SainSmart Setup Blocks Height Gauge Set, 16pcs Precision Aluminum Setup Bars with Laser Engraved Size Markings, for Router and Table Saw Accessories

Wish I had bought these years ago. Works great for table saw set up when making small cuts no more guessing.

I've had these for over a year now and they are incredibly accurate. I'm in the woodshop almost daily and these have been a go-to for me.

Nice price for a high quality item

Probably anybody who buys the SainSmart 101-92-SBG16 setup blocks (or any other setup blocks) already knows what they're for, but for those who don't, they are used in tooling setup to ensure precise dimensions. You can use them on a table saw to set the height of the saw blade, or the distance from the blade to the fence, a router table to set the height of the router bit (or distance to the fence), a drill press to set the distance a drill stops above the table, or on a bandsaw to set the distance between the blade and the fence. You can also use them in other applications where an operation involving a critical dimension is needed. Likely there are uses outside a wood or metal shop.This SainSmart set includes 16 blocks sized in U.S. dimensions: inches and fractions of inches. I will not translate these to metric in this review. If you need metric setup blocks I suggest you get a set specific to metric measures. The blocks are arranged in cut-to-size foam in a plastic hard case. Most of the blocks are marked on two faces, except for the three smallest blocks (1/16", 3/32", 1/8") and the 1x2x3" block, which are marked on one face.The blocks are made of aluminum, anodized a light blue, and screen printed with lettering indicating the dimension. The blocks marked on two faces include a double-headed arrow on the face that matches the dimension. This is important because all the blocks (except the 1x2x3) are 1/2" wide. When you're using a block that's close to 1/2" you need to make sure you're using the block in the right orientation. For example, when using the 15/32" block (only 1/32" less than 1/2" and really hard to eyeball) make sure you're minding the face printed with the double-headed arrow to get the 15/32" dimension. If you mind the face with the SainSmart logo you'll get 1/2" instead. This could be the difference between an acceptable cut and a ruined workpiece. The 1x2x3 block adds markings for 32nds of an inch in each direction, but there is no separate 1/32" block.I measured several of the blocks with my caliper and you can see the results in the images accompanying this review. In short, all the blocks I measured were spot-on the value printed on the block. My caliper measures to 1/64" and not a single block was off by that much. Very precise. As a comparison, I measured a couple of my Whiteside brass setup blocks (set number 9810) which were also exactly at their measure.To compare the SainSmart and Whiteside blocks, consider that the Whiteside parts are solid brass, which is about 3 times as dense as aluminum, and are fabricated to the setup block size in two dimensions rather than just one. This makes the Whiteside block a little more convenient since you can lay it in any orientation to get the dimension you want. The Whiteside blocks are 4 inches long and the SainSmart blocks are 3 inches long. In certain applications this can be important. To compare the weight, the 1/2" SainSmart block weighs 1.15 ounces while the Whiteside comes in at 4.80 ounces. On the plus side for SainSmart, the set contains 16 blocks (and a case!) versus just five in the Whiteside set (and no case). Also, the SainSmart includes two tiny blocks, 1/16" and 3/32", which are helpful for establishing values less than 1/8" (the smallest block in the Whiteside set). Remember, you can stack multiple blocks to add up to dimensions that a single block won't reach. Having those little blocks helps get you to these precise dimensions. The Whiteside set is made in USA.Oddly, the case's latches open in opposite directions and there is no indication on the case which side is "up", so it is as easy to open the case right size up as upside down. I'm going to label my case so that when I open it the markings on the blocks are staring me in the face rather than blank.This SainSmart setup block set represents good value give the number of pieces included, the precision of the blocks, and the convenient (if quirky) carrying case. I'm sure I'll find uses for these blocks in my hobby workshop when that extra level of precision is required.There are no country of origin markings on the parts or the case. However, the label on the product box indicates this set is made in China.

Superb....these are all over amazonthese are prob. the best set I own...I like the BIG typeface, easy to read...machining and anodizing is superba bit more costly, but worth it IMO...great case too, which matters to keep em organized and together!!!4.5 stars, highly recommended

This is a beautiful, precision made gauge set that is sold under various brand names. Each differs slightly in the lettering and logo on the blocks. I find this very useful for working with wood trim, to quickly identify the width of gaps — faster and easier than using a tape measure.This 16 piece set has more blocks than most other sets, and it’s much better to have a more comprehensive set to get those in-between measurement sizes.

These are the first set of setup blocks I have owned, but I know the value of having them from the workshop. It is so important that the blocks are the exact height stated, not off by even 1/32-in, and I just wasn't sure about the sets that were half the cost. I have other things from SainSmart that I liked and so when I saw they had a set of setup blocks I jumped on it, to finally have them, mainly for setting up my table saw. Another review did a great job of measuring the blocks, and I also used some digital calipers on the ones I received and they are spot on. The text is very legible and easy to read and I love the color. The case is just fine and though there are no finger cut outs in the foam, it is very soft and flexes easy enough to be able to grab the blocks without hassle.Note that the foam in the case for me would sometimes fall down when the case was opened and so I used some foam adhesive and sprayed the foam back and adhered it to the case which solved the one issue I had with the case. If you're having the same issue, that should solve it.

Precision is key in making great joints in woodworking. One of the challenges is controlling the depth of rabbet or dado cuts. Using a metal ruler or square is sometimes complicated by small differences in your tool table due to blade inserts or a grooved surface such as many router tables. These setup blocks take the guess work out of depth setting. simply lay the reference block on the table next to the blade and adjust until they match. No extra hands are needed to hold a ruler. I've used it with my table saw and dado blade, my shaper and most often with my router table. This set includes most of the common heights and they can be combined for more unusual measurements. They are all conveniently stored in a sectioned case. Perfect cut depths every time. I wish that I had invested in these a long time ago.