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[NEW - These products are now in the
Rockler Catalog - see link at end.]
In the Table Saw Safety Section, I discussed briefly aligning the blade to
the miter slot and then the fence to the miter slot. To me, these are probably the most
important things you can do for proper table saw use.
On these pages, I will go into greater detail on table saw alignment using
the SuperBar and the Master Plate — two products that make table saw alignment easy
to do, giving you the table saw accuracy you need.
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The picture at the right shows 6 parts
to aligning your table saw. In fact, the instruction sheet for the SuperBar outlines 8
steps. We will go through each of them.
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First, I should say that the
SuperBar and MasterPlate are products made by MasterGage, Inc. You will find them sold by
many woodworking catalog and retail stores. Their website is listed at the end of this
report.
The SuperBar is a relatively inexpensive device that combines a dial gauge
with a precision bar. It has adjustment screws to align it to any miter slot.
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The first check is for saw arbor shaft
runout. I have placed the base of the SuperBar on the table saw top and positioned the
dial indicator stem so that it reads the distance to the arbor threads.
Then with my other hand, I rotate the arbor. Any variation will be the runout
error of the saw.
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The second check is that of runout of the
face flange. I have positioned the base of the SuperBar on the opposite side of the table
top and swiveled the dial so that the indicator stem rests on the flat of the face flange.
As before, I use my other hand to rotate the arbor. Any variation will be the
face flange runout. All saws will have some error on both of these readings. You should
check your saw's instruction manual to see what is allowable and how to correct.
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The third check is for bearing runout.
I am using my right hand to move the blade back and forth. By the way, I do not do these
tests with thin kerf blades since the thin blade, itself, will have some flex.
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This fourth check is to measure the
miter track alignment to the blade. I have marked where I measure on the right side and
rotate the blade and take the measurement at the same blade spot at the the forward
position.
This alignment is very important. While it can be done using the blade, it
will be much more accurate, replacing the blade with the MasterPlate. That is what I will
do on the next page.
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