [scrap] stock if needed to prevent flexing of the rail and rocking of your saw or router as it is moved along the rail.  Rail movement is definitely bad if you are cuttiing mitres or bevels.

Dave R.