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Jessem Mite-R-Excel II?

6K views 33 replies 12 participants last post by  rustynails 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I need a new miter gauge for my SawStop table saw, and have read a bunch of reviews in various places. The Incras, of course, pop up all over the show, but their ratings concern me; from "sad" to "excellent", regardless of model it seems, which is almost like having no review. The Jessem gauge looks fantastic, almost like there is too much machining in it for someone to not make it accurately. The proof, however, is in the hands of users. I am wondering if anyone has used one of these "newer" ones. (I gather that these were discontinued, and are now back.) Are they very, very good, P, EOS, or just another tool whose reviews span the gamut? Thanks, and I am not worried about the price if they are excellent tools. john
 
#2 ·
This is one place where you get what you pay for.

I just bought the Jessem Mite-R Slide II and the Ultimate Excel II package, along with a smattering of other JessEm accessories. They are exceptionally well made, well designed, and top quality. The router table set up is a pleasure to work with, easy to set up with very precise, repeatable results. I intend to write up a review once I've used it in a few more applications.

My Christmas list includes the Mite-R-Excel II miter bar based on how impressed I am with the router table package.
 
#3 ·
Another thought just crossed my head on this. Why, if one has the $70-ish MiterSet package, https://vsctools.com/shop/miterset/, does one need anything but a miter gauge that locks tight and stays in position? From the video I've seen on the MiterSet, they about make a fancy miter gauge obsolete. That Set looks pretty quick, very accurate, and never needs tweaking. Thoughts? j
 
#4 ·
I think part of the appeal of JessEm is the quality of the miter guide bar as well as the precision of the presets on the miter gauge. If you have a mediocre miter bar that has some slop in it, then all of the precision in setting up the angle is lost. As a bonus, a fancy fence is also included that makes set up quicker and easier than using a ruler or square to set the stop distance.

At $150 you are most of the way to the cost of the JessEm miter guage, and you still have the cost of a miter gauge to go with the miter set. I think you would be money and time ahead with the JessEm miter gauge, which is why I want one for Christmas. Your opinion may differ.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the thoughts, Earl. Yes, the steel bar will eliminate any possible flexing, which I can see in the aluminum rail i mounted my original miter gauge head to. I think I will give the Jessem a go, and if it is not quite "there" then add on a MiterSet down the road. I suspect the Jessem will be as accurate as I can be….
 
#6 ·
I don't want to get another "tool" out each time I want to set my miter gauge. That is the one thing I don't like about my Incra miter gauge. It takes an extra tool to extend the bar and adjust things. I'd trade my Incra for that JessEm if I could.
 
#7 ·
"I'd trade my Incra for that JessEm if I could." Good to know. Craig's List is waiting for your Incra. Will the price difference kill ya? If you can go that route, git 'er done. After all, when all is said and done, we rent all this stuff anyway…..
 
#8 ·
Get the Incra 1000SE. IMHO the 1000HD is a little overkill, but an excellent tool. The 1000SE has performed flawlessly for me for over 10 years. Using an extra tool to adjust your miter gauge, router table, table saw, band saw etc is just part of the process to me. But that's just me. We all have our own method of working and what is critical to me, is just not that important to others. Jessum makes a fine line of tools, but sometimes, like all other companies, they put out a product that is just ever so slightly less useful to some. Simply put: buy the best tool that you can afford that meets your criteria for the work that you do and the way you want to do it. For me, that is Incra, for miter gauges, router tables and fences, IBOX, and many measuring and marking devices and accessories. Work Safely, Have Fun and Good Luck!
 
#9 ·
I showed this to my wife last night and told her I wanted it for Christmas. She told me to order it but I have to wrap it and put it under the tree when it arrives. I'm OK with that, and it is $30 off the normal price. At least I won't be getting a lump of coal.
 
#10 ·
Thanks again for the replies, folks. I am about to make a slight gamble on the Jessem. Those low ratings for the Incra are too much of a red flag. It sounds like they are a bit too much hit and miss for me, even though I used to own an Incra and it worked super well. I sold it w/ the table saw I sold to get a SawStop. Should have maybe kept it….. Life happens. Well, make dust, not war. Cheers. j
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
I showed this to my wife last night and told her I wanted it for Christmas. She told me to order it but I have to wrap it and put it under the tree when it arrives. I m OK with that, and it is $30 off the normal price. At least I won t be getting a lump of coal.

- EarlS
My suggestion: Unbox it, wrap up the empty box and try it out (come on, you know you want to) Christmas Eve, put it back in the box and re wrap it.

She'll never know the difference.

Let us know how it goes LOL.
 
#13 ·
I don t want to get another "tool" out each time I want to set my miter gauge. That is the one thing I don t like about my Incra miter gauge. It takes an extra tool to extend the bar and adjust things. I d trade my Incra for that JessEm if I could.

- PaulDoug
Has anyone tried replacing the hex bolts on the Incra miter with their ratchet knobs? (https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/incra-bknobs2) It would seem to eliminate that "extra tool" issue.
 
#14 ·
I bought the Mite-R-Excel II back in May when they had an intro offer.
It wasn't so much that I needed to replace my old miter (Incra 1000), it just was I was getting tired of dealing with the Incra's loose miter bar and fiddling with my fix for it.

The Jessem has some cool features, foremost for me is an excellent miter slot adjustment system. The preset angle stops are dead accurate and the few times I have had to rely on the veneer scale I've had no issues.

The initial setup is easy and rock solid, setting the fence square to the table is easy whereas my Incra was impossible (the weight of a 6" quick-grip clamp bends it off square).

It's a pricey unit with some dubious features, but In my opinion it complements my old Incra 1000 and I'm glad to have both.
 
#16 ·
J,

At some point I'll do a proper write up w/pictures, but here are a few things that I found.

There is a feature where the fence can be released from the base and slid left/right (same as the hex screws on the Incra.
Now of course this is a "must" feature so you can position the fence close to the blade when cutting at an angle or swapping in a dado set. There is a pin that allows the fence to reposition exactly when setting the miter back up for a 90 deg. cut after having moved the fence previously. This is ok, in the sense that the installed ruler tape (which is set up to position the board stop distance from the blade) is accurate. There is a fare amount of hardware installed on the miter gauge to make this all possible. Currently I never/have never used this ruler on any miter gauge so I find it superfluous and would have gladly traded the feature for a lower price.

Another minor issue is the above mentioned board stop. It is handy in the general sense since it swings down when needed and up out of the way when not needed. The issue for me is it is a cantilevered design with a small amount of "slop" (about 1/64") when varying the pressure one applied against it. This is a non issue for most work, but when I am cutting box or frame parts, I need dead nuts consistency so I just use the old school stop block held in place with a clamp.

I'm still glad to have this part on the miter, it makes it easier to do quick stack of "almost" equal length boards, but I'd rather have seen a more ridged design that replaced my old school clamp/block setup.

The last of my "gripes" would be the two thumb screws that loosen to allow the fence to slide left/right (after pulling the pin explained above).

The main "knob" on this miter is a large beast (I like this!), but it limits the room too gain easy access to these thumb screws. Since it takes less than 1/2 turn on each to go from loose to tight, I would liked to have seen the same "ratchet knobs" mentioned in Chuck's #12 reply above (I can't remember their common industry name). This would allow easy tight/loose with better leverage for sore fingers.

On a good note, the reason I love this miter is the setup. Set the bar to ride in (any width) miter slot without any slop and stay that way? Easy!
Set the "0" to be perpendicular to the saw blade and stay that way? Easy!
Set the fence to be square to the table and stay that way? Easy!

It's been 6 months and I still have a lot to explore, but I'm fairly certain it is easily a step above my Incra 1000 (at twice the cost!)

The Incra gets the nod for setting repeatable angles every 5 degrees (and 22.5), but the Jessem allows the same fine tuning, just not as quick and easy if the angle is not 0, 15, 22.5, 30, or 45 degrees)
 
#17 ·
Excellent info! Thanks. I will take note of these issues when mine arrives, and will be happy to SELL YOU a patented solution to each by May 3, 2020. Naturally, you will get a 43.6% discount from the MSRP. But you better hurry, as supplies are limited to stock on hand.
 
#18 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hmmm, Have you looked at other options? I've been using the Kreg since they came out, and I'm just not seeing what you are getting for twice the price, that's not on the Kreg. Black paint maybe?

Amazon link, I've seen them less other places, and with BF and Christmas deals coming up likely will again.

https://www.amazon.com/KMS7102-Table-Precision-Miter-System/dp/B0002QZ4RG/ref=pd_sbs_469_img_1/142-6163142-8738927?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0002QZ4RG&pd_rd_r=06df2c5c-194c-44cd-a49a-4c80d5d0c20a&pd_rd_w=LTDdy&pd_rd_wg=fPkmc&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=3MDDC37PNA5TVDTQ89NF&psc=1&refRID=3MDDC37PNA5TVDTQ89NF
 
#19 ·
Steve: Thanks for the reply. I looked hard at the Kreg and it sure looks good, but, again, it is the hit-and-miss reviews that turn me off. 11% number 1 and #2 reviews say "Gamble"... I don't have the time or interest in being in the 11%. Other places have mentioned similar dissatisfactions, too. The "extra" money does not bother me at all, IFF it is as good as it looks, and IFF the few reviews I've seen are reflective of the general reality with the Jessem. Therein lies the gamble with the Jessem….. limited data. Life has too many freaking dice in it! My Jessem will be here soon, and I will be sure to post my impressions with it. Cheers. j
 
#20 ·
This discussion illustrates the importance of posting product reviews. I know I have a list of several tools that I want to write reviews for. I just need the time and motivation to do so.

Splinter - thanks for the candid write-up. I will also keep your comments in mind when I finally get to use my Christmas present (how many shopping days til then?).

I've had the same problem (slop) with every flip stop I've ever used. JessEm has a board stop for the Excell II router table fence that doesn't flip up. I don't know why they can't use the same idea for the miter gauge, except that the user would have to take it off when it isn't in use rather than flipping it up. I take the flip stop off when I'm not using it no since it is another thing to get in the way when it isn't in use so it wouldn't be an issue. It is certainly less of an issue than having to deal with the slop or clamping a stop on the miter fence.
 
#21 ·
I ve had the same problem (slop) with every flip stop I ve ever used. JessEm has a board stop for the Excell II router table fence that doesn t flip up. I don t know why they can t use the same idea for the miter gauge, except that the user would have to take it off when it isn t in use rather than flipping it up. I take the flip stop off when I m not using it no since it is another thing to get in the way when it isn t in use so it wouldn t be an issue. It is certainly less of an issue than having to deal with the slop or clamping a stop on the miter fence.

- EarlS
Seems like the answer might be a flip stop that tightens down like a block would. All it would take is a t-track like fitting that locked in with a quarter turn of a knob.
 
#22 ·
Steve: Thanks for the reply. I looked hard at the Kreg and it sure looks good, but, again, it is the hit-and-miss reviews that turn me off. 11% number 1 and #2 reviews say "Gamble"... I don t have the time or interest in being in the 11%. Other places have mentioned similar dissatisfactions, too. The "extra" money does not bother me at all, IFF it is as good as it looks, and IFF the few reviews I ve seen are reflective of the general reality with the Jessem. Therein lies the gamble with the Jessem….. limited data. Life has too many freaking dice in it! My Jessem will be here soon, and I will be sure to post my impressions with it. Cheers. j

- jklingel
Do you actually read the reviews? I ask because more often than not, when I read bad reviews, the complaint is not about the product itself, but something to do with the vendor or shipping, etc.
 
#23 ·
I don t want to get another "tool" out each time I want to set my miter gauge. That is the one thing I don t like about my Incra miter gauge. It takes an extra tool to extend the bar and adjust things. I d trade my Incra for that JessEm if I could.

- PaulDoug

Has anyone tried replacing the hex bolts on the Incra miter with their ratchet knobs? (https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/incra-bknobs2) It would seem to eliminate that "extra tool" issue.

- cmacnaughton
Not a bad idea and I am considering it… only complaint I have is you get the knobs in packs of 4… You need 5 on my Incra or you would still need "the tool". This is always the way…. I'd need to buy two packs… I'm sure I would find uses for the extras.
 
#24 ·
I ve had the same problem (slop) with every flip stop I ve ever used. JessEm has a board stop for the Excell II router table fence that doesn t flip up. I don t know why they can t use the same idea for the miter gauge, except that the user would have to take it off when it isn t in use rather than flipping it up. I take the flip stop off when I m not using it no since it is another thing to get in the way when it isn t in use so it wouldn t be an issue. It is certainly less of an issue than having to deal with the slop or clamping a stop on the miter fence.

- EarlS

Seems like the answer might be a flip stop that tightens down like a block would. All it would take is a t-track like fitting that locked in with a quarter turn of a knob.

- cmacnaughton
True, A T track could be installed into whatever board is used as a sacrificial fence, but that is getting fancy with something that I consider consumable.

My idea for a fix to the flip down board stop would be to have it supported on both ends, eliminate the cantilever. Many other miters use this method for nice rigidity.

Again, the stop is quite functional, just not as rigid as it could be.

Some more details on the miter bar.
My Incra has plastic (nylon/HDPE?) split washers that get spread out when the screws are tightened. This spreading is supposed to take up the slop between the miter bar and the miter slot. My problem is they wear quite quickly and are at their limit of expansion to snug up the fit in my way oversized miter slot. The Jessem bar has metal eccentrics which swing out as the screws are tightened. Instructions say to place a sheet of paper between the eccentric and slot side before tightening. This leaves the thickness of the paper as the operational clearance between the bar and slot. I ended up eliminating the paper while adjusting and the fit is absolutely perfect. Smooth movement with essentially zero slop.
 
#25 ·
I have an old, beat up Woodhaven miter bar which does OK, but there is still some play in the miter slot. I can't really complain because the out feed table just has a slot cut into it, but no t-channel to keep the front of the miter bar from flopping around once it passes the end of the cast iron portion of the table saw.

So many shop projects that need to done. It is an endless progression to decide which ones must be addressed. Anyone have an extra 24 hours/day that I can borrow to get it all done?
 
#26 ·
True, A T track could be installed into whatever board is used as a sacrificial fence, but that is getting fancy with something that I consider consumable.
Yeah, my "suggestion" I guess was more intended for Incra, Jessem and Kreg than for us end users. I was thinking it should be something built into the original equipment. There's already a t-slot on the front of the fence anyway, so it could be used in the method I originally described. Of course then you wouldn't be able to use a sacrificial face, so…
 
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