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How to microadjust table saw fence ?

4K views 19 replies 11 participants last post by  oldnovice 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I replaced my Grizzly with Sawstop PCS lately. What a saw !!!
However I cannot figure out how to move the 36" T-Glide fence a little bit. On my Grizzly a few light taps on the fence head would do the trick. With Sawstop it does too but when I tighten the lock the fence aligns square to the rails and all my tapping goes down the drain.
Since it is a clone of Biesemeyer which stays popular for so long I am sure I do something wrong. Not sure what though.
 
#4 ·
One thing to try if you haven't yet is to not open the fence lock all the way when making fine adjustments.

I have found with my T-Glide (sawstop pcs) that opening up the fence lock all the way will allow the fence to move freely and come out of square, as soon as I lock it back down it will always square back up but at the expense of possibly moving the fence out of position anywhere from a 16th to an 8th, just as you are experiencing. So now what I do is get the fence in the correct area, then lock it down all the way, then open it back up but only to the point where the handle rests on the lock but before putting any pressure on it to lock it down (almost in a horizontal position, parallel to the floor). I then gently tap it into final position and lock it back down, gently. This appears to take most of the play out of it and allows the fence to stay square but still move slightly.

Short of that you could make or buy a fine adjuster similar to this one from woodgears.ca."

Good luck, and enjoy your new saw!
 
#5 ·
I have a Beismeyer fence on a Delta 12-14". I can easily set the fence +- .001" Here is how, using a dial indicator on the fence- one hand on each side of the T square resting on the rail- with thumb pressure on both sides of the T square, the fence can be moved back an forth tiny amounts with light pressure on the fence lock. Set it to the indicator and lock it.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
You expected something else? Try the Incra LS-III precision fence and an M1000 miter gauge - ask the man that owns one.

1/32" +-0.002" every time without bumping. It also has a 'nudge' adjustment in .001" steps.

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It will take your skills up a level no matter how good you are !

M
 

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#10 ·
Dick_Cheney,

I have a PM table saw but from the photos the PCS fence systems look similar. Whenever I want to accurately set the fence to duplicate a width of cut, I have had consistent success by first moving the fence close to the wood resting again the blade. I then pull back firmly on each side of the fence to seat the fence against the front guide rail and thus square. The fence lock is fully disengaged. While keeping the fence firmly against the guide rail, I move the fence into position and lock it down. Since the fence is held firmly against the guide rail, it remains square when adjustments are made. This usually works on the first try, but sometimes I have to unlock the fence and, using this same procedure of pulling back on the fence, make the adjustment.
 
#13 ·
Now, if you could only cut a 35 15/16 and a 59 15/16" piece out of a 96" long sheet. (1/8" kerf)

- jbay
If you order the large 52" one, you can!

The T-arm does stick out to the right, but only when in use, you move it towards the blade when done. I also have a router insert on the right wing to share the fence and make two tools fit in one space.

It is an absolute improvement over any other sliding lock fence. Not opinion, truth.

If you cut one part 6" on the Incra and change & return the new part will be +-0.002 with no nudging.

Incra is easy to perfectly zero & rezero in moments.

Calipers Ruler Office ruler Wood Rectangle


M
 

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#15 · (Edited by Moderator)
What about this part? ("it also helps to knock in the middle of the fence rather than the end")
You knock it in the middle also?

- jbay
No, that's why I didn't quote it. I can also do it the same way you posted by pushing in but for me it's just easier to slide it close, lock it to square it, loosen and check again.
 
#16 ·
In a real shop environment, I can cut 20 different size pieces, within tolerances close enough to
build anything you can build, and you will only be on your 5th piece using your "dial-o-matic" fence. LOL


Twice, I've seen Incra rip fences in pro shops. Both times, they had been removed from the saw, replaced with some version of Biesemeyer or Unifence, and were leaning against a wall.

I like Incra miter gauge heads, but my Incra stops and miter gauge rails have been on a shelf for over a decade, replaced by simple MDF or plywood fences on the Incra heads. If I could figure out a way to ship them safely at a reasonable price, I'd love to sell them.
 
#17 ·
What about this part? ("it also helps to knock in the middle of the fence rather than the end")
You knock it in the middle also?

- jbay

No, that s why I didn t quote it. I can also do it the same way you posted by pushing in but for me it s just easier to slide it close, lock it to square it, loosen and check again.

- Rick M.
I guess one has to be very precise tapping exactly at the center of gravity of the fence so both front and the back of the fence would move the same distance. I tried it too and it did not work. Either the font or back of the fence moves.
 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
Either the font or back of the fence moves.
- Dick_Cheney
Sounds like you have a crappy fence or maybe that's how Bies work, I don't know, never had one. I do the move, lock, move things because I grab my Unifence by the locking handle and move it roughly which pulls it away from the rail. I could be more careful about moving it but the action is quick to move it, lock/unlock, then put it where I want it. It only takes a second. If you have a front locking fence like a Bies or Unifence, the back will follow the front, it has too.

As for micro-adjusting, the only time I do that is when fitting a part to another part. Lately I've started using my caliper. Measure the part, lock the caliper, transfer the measurement using the jaws for inside measurements. I don't even turn the calipers on, the reading doesn't matter.
 
#20 ·
As for micro-adjusting, the only time I do that is when fitting a part to another part. Lately I ve started using my caliper. Measure the part, lock the caliper, transfer the measurement using the jaws for inside measurements. I don t even turn the calipers on, the reading doesn t matter.

- Rick M.
ditto
 
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