| Review by pintodeluxe | posted 287 days ago | 1491 views | 1 time favorited | 16 comments | ![]() |
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- Ridgid Magswitch Featherboard AC1001
- Brand: Ridgid | Category: Tablesaw Accessories

I have been interested in these magnetic featherboards since they first came out. Recently I saw Ridgid came out with their version so I gave it a try.
The idea is masterful.
The execution is not.
Although the fingers are supple, with just the right amount of pressure, the featherboard will not hold its position well. It would be hard to pull the featherboard straight up from a cast iron surface, however it slides too easily.
One of the main reasons for having a featherboard on the tablesaw is to prevent kickback. However, this unit will not keep the workpiece from moving backwards.
Also, if the magnets fall over the miter gauge slot, this will not work (doesn’t really matter because it doesn’t work anyway).
In review…
1. Good idea
2. Needs mare mag
3. Magnets need to be wider to span the miter gauge slot.
(see explanation of Ridgids change in magnet size below)
-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush




















16 comments so far
GuyK
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346 posts in 2247 days
#1 posted 287 days ago
I bought one of these a couple of years ago from HD and it works great. I can hardly move it when the magnets are down. Willie if yours is that bad, I would take it back and get a new one, it maybe just that one.
Yes it does not span the miter gauge slot, but for me that has yet to be a issue.
-- Guy Kroll www.thelandsathillsidefarms.org
pintodeluxe
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1739 posts in 981 days
#2 posted 287 days ago
Thanks Guy,
I might just try that. I noticed the price dropped so I wondered if they are using smaller magnets now. Worth a try to take it back.
Thanks
-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush
rdjack21
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254 posts in 1095 days
#3 posted 287 days ago
I bought mine a few months ago and no issues with it moving when setup correctly.
-- --- Richard Jackson
Tedstor
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926 posts in 800 days
#4 posted 287 days ago
Yep. I reviewed this product a while back and gave it 5 stars. The miter slot issue is a minor downside. However, I have no issue with the magnets. Takes a pretty deliberate act to get them to move even slightly. If you decide to exchange yours, let us know if the new featherboard is any better.
MattinCincy
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128 posts in 1321 days
#5 posted 287 days ago
Yep, got the same one a few years ago and love it – I’m going to pick up a second one soon! Hopefully yours is just a fluke. Keep us posted if you return it.
-- Wag more, bark less.
lysdexic
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3433 posts in 791 days
#6 posted 287 days ago
Yea, I’ve been using one of these for about a year with no compliant.
-- I hate being bipolar. It's awesome! :^ ) ^:
RetiredCoastie
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998 posts in 1351 days
#7 posted 286 days ago
Same here I’ve had mine for a year and I’ve had no problem with mine sliding. Like others have said, if it slips then I’d take it back and get another one. With that said make sure the surface of the magnet and table are clean of dust.
-- www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
Jeff82780
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93 posts in 1162 days
#8 posted 286 days ago
I would exchange it for another. Ive had one of these for about 2yrs now amd its still going strong. The magnets are really powerfu. I think u might have purchased a reject. Good luck!
Chuck Anstrom
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54 posts in 1192 days
#9 posted 286 days ago
I echo the other users’ comments. When “turned on”, this sucker will not move on my saw. Take it back and get another one.
-- Chuck Anstrom - Virginia
pintodeluxe
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1739 posts in 981 days
#10 posted 286 days ago
Well, I took the featherboard back and exchanged it for another one. There are two different magnet sizes. The old version has large, heavy magnets that measure 7/8” wide x 1-1/4” long. It locks down firmly and securely. The new version has notably smaller magnets, and the whole featherboard is light-duty.
It looks like Ridgid switched out magnets to achieve the new price point – $10 cheaper.
The result is a featherboard that doesn’t work. In typical Ridgid fashion, the model number is the same for both types – AC1001.
Old featherboard with large magnets = 5 stars great product.
New featherboard with small magnets = 3 stars (AKA don’t bother).
Thanks for the positive reviews.
-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush
Tedstor
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926 posts in 800 days
#11 posted 286 days ago
I guess I better run down to the depot and see if I can score another old model.
Thanks for the update.
Don "Dances with Wood" Butler
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896 posts in 1563 days
#12 posted 285 days ago
I have the Magswitch brand and it doesn’t move.
I have found, however, that even a small amount of dust on the table will allow it to slide.
Clearing the table each time I set the finger board makes it good.
By the way, It works well even when spanning the miter gauge slot.
Don
-- The best things in life aren't THINGS.
Jamie Speirs
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3671 posts in 1024 days
#13 posted 285 days ago
I was looking at these for resawing
Anyone tried this option?
We get to magnet options from Magswitch
jamie
-- Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Ken90712
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12660 posts in 1356 days
#14 posted 285 days ago
interesting review good info.
-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"
pintodeluxe
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1739 posts in 981 days
#15 posted 285 days ago
Don,
Yeah I think the Magswitch is a premium option. The price is in a whole new category with that brand. Plus every little optional accessory is another $30-50 add on.
I was pleased to see Ridgid had one, and happier still when I found an old version that truly works well. I think it all comes down to the size of the magnets.
-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush
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