Shopsmith Forums

Does anyone have and use Grip-Tite Magnetic Featherboards? If so, what do you think of them.... good investment?

I saw them at the Chantilly, VA Woodworking Show today and they, like many things, look very interesting but funds and space to store really cool gadgets is not unlimited. So.... what do those that have them think?

They won't work on aluminum tables.

While that would seem to be the case, the Grip-Tite system can be used on aluminum tables, just not directly. They are primarily intended for use on the fence. Grip-Tite website.

Anyone with experience using them?

Thank you, Rick. They look like they might be good to have around. I don't believe I can set my fence up on top of that fixture but it is a thought.

Maybe some one needs to come up with an aluminum magnet.

There is always a way, Ron. If you want to bad enough.

I have a set that I use on a unisaw and they work quite well on the iron table and with the magnetic base they are easy and quick to position and reposition. Without attaching a steel plate to the fence, which I don't think is practical, you can't use it with the unifence.

Moreover, I don't think they're very practical for use on an aluminum table despite the video which shows their placement being limited to whatever size steel plate you use. Holding that steel plate down to the table would be problematic I'd expect. I think you're better off with the Shopsmith featherboards that mount in the miter gauge slot and slots on the fence.

pennview wrote:I think you're better off with the Shopsmith featherboards that mount in the miter gauge slot and slots on the fence.

I totally agree. The one advantage of the Grip-Tite is that is is much taller than the Shopsmith featherboards - but that can easily be overcome by stacking two or more, or even making your own to whatever height is needed.