I have a basic run of the mill craftsman table saw. When I use it I get very irate because the fence setup seems to be junk. It seems that I have to measure the fence on both sides to make a straight cut instead of being able to rely upon the supplied ruler on the machine. Sometimes the fence is straight and sometimes it is not. When trying to perform a straight cut this is disconcerting. Has anyone heard of a better fence system to add to the saw, or is there another reasonable priced table saw out there that has a "decent" fence setup that will work flawlessley?
2006-12-25 13:06:51 · 11 answers · asked by james_spader_jr 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
IF the rest of the saw is decent, consider adding a used fence. I personally purchased a fence off of a Delta Unisaw (a cabinet saw) and replaced the fence on my old Craftsman saw. It made it a new saw....what a difference. Today, I own a Delta Unisaw and there is no comparison. I paid under $100 for that fence off of Ebay. Reminds me, I took it off that saw and will put it up for sale on Ebay one of these days so someone else can get good use out of it. Don't put too much money into trying to make a sows ear into a silk purse. Sometimes we are further ahead to just buy something better, and.....safer. Good Luck!
2006-12-26 15:41:53 · answer #1 · answered by Jim N 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Craftsman Table Saw Fence
2016-09-28 00:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-05-04 09:08:43 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
Craftsman Table Saw woes.?
I have a basic run of the mill craftsman table saw. When I use it I get very irate because the fence setup seems to be junk. It seems that I have to measure the fence on both sides to make a straight cut instead of being able to rely upon the supplied ruler on the machine. Sometimes the fence is...
2015-08-08 03:09:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too have this problem. I have a companion table saw, Sears less expensive brand, but made by same people. You can't trust that when you lock it down that it's straight. I've found that the hook in the back doesn't stay put and have to go the front one. It keeping the measurement straight also depends on two things. 1) make sure the washers that hold the blade on are both pointing inward. You know how they're bowl shaped? Make sure they both cup inwards towards the blade, otherwise the blade isn't centered and it will float left-right when cutting.
2) It also depends on the blade you're using. A 200 tooth blade isn't as wide as a 70 tooth blade. I always measure from the edge of one of teeth and never use that ruler on the table.
2006-12-25 13:17:55 · answer #5 · answered by Jim C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HAD a Craftsman tablesaw, THEY SUCK! I now own a Jet table saw and it is absolutely wonderful. I would recomend that you just go out and buy a new Jet, Delta, or Powermatic contractor style saw if you are pleased with the size of the saw you have now, or upgrade to a hybrid style saw if you want something a little larger. One of the key features to look for in a new saw is a stock "t-Square" fence. You must reset the pointer everytime you put in a different blade, but once you get the pointer set to the right point you ca rely on it to be accurate for making your rip-cuts. Rockler and Woodcraft are my two favorite woodworking stores, but I prefer the latter. Go to http://woodcraft.com or http://rockler.com to find out if there is a store near you. Also, check out the selection of table saws that they have available. Any saw that you buy from either of those companies is bound to be more expensive than the Crapman saw you have now, but it is well worth the money if you want an accurate saw that will cut well.
Here is a link to Woodcraft's selection of table saws:
http://www.woodcraft.com/depts.aspx?DeptID=4064
2006-12-26 06:49:44 · answer #6 · answered by nathanael_beal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jet Table Saw Fence
2016-12-29 11:21:08 · answer #7 · answered by bilodeau 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Biasse (Bee-yass-ee) makes a great saw fence. But, it alone would probably cost as much as you paid for your craftsman... Theyre made for production saws, where you HAVE to have fast, accurate set-ups everytime. There are a couple of others along the same line.
Here is one of the kind I am talking about, though not a Biasse, hehehe -- http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5933&SearchHandle=DADBDADHDADADDDGDCDADHDDDGDGDEDACNGBGEGEDFCNDEGGDEDICNGBDADEDGCNGCGEDIDBDDGGDJDDGCGCDAGCDADADADBDADADADADJHDGBHHCAGGGFGOGDGFDADADADEDADADADADADADADBDFDADADADBDADADADADADADADADADADADADBDADADADADJHDGBHHCAGGGFGOGDGFDADADADBDB&filter=saw%20fence
Check Rockler out, for all of their saw accessories, its a good company to do business with. I highly recommend this company. I have been doing business with them for years, both as a wood manufacturer, and in my own 'home shop'.
Your current saw fence can most likely be adjusted... tightened up, at the very least.
When I purchased my latest saw, I was EXTREMELY particular about the fence. Fence, motor, and table surface are the three things I look at when buying a table saw.
I would also suggest that you look at their blades, blade care products, and the TopCote product line. Whenever possible, use carbide tipped blades, and match the blade to the subject matter being cut. You need to look at how many teeth, are they alternate, or off-set beveled, what degree of hook and angle, etc. You dont want to use a rip blade to try to get a finish cut on plywood, heheheheh.
Have Fun! (and dont forget to use those push sticks and gaurd!)
2006-12-26 09:48:22 · answer #8 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your manual for the prescribed alignment and adjustment procedures. I do not think that you should be aligning the fence to the blade. First you want to be sure the miter guage slots are aligned to the blade. This procedure should square the tabe and blade. If this is not done first, you will never be able to set the fence properly. As others have mentioned, be sure the fence adjustment screws and bolts are secure.
When I align my fence to the blade, I set the fence to blade distance. I then look at the cooresponding fence to miter guage distance. Then I make sure the same fence to miter guage distance is set at the front and back ends of the miter guage. I know it is a big hassle but unless you want to spend the money for a very high-end table saw, I think you will find most fences to have a bit of play in them. Hopefully you fence has the ability to lock both the front and back ends.
2006-12-26 00:21:31 · answer #9 · answered by Bill G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the saws are being built in the factory, everthing is adjusted to a close tollerance. there is a book that comes with the saw that explains how to adjust everything to plumb. there is adjusting screws and bolts under the table.. If u do not have the book I would suggest going to a store that sells that model of saw. and pay them a small charge to copy the instructions off for you. It only took me about 15 minutes to get everything adjusted correctly. Good Luck. I have been having the time of my life with my new saw
2016-03-22 18:11:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋