FitFinder Hack You Need to Know

The FitFinder FN12 Half Finder from Microjig is the easy way to find the halfway point of your stock and transfer it accurately to your router bit, saw blade or fence. The FitFinder is fast and accurate the first time you use it, but when you need the most precise joinery, here are secret techniques you can use to ensure the best possible results:

First, make sure that the FitFinder and the stock are on a clean flat surface with nothing underneath, with room for fitting the stock under P2. Loosen the green locking knobs on the back of the Half Gauge by only one quarter turn. P2 and P3 should move smoothly without being loose enough tilt away from P1. If needed, apply a thin film of paste wax in the grooves that these parts move in to keep them clean and free from binding.

Next, bring P2 straight down onto the workpiece so the bottom of P2 is resting lightly on top of the part being measured. Secure the green knobs to lock the measurement in. Tighten the P2 knob first, P3 second, and finger-tight only for both. Do not press down on P2 and keep the base of the Fitfinder flat on the work surface. P2 should rest lightly on the stock.

Finally, slide the stock out from under the FitFinder and slide it back below P2 again. Try this a few times and feel if the part is bumping into P2 or lifting the Half Gauge at all. You should feel just a little drag as the part slides under P2. If the stock is lifting the FitFinder, start over and re-measure your part. Once the fit is good, you can confidently set up your machine, fence, blade or router bit knowing that the setting will be exact!

Author: Ralph Bagnall