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Table Saw Rip Fence Scale Won't Align

2752 Views 14 Replies 13 Participants Last post by fivecodys, Aug 2, 2016

LoyalAppleGeek

Discussion Starter · Mar 28, 2016 (Edited by Moderator)

Hi LumberJocks!

Basically, the scale indicator on my table saw can't adjust enough. I line my fence up at 6", and make sure the indicator matches. It doesn't, so I go to adjust it and, it's maxed out. I was thinking I could just cut some of the side off to allow it to move more, but I'd really rather not do that to a new table saw LOL. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the help!

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shipwright

· #2 · Mar 28, 2016

Try turning the plastic piece over. Maybe the hole is just off centre. Otherwise hit the plastic bit with a sander. Looks like all you need is ~ 1/32" to 1/16".
There are usually more places than one to adjust. ... like where the rail bolts to the top. Are there elongated holes?

conifur

· #3 · Mar 28, 2016

Yep, looks like a simple fix, either flip it over or take some off the left side of it.

cutmantom

· #4 · Mar 28, 2016

My vote is to check if the rails can be adjusted, as already mentioned

LoyalAppleGeek

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 28, 2016

This saw has a sliding bed extension, so the rails aren't adjustable. So I sanded the sides with 220 grit, re-rounded them (quite nicely if I do say so myself) and whola! It's right on.

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Thanks guys, the only idea that came into my head was scroll saw, and it wasn't a good one

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toolie

· #6 · Mar 29, 2016

FWIW, i never use the scale on my TSs. Shopnotes, or possibly, woodsmith or Wood magazines recommend using the same tape measure when working on a project. it eliminates any possible errors caused by differences arising when using two different measuring devices.

hotbyte

· #7 · Mar 29, 2016

While I don't disagree with their advise, I set the scale on the TS with the tape measure I always use during projects. I checked it at 3 or 4 settings that ranged from 1 or 2 inches to almost max of the rails.

On my old saw, I never used the fence scale because the fence did not lock accurately to it. I always measured blade to fence at front and back using same tooth by rotating blade.

FWIW, i never use the scale on my TSs. Shopnotes, or possibly, woodsmith or Wood magazines recommend using the same tape measure when working on a project. it eliminates any possible errors caused by differences arising when using two different measuring devices.

- toolie

MadMark

· #8 · Mar 29, 2016

Incra

distrbd

· #9 · Mar 29, 2016 (Edited by Moderator)

Biesemeyer.
If I need to crosscut 6" from a wider board, I learned to move the fence to 5.1/5" mark, then tap on the side of the fence gently to move it to 6" and then lock the clamp .this is the way I saw an old timer set his fence and it works for me as well.
BTW, good job on sanding that clear plastic.

rick1955

· #10 · Mar 30, 2016

That pic shows it slightly off still. The correct term is voila.

Kristian_S

· #11 · Mar 30, 2016

I had a similar issue when fitting an aftermarket fence. The red line was a sticker which I removed, I then scored the plastic piece on both sides with a utility knife and used a sharpie to make the scored line visible. Having 3 lines to line up (top and bottom of plastic piece plus the graduations on the tape measure) helped reduce parallax errors.

LoyalAppleGeek

Discussion Starter · #12 · Aug 1, 2016

It's been a bit since I've checked this thread, thank you all for the helpful comments! Surprisingly, this saw is quite accurate, and my eye happens to be perfect so I never make mistakes aligning it ;-) I use a fine laser cut ruler for sensitive adjustments, but +- 1/32" isn't really a big deal to me.

The apparent misalignment is the shadow of the red line, not the mark on the fence

Noted, I've set my iPad to correct the spelling of viola

Tapping isn't really practical on a double locking fence, at least not this one, but I'll keep that in mind for when I upgrade to a SawStop.

My highly sophisticated arsenal of measuring devices seem to match very well, so again, no trouble there as of yet.

Thanks again!

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ChefHDAN

· #13 · Aug 2, 2016

Cello,

Viola LMAO… sorry don't mean to be a Bass, but couldn't resist

rwe2156

· #14 · Aug 2, 2016

Incra

Not necessary.

fivecodys

· #15 · Aug 2, 2016

I had the same problem.
I used the dremel and made the slot longer. Problem solved!

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