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Needs More Mag

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Review by pintodeluxe posted 287 days ago 1491 views 1 time favorited 16 comments Add to Favorites Watch
Needs More Mag No-picture-s No-picture-s Click the pictures to enlarge them

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




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pintodeluxe

1739 posts in 981 days



16 comments so far

View GuyK's profile

GuyK

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

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pintodeluxe

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

View rdjack21's profile

rdjack21

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

View Tedstor's profile

Tedstor

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.

View MattinCincy's profile

MattinCincy

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.

View lysdexic's profile

lysdexic

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! :^ ) ^:

View RetiredCoastie's profile

RetiredCoastie

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

View Jeff82780's profile

Jeff82780

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!

View Chuck Anstrom's profile

Chuck Anstrom

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

View pintodeluxe's profile

pintodeluxe

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

View Tedstor's profile

Tedstor

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.

#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.

View Jamie Speirs's profile

Jamie Speirs

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

View Ken90712's profile

Ken90712

12660 posts in 1356 days


#14 posted 285 days ago

interesting review good info.

-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"

View pintodeluxe's profile

pintodeluxe

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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