Modification Guide for Delta Table SawsUpdated 6 days ago

The Delta table saw doesn’t have a T-track, making it so that the standard track inserts for the Thin Rip Gauge will not fit. There may be some other table saws on the market with the same problem. Rather than a T-track, they have a rectangular track, measuring 3/8” deep by 3/4” wide. The adapter below makes it possible to use the Thin Rip Gauge with these table saws.

This new track insert uses the mounting hardware supplied with the Thin Rip Gauge. The flathead screws can be easily removed from the track inserts with an Allen Hex Key. Save the track inserts, in case you need to use the gauge on a buddy’s table saw.

The new track insert is made from scrap wood. I used pine; but would recommend some inexpensive hardwood, such as poplar. Pine will work, but might not last. A harder wood will last longer, without becoming damaged. The piece shown above is simple a 3/8” wide strip, cut from a 3/4” long board. Once cut, cut the slot (in red) before drilling the holes. I cut it on a bandsaw, but it can be cut with a jigsaw or scroll saw.

Three 1/4” holes are drilled through the new track insert, per the dimensions shown in the drawing. Two of those are countersunk. Be sure to countersink them deep enough for the heads of the mounting screws to be flush or below flush. The third hole serves as a strain relief, so that the slot doesn’t turn into a split in the wood.

Reassemble the Thin Rip Gauge with the new track insert. To use, place the track insert into the miter gauge slot in the table saw and tighten the threaded knobs. As they tighten, the head of the screw spanning the slot will cause the sides of the track insert to spread, putting pressure on the sides of the track and holding the Thin Rip Gauge in place.