Some Information About Table Saw Fences And Their Alignment

Some Information About Table Saw Fences And Their Alignment

Ripping is the term given to splitting or sawing of the wood along its grain. The wood when being cut lengthwise is called ripping. The primary function of a table saw is to rip wood. Since this is the predominant function of the saw many manufacturers maintain a good fencing system that will help the craftsman attain accurate ripping of the wood they are using. But what characterizes a ‘good’ rip fence? The most important factor that makes the rip fence good or bad is its blade alignment. A fence that gives a dependable parallel alignment with the blade of the saw is makes it a good attachment.

If you have a good attachment then once the device is locked into place it should automatically give you an alignment that is almost if not accurately parallel to the blade. This process should happen each and every time and you should not have to keep adjusting the device. These frequent adjustments can be very time consuming and can at times lead to mistakes. Once the cut has been made the mistake cannot be reversed. A good alignment assures you accuracy in the ripping process and results in a clean cut. Also it is in the favor of your safety that the blade be perfectly aligned.

To perfectly align your fence you need to have a reference. This reference can be your blade. The saw blade too can be adjusted to you need a reference datum that will be standard and unmoving. This datum is the saw’s miter slot. Before you can adjust the fence you need to adjust the blade. The easiest way to do this is to refer to the manufacturer’s manual for step by step instructions. Once your blade’s alignment is set the fence can be mounted. Again the operator’s manual is the best reference you have to position your fence. Since the position of the blade is parallel to the miter slot then all you have to do is position and reposition the fence so as to get the measurements from the alignment just right. If there is a consistent disagreement between the measurements it will prove that the device you have is incapable of perfectly aligning itself with the blade.

Another feature that affects the efficiency of the blade is its capability to easily position itself at a desired distance from the blade. If this process is too strenuous then may have to consider getting the fence fixed or replacing it altogether.