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Table saws

cmbrix | Posted in General Discussion on January 14, 2011 04:41am

Does anyone else have a problem with the measurement guide on table saws?

When there`s an accurate measurement required  ( building cupboards) I find it difficult to be exact when the ruler is only on one side of the table. Guide arms are usually not very solid and I have cases where the final cut can be out by 116″ to 1|8 “.

If you`re careful, it `s not a problem, just time consuming and annoying. The cost to put a ruler on both sides wouldn`t be expensive and would save some potential grief when working with costly material.

They could make the arm assembly  sturdier, but I thing the ruler is the way to go.

Also does anyone know of a brand that does use two ruler system?

Take care

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  1. calvin | Jan 14, 2011 05:37pm | #1

    I don't use the onboard measuring device for more than rough cut

    I use a tape or stick rule, measuring between the leading side and edge of the blade to fence.  If you have to measure to the backend of the blade, your blade is not aligned with the fence.  Fix that and you won't have this problem.

    Best of luck.

  2. Scott | Jan 14, 2011 06:12pm | #2

    Sounds like your fence needs work, or an upgrade.

    I've got the 50" Biesemeyer T-Square fence on my cab saw, which is easy to add a stick-on ruler to work on the left side of the blade. The stock ruler is deadnuts accurate for working on the right side.

    1. calvin | Jan 14, 2011 07:00pm | #3

      I see.

      He's talking the left side of the blade..........................I'd have to go look at my Bosch to see if there is one over there.

      Why?  the few times I need to reposition the fence to the left side of the blade for a certain bevel cut?

      I might be off base, but full left handed people using the fence on the left?  I always find it moderately difficult (why I don't know) to rip to that side.  Almost seems if the blade is trying to fight me over there.  Not the same feel as fence right.

      But then again, you know I'm old and set in my ways...................

      1. Scott | Jan 14, 2011 07:46pm | #4

        Yeah, I haven't heard a lot about moving the fence to the other side. One reason can be when cutting bevels with a right-tilting arbor. Some people say it's safer to have the blade tilt away from the fence.

  3. Clewless1 | Jan 15, 2011 01:39pm | #5

    Use e.g. a Besmeyer (sp) fence .... When you lock it, it's parallel w/ the blade, period. Very worthwhile system if you're doing a lot of work.

    One issue is that when you change to a different blade, you will throw your ruler off. Unless of course, you make it adjustable to accomodate changing blades.

  4. eagleknight | Jan 19, 2011 12:08am | #6

    I have the Dewalt Hybrid table saw and once I calibrated the fence it is very accurate, but you must have a descent fence that you tune.

     Check out these videos.

    http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWoodWhisperer#p/u/27/lxRSarTJLMU

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eikAX0pDKX4

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