Featherboards are a safety accessory often used at machines like the router table and bandsaw. They eliminate kickback, reduce vibration, and keep workpieces tight to the fence. Start talking about using featherboards at the table saw and you get all sorts of opinions on how they should be set up. Using the right type of featherboard is key. With this in mind, Magswitch has introduced The Magswitch Pro Featherboards for the Table Saw. These innovative tools provide versatility and peace of mind.
What is a Magswitch?
Magwitch is a company that makes all sorts of accessories that use a magnet-based system to attach to any ferrous metal surface like cast iron and steel. The magic comes from the switching system. By turning a knob or lever, the magnets are either activated or neutralized. This means you can position your featherboard or other accessories wherever you need. When you flip the switch, the magnets lock in place. The magnets themselves are seriously strong. Most have a rating of 150 pounds of breakaway (tension) force. The beauty of the Magswitch is they do not require a Miter Track or T-Track so they can be used where other featherboards and accessories can't.
Magswitch Vertical Featherboard PRO (100-629)
The Magswitch Vertical Featherboard Pro, 100-629 is the first featherboard system designed to mount directly to your table saw fence. It requires no mounting tracks, holes, or screws. As long as your fence is made of steel, the magnets will hold this featherboard securely in place. It is sized to be a perfect fit on any Biesmeyer style fence. With an adjustment range of +1.45" to -2.87" we were able to adjust the feathers to hold any workpiece up to 3-1/2" thick on our Sawstop PCS cabinet saw. It's also reversible and can be mounted on either side of your fence for use right or left of the blade. Keeping the workpiece flat to the table will improve rip cuts, and reduce the risk of kickback.
Magswitch Universal Featherboard Pro (100-628)
The Magswitch Universal Featherboard Pro, 100-628 is a dual-sided featherboard. It features extra-wide magnetic pads that allow it to be positioned directly over miter slots in your table saw's table without losing magnetic attraction or holding power. Because it is dual-sided it can be positioned either right or left of the blade. This eliminates frustration when trying to keep workpieces tight against the fence. When using a featherboard like this at the table saw it is important to position it forward of the blade, so that it does not cause pressure on the saw kerf. Positioning any featherboard parallel to or behind the saw blade has the potential to cause binding and kickback. Positioning the featherboard forward of the blade will make a big difference and improve cut accuracy.
The Universal Featherboard Pro also has a pair of micro-adjustable stops. These stops can be set up to 5/8" apart. When used with a 1/8" kerf saw blade you can make notches up to 3/4" wide. Each stop is spring-loaded and has a locking collar so no tools are needed to make adjustments. Because it is so easy to adjust, fine-tuning the fit of dadoes or slots is easy.
Get the Complete Package
Infinity Tools Offers the Magswitch Pro 3-Pc. Table Saw Package, 100-614 that includes a pair of Vertical Featherboard Pros and a Universal Featherboard Pro. This set is perfect for many situations because it helps hold the workpiece securely down against the fence both before and after the cut, and provides pressure to keep the workpiece tightly against the fence ahead of the blade so you can focus on smooth feeding of the workpiece. It's definitely a handy package to have when cutting large and long workpieces—think of this package as your own personal shop assistant.
If you have been looking for a way to make safer and more accurate cuts at the table saw, the Magswitch Vertical and Universal Pro Featherboards are a great choice.