Mitrelock bits

[Lumpy102]

I have had large and small mitre lock bits for several years, and haven't used them except for a few times when they were new, and would like to use the small one on an upcoming project. I remember having all kinds of issues getting them set right, There's a balance between height and protrusion from the fence. Does anyone have a method or can point me towards a website that explains it well?
Thanks

 

[LeonardY]

I have had large and small mitre lock bits for several years, and haven't used them except for a few times when they were new, and would like to use the small one on an upcoming project. I remember having all kinds of issues getting them set right, There's a balance between height and protrusion from the fence. Does anyone have a method or can point me towards a website that explains it well?
Thanks

Youtube.

Here's the Lee Valley instructions for the locking miter bits.


CMT's

The setup is the same for any brand.

 

[LeonardY]

I forgot to mention.

I do gauge/setup blocks for thickness I use regularly. This makes setting up quick and easy.

 

[Lumpy102]

thanks, that helps!

 

[Ohio Andy]

Typically the set up is tricky because you need the perfect but height and fence distance.

I bought the micro jig version because it has a "flat" on the bit at the center line. Micro jig audio sells the "fit finder" that auto magically finds the half thickness that you then use to set the bit height.

Next I lay a straight edge on the board and set the fence distance so that the straight edge just kisses the miter bit.

I generally have a perfect fit every time. I choose the system because I thought it would have the easiest setup regardless of board thickness.

 

[Firebrick43]

Typically the set up is tricky because you need the perfect but height and fence distance.

I bought the micro jig version because it has a "flat" on the bit at the center line. Micro jig audio sells the "fit finder" that auto magically finds the half thickness that you then use to set the bit height.

Next I lay a straight edge on the board and set the fence distance so that the straight edge just kisses the miter bit.

I generally have a perfect fit every time. I choose the system because I thought it would have the easiest setup regardless of board thickness.

That made absolutely no sense until you see the video

 

[Ohio Andy]

That made absolutely no sense until you see the video

It checked a lot of boxes for ease of setup for somewhat random board thickness.

 

[gpiggaz]

FWIW if you don't want to make your own set up block Rockler has one in their catalog:

router-bit-set-up-jigs-for-22627-45deg-lock-miter-bits