FitFinder Lock Miter Bit wins 2024-WOOD Innovation Awards!

Take the Trial and Error out of Lock-Miter Setups

The lock-miter joint proves strong for creating corner joints in hollow posts and other structures. It's bedeviling to set up, though. For the joints to align, you have to set the bit height at precisely half the material thickness, a trial and error (and error, and error) process.

MicroJig created an elegant solution with its new lock-miter bit. They machined a small platform into the bit that works in conjunction with the company's FitFinder tool (one of our Innovations for 2023). The FitFinder's gauge automatically adjusts to half your material's thickness. Then you simply raise the lock-miter bit until the platform contacts the gauge. Set the fence using your material and a straightedge, and you're all set. Following these simple steps yielded the very passable joint shown, below, on the first attempt, which is far less fussiness than this joint usually requires.

Blog written by Dave Stone