The Delta Tenoning Jig
and
The Craftsman Table Saw

Anyone who has seen Norm using his tenoning jig (Delta 34-182 or 34-183 and now the 34-184) wants one. I bought one a few years ago and it's a serious tool. But it won't fit the Craftsman (or Ridgid) table saw. Why? The two answers to this question are in the table in this article:Miter Slots and Other Measurements.

The solution? The newer Delta's have a second set of holes in the base for repositioning the bar to more closely match the Craftsman/Ridgid (and Powermatic) spacing between miter slot and arbor flange.

The bar is another story, and there are at least 3 solutions:

• replace the bar
• machine the bar
• machine the slot

Each of these options has its advantages. In the first case (the solution I used), just go to Sears and buy another miter gauge, remove the bar from the gauge, drill and tap holes in it for the bolts on the tenoning jig, and fit the new bar to it.

In the second case, simply file, grind, or mill (or have it done) the bar a few thousandths until it fits the slot. This, however renders the bar useless (or at least very sloppy) when you upgrade your saw later.

Finally, and I think the most elegant solution if you're going to keep your saw for a long time, is to mill (or have it done) the miter slots out to about .755" which will accommodate the Delta bar and other accessories made for big iron.

If you happen across an older Delta jig (34-182), you will also have to lay out and drill a couple of holes in the base to move the jig a little closer to the saw blade. Note the dimensions on thechartin the link above (which you should already have looked at).

Voila! Enjoy. You will love the jig.

Last updated: 23 August 2010