An in-line indexing mechanism as part of a work-stop system which employs a lead screw to alter the relative distance between a work-stop plate and a swing arm—as well as alignment pins and springs to maintain contact and rigidity between this work-stop plate and swing arm—in order to precisely alter the parameters of a workpiece plane. In particular, the indexing mechanism of the preferred embodiment resides within the extension of an arm, and is located, by default, within the workpiece plane; the act of indexing therefore exerts force upon a workpiece along a coincident axis within said workpiece plane. Additionally, the indexing mechanism may be removed from the workpiece plane, by way of axially rotating the arm, without abandoning the original workpiece parameter and adjustment values.