If you’re a woodworker, you know that one of the essential tools in your shop is the table saw. And, of course, with such an important tool, you need to make sure that the fence is appropriately aligned.
Having a properly aligned table saw fence is crucial for making accurate cuts. If the fence is off even a little bit, it can cause your cuts to be inaccurate, leading to mistakes and wasted wood.
So how do you go about aligning the table saw fence? Well, there are a few different ways that you can do it. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to align your table saw fence quickly and easily. So without further ado, let’s get started!
How to align a table saw fence?
There are a few different ways that you can go about aligning the table saw fence. In this blog post, we’ll show you some of the most common methods.
Align your blade to the miter slots
The first way to align your table saw fence is to adjust the blade. To do this, you’ll need to loosen the bolts that hold the blade in place and then adjust the blade until it’s aligned with the miter slots. You can use a ruler or a tape measure to ensure that the blade is aligned correctly.
Tighten the bolts once the blade is aligned and reattach the throat plate.
Align your rails
The following way to align your table saw fence is to adjust the rails. This can be a bit more tricky than adjusting the blade, so it’s essential to take your time and ensure that everything is aligned correctly.
You’ll need to loosen the bolts that hold them in place to adjust the rails. Then, use a level to make sure that they’re parallel. Once they’re aligned, tighten the bolts and reattach the fence.
Try this with a combination square
If you don’t have a ruler or a tape measure, you can try using a combination square to align the blade. To do this, set the combination square against the fence and blade. Ensure that the blade is perpendicular to the fence, and then tighten the screws on the combination square.
Secure the aligned parts
Once you’ve aligned the blade and rails, it’s essential to ensure they stay aligned. You can do this by securing them in place with clamps. This will ensure that your table saw fence is always correctly aligned.
Truing the trunnions
In addition to aligning the blade and rails, you may also need to true the trunnions. This is a process of adjusting the trunnions so that they’re perfectly perpendicular to the table saw’s surface.
If you find that your cuts are inaccurate, then it’s likely that your trunnions aren’t aligned correctly. You can try adjusting them yourself or take your table saw to a professional to have them aligned.
Align the rip fence next
Once you’ve aligned the table saw fence, it’s also essential to ensure that the rip fence is appropriately aligned. You can do this by adjusting the screws on the rip fence. Make sure that it’s parallel to the blade and that the teeth are lined up with the slots in the table saw.
Finding the sweet spot
Once you’ve aligned the blade, rails, and rip fence, it’s essential to find the “sweet spot.” This is the spot on the table saw where the blade is at its most accurate. You can find the sweet spot by making a few test cuts.
Once you’ve found the sweet spot, make a note of it and always use it when you’re making critical cuts.
Now for the riving knife
The riving knife is another essential part of the table saw. It’s a metal piece that sits between the blade and the fence, and it helps to prevent kickback.
If you find that your cuts are inaccurate, likely, your riving knife isn’t aligned correctly. You can try adjusting it yourself or take your table saw to a professional to have it aligned.
Trim as necessary
Once you’ve aligned the blade, rails, and rip fence, it’s essential to trim the excess material to neat everything. You can do this by using a miter saw or a hacksaw.
And that’s it! You now know how to align your table saw fence correctly.
FAQs:
Should the table saw fence be parallel to the blade?
Yes, the table saw fence should be parallel to the blade. This will ensure that your cuts are accurate.
How can I find the sweet spot?
You can find the sweet spot by making a few test cuts. Once you’ve found it, please note it and always use it when making critical cuts.
How can I adjust the blade?
You can adjust the blade by using a combination square or a ruler. Ensure that the blade is perpendicular to the fence, and then tighten the screws on the combination square or ruler.
How can I align the rip fence?
You can align the rip fence by adjusting the screws on the fence. Make sure that it’s parallel to the blade and that the teeth are lined up with the slots in the table saw.
Conclusion:
Aligning a table saw fence is a crucial process, and it’s essential to make sure that everything is aligned correctly. There are a few different ways to do this, and the most common method is to adjust the blade. Make sure to use clamps to secure the alignment, and always use the sweet spot when making critical cuts.
You may also need to true the trunnions or align the rip fence. Finally, trim the excess material so that everything is neat. Thanks for reading!