Thread: Should I worry about 0.008"

So that's about 0.2mm. Which way is it out? Is the front closer to the track or the back?

If the back is closer, you should probably fix it or you'll get the back of the blade re-cutting your work when using jigs/fences in the track. If the front is closer it's less likely to make a big difference, as long as the fence is still parallel to the blade.

Originally Posted by Regdop

I think that Ive identified the mounting bolts to the saw blade mechanism to adjust the parallel....

Isn't the adjustment done by loosening the 4 bolts , or 3 of the 4 that hold the Cast Iron top to the body ?
That's how I adjusted two of My saws . The first a Carbatec model , the second Wadkin Bursgreen.

Rob

Make some cuts and check, no idea why you'd flip a blade backwards?

What does it measure in the other track? It should be -0.008

What you're concerned about is about a half of 1/64.

Assuming that the miter gauge tracks are truly parallel, I would align the trunnion or table top to be straight with the blade. If your miter gauge slots are not parallel, then I would align the blade to the left slot. This way you'll be able to make perfectly square cuts. The down side is that when you align the fence it is a bit more difficult to do off of the left slot.

Make sure that there is no run out (wobble) in the blade and / or arbor.

BTW - When aligning the fence it is best to have the back of the fence 0.001 to 0.002 wide or right (away) from the blade.
BTW2 - When aligning the trunnion or table top to the blade use new washers. It is best to use garage door hardware washers as they are likely hardened. The slightest distortion or burr in the washers will throw the alignment off.

Originally Posted by 44Ronin

no idea why you'd flip a blade backwards?

Ummm I think he meant rotate it 180 degrees to measure the same tooth, not turn it back to front

The front should be running fractionally closer to the fence then the rear: It's called lead - Circular saws are supposed to have it.

Originally Posted by John.G

The front should be running fractionally closer to the fence then the rear: It's called lead - Circular saws are supposed to have it.

Helps prevent "work piece ejection."

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

Helps prevent "work piece ejection."

Reduces heat build up in the body of the saw so they dont drop tension also.

Lead is actually really really important, at least with the big gear. Beyond tooth angles and sawplate tension it's the most common cause of issues with badly sawn boards.

If the entry side of your blade is closer to the fence then accuracy of your cut will not be effected when ripping. If the entry side is the larger distance then you will get a double cut as the wood passes through, once as it enters the blade and again a small cut as it exits. Not only will this give you a rough finish but also is more prone to kickback as you never want your blade to be cutting at the rear.
If you can get your blade closer to parallel with the mitre slots then you will be much happier in the future. If your blade is not close to parallel then one of the pieces is going to get the rough cut, either the piece you want or the offcut.

If anything thats the most important discrepancy to worry about, as everything else will be used to reference off the track so I'd try get it as close as dead on as possible. eg when you make yourself a sled, or make adjustments to your fence it'll all reference off your track.

Have you also checked your arbor? and flanges? these can also have an impact on how "straight" your saw cuts.

Originally Posted by tonzeyd

Have you also checked your arbor? and flanges? these can also have an impact on how "straight" your saw cuts.

How?

As John G said, it's the lead on the blade. Make sure its narrow at the front of the blade to the fence, not the rear. If so, all is well.

Originally Posted by Treecycle

How?

Check for wobble/flatness with a dial indicator, if you youtube it there are loads of tutorials on it

Didn't mean how to check them, i meant how does that have an effect on cut straightness?