▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Helical carbide jointer/planer heads from MyWoodCutters: mywoodcutters.com/ *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) *Links promised in this video:* -Tutorial about aligning and tuning your saw: kzread.info/dash/bejne/poKa2NaMpK7RdqQ.html -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Helical carbide jointer/planer heads from MyWoodCutters: mywoodcutters.com/ *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

I dont know that there is anyone I have ever come across anyone who can explain things as succinctly as this fellow. He takes a topic you think you already know inside out, and strengthens your understanding of it much more than you ever thought possible.

@andrewmcgillivray1881

2 жыл бұрын

i‘m not sure what you mean… 😂

@Jaxter0

2 жыл бұрын

He's either the Woodworking Lawyer or the Woodworking Poet

@josepalacid

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree. He is a "service" creator and that's a great thing to do. Maybe he will get some constructive criticism, but I also presume someone will try to argue just to destroy. Just don't feed the troll.

"You could argue that I'm stupid, but I"m not wrong"... what a great sentence and only a very bright mind could come up with it. Amazing video again Stumpy! If only I had seen this before I went through the troubles of setting up my table saw blade/miter and painfully figuring this out myself.

It's also worth noting that with a blade misaligned with the fence you're cutting a small cove into the side of the workpiece instead of a truly square face.

@cuebj

2 жыл бұрын

Good point. Some YT videos about doing this deliberately, even using table saw to do job of lathe hollowing out bowls

@justin.booth.

2 жыл бұрын

@@cuebj Yeah I've seen those! I don't think I'd ever try it myself, but it looks very cool when done

@MrGunner296

2 жыл бұрын

Yep!

@dougaltolan3017

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, it was a table saw cut rabbet that showed me I had problems..

@coppulor6500

2 жыл бұрын

So does that mean both the blade as well as the fence should be squared with the miter slots?

I have always found it interesting when explaining things to others. For example, I was a Drill Sergeant during my time in the Army. Even when I would break things down "Barney style" as we referred to it, there would be those that could not grasp the concept. Sometimes it would require another approach for them to understand what was being said. Other times, one of their buddies would have to break it down for them as well. I understand and appreciate the level of patience and tolerance you display. Keep sending us great videos.

@Migh7yb00sh

2 жыл бұрын

I was an instructor in the AF for what y’all called ait (I think)… man, they hammer in that you have to teach to the lowest common denominator… and if that ain’t the truth…. Sometimes you gotta get creative 😂

@keithmarlowe5569

2 жыл бұрын

Basic training is an interesting topic. When were you a Drill Sergeant? I recently retired from the reserve, and with a 10 year break in my career I saw diferent attitudes you might say. "Everyone went to the last hard school" and "No one remembers basic training accurately" are two great quotes I heard over the years. I would describe my basic experience as tough and uncompromising, but not brutal. Sometimes I think liberal agenda is trying to ruin the military, but I also grasp tradoc must evolve over time. Here's the topic, have coffee and discuss. Lol

@alfonsomunoz4424

2 жыл бұрын

I don't know what Barney Style means.

@terrmaso

2 жыл бұрын

@@alfonsomunoz4424 Barney style refers to the Purple Dinosaur so many loved, otherwise known as simple.

@alfonsomunoz4424

2 жыл бұрын

@@terrmaso ah! I went through USMC boot camp in '88. Got out in '92. I went to pick up my 2 year old nephew at day care once in '92 and got my first introduction to Barney.

Really like the graphics, it brings home on safety and accuracy. I have had this issue once which ended up with kickback ( left a nice welt ) I immediately shut down my shop and went online to buy a proper dial indicator set up for a cabinet saw. It’s now part of my maintenance schedule. p.s. loved the ending lol 😂

@BobHerres

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed totally Awesome Graphics! As this video started off, the first minute or two seemed incredulous, if it was anyone else I would have turned away and left. But I knew James would have a solid explanation worthy of watching. Thank you James! PS Moustache Mike is due for a "special appearance!"

This is one of those videos that seems so obvious, that I wonder why it needs to even be presented. Then I talk to some and am reminded that you only understand what you understand, and the rest is learning. It's a good thing that you are a patient teacher. Keep up the good work.

@missedyadobalina8619

2 жыл бұрын

I was curious too. Would never think to do this

@redskies3000

2 жыл бұрын

I never knew my blade would even get angled like that. I check to make sure the blade is perpendicular to the table if I have angled it but that’s it!

@StumpyNubs

2 жыл бұрын

I think you misunderstood... This video is about understanding the effects of a misaligned (angled) blade on your workpiece. (0:40) Some think an angled blade (from misalignment) will leave an angled cut on the end of a workpiece, which is essentially a very small miter. I am not saying they would intentionally try to force their blade out of alignment for the purpose of cutting a miter. I am saying that misunderstanding the effect of that misalignment can prevent you from properly diagnosing your problem. (0:40) This video helps people identify and diagnose alignment related cutting issues.

@miloh7871

2 жыл бұрын

@@StumpyNubs No, I understood what you were talking about, but needing to tell people the cause of that problem (which seems very obvious to me), was strange. But I realize that what may seem obvious to me might not be obvious to the next guy. And what seems obvious to others may take my brain a while to comprehend.

I just replaced the arbor bearings on my vintage Delta 10" contractor saw... did some test cuts and was getting burn marks with every cut. Then it dawned on me to check the blade alignment, and sure enough the blade was out of alignment just like what you show, by about .040 of an inch (I use a miter bar and dial gauge to check alignment). That may not sound like much, but after aligning the blade, not only did the burning disappear, the saw has a different sound... less labored, and definitely cleaner and easier rip cutting . And if you have a contractor saw, I highly recommend seeing if a PALS micro adjuster is available for your saw make/model. It took me longer to find where my dial gauge ran off to than adjusting the trunions with the PALS. Your video was very timely and very well done, as it explained exactly what I experienced.

Stumpy I worked for Delta Porter -Cable for 25years in Canada and I would like tell you you are not an idiot . What you are saying is the same I was saying to our customers all the time ,because as a salesmen I had to handle customer complaints. There is a lot of people that do not know the proper way but tell we that know how to do it, How to do It. Blows my mind. Julien Lamarche. Keep it up I watch you all the time.

You don't pronounce aluminum incorrectly. You just spell it wrong 😉 Much love & respect from the UK.

@tkat6442

2 жыл бұрын

I'm American, and I have to say how jealous I am of you in the UK, that you get to say "aluminium" instead of the stupider sounding (IMO) "aluminum"!

@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740

2 жыл бұрын

Lumnum is lumnum no matter how you wurd it er sypher it. Still lumnum! Blessings y'all 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

James -- This is one of your best videos. Very good information that is clearly explained. As an added bonus, you cover things that all table saw users should know, but most don't. Thank you!

James, you are absolutely right again. Align blade to miter slots, align fence to miter slots. Fortunately I have worked in shops where fuddy-duddy fuzzy thinking such as blade tilt and fence tilts would’ve gotten me fired.It is a shame that you have to spend so much time and so many videos on explaining this.

@sliceofbread2611

2 жыл бұрын

it is not a shame, it is a blessing that he does it! not everyone understands these concepts as easily as others do, and having someone like James making such high quality content that will be available for our future generations is just wonderful.

Really loving your videos; I am a cabinet maker leaving the trade to go teach in highschools, and your break-downs help me articulate what I know but often poorly say. Also don't lump us Canucks in with the fence tilted away from the blade folks, and of note: if the fence and blade are perfectly aligned to the slots then it /is/ perfectly safe, and kick back only happens with operator error(ie letting your hand drift or a lessening of pressure to the fence) and an insert of the same width as the cutting wdith of the blade will prevent even that. Last note, I think there is reason to believe that portable site construction table-saws for rough construction may be able to make a case for the fence tilted away: being safety in speed, but absolutely not in a a cabinet-shop where precision actually matters. Thanks again!

I love the way that your videos not only explain what needs to be done but also why it needs to be done. Your video on table saw alignment was invaluable to me and solved a problem not covered in my owner's manual.

Agreed! Very thoughtful and easy explanation of what is required for true accuracy in a table saw.

You could argue that I’m stupid but I’m not wrong, best line ever. Thanks for all the great videos, they are unsurpassed.

Appreciate this video. You're earlier one on misalignment pushed me to check mine about a year ago and it was off. After adjusting I get way less burning and had to redo my zero-clearance inserts, but I'm happy I did and appreciate the info here as confirmation of what changes I see in my own saw/cuts.

I've been struggling getting a vintage Craftsman 113 working well, and this explains why my crosscuts were always wonky. I spent about an hour aligning the blade to the miter slot last weekend, so here's hoping it works better. Thanks for the video--it explained so much!

You are spot on about aligning with the mitre slots. I’ve been a cabinet maker for 35 years and totally agree with your explanation. Once again great usable information very well delivered. 👍👍👍👍👍

Great video! I must take my years of experience for granted. Topics like this make me wonder about folks arguing with you. It just seems so common sense to me. Thanks for sharing.

When aligning my blade to my miter slot, I came across one tip that's made the job easier for me. I used to measure from each of two teeth leaning toward the slot, at the front and back edges of the blade, over to the slot, and adjust the blade until there was no difference between the two point's distance to the slot. However, those two teeth represent two points only 10" apart, and yet are on a line that extends to the front and back edge of the saw. If I could measure from that line over to the extreme front end of the slot and to the extreme back end, I would multiply any error in the blade angle, making it more visible from those two extreme points, than from two points only 10" apart. So I now put a metal straight edge against the two teeth to extend that line (metal instead of wood so the teeth don't sink into the wood), and measure from it over to the slot at the front edge and back edge of the saw. A couple of cautionary points: First, the straight edge must be perfectly straight, such as a metal yardstick, or wide, flat metal channel (I actually use one of those straight-edge aluminum channels where two of them just over 4' each can be joined in the middle to make an 8' cut with a circular saw). You can sight down along your straight edge to verify it's perfect. Second, place your straight edge against two teeth that both lean away from the miter slot that you're measuring to -- that is to say, on the opposite side of the blade from the slot. You do this so as to only use the one side of the straight edge, both for touching the teeth and for measuring over to the slot. If you put the straight edge against teeth leaning on the side of the blade toward the slot, then measure from the other side of the straight edge that isn't touching the teeth, from there over to the slot, you're assuming the straight edge's sides are parallel. And they may very well be parallel, but referencing off of teeth on the other side of the saw blade keeps your 'tooth reference line' and your 'measuring to the slot reference line' both coming from the same edge of the straight edge.

Hi from the UK. You have an excellent sense of humour and I thoroughly enjoy all your videos, long or short. Keep up the good work 🌞

@MarcosElMalo2

2 жыл бұрын

But did you notice how he didn’t deny that he’s inherently evil?

@austinveatch6993

2 жыл бұрын

Good sense of humor?…… must be from the UK. Just kidding James. And love you UK.

@williambranham6249

2 жыл бұрын

I'm from USA and I have been watching S Nubs since the beginning -10 years. His humor now is more subtle than early days. Go back if you missed his earlier videos. My wife and I only watch British shows, mostly police investigative series-Vera, Rebus, etc.. British humor surpasses what we have here.

@raydriver7300

2 жыл бұрын

Hi William Branham. I was brought up in the area where Vera is filmed.

@williambranham6249

2 жыл бұрын

@@raydriver7300 My wife read all the Vera novels. and we watched the series together. I loved the complexity of the stories but could not stand the character “Vera”. I really felt sorry for her. Doc Martin was also one of my favorites as well as all the other series Clunes has starred in. The coastal scenery of England is outstanding. All Creatures started my love of British tv. Once a week an episode was released in the 70s. Of course I don’t think much of the new series. It is lacking something. Have a good summer.

This video is SO good! I grew up with a table saw in the garage building stuff with dad and now so my own work at home. I feel like I understand how to use a table saw very well but this solidified my understanding more completely than ever before!

Gentle assertion of informed opinion, no drama, no denigration, no bruised ego, acknowledgement of others' views, calm effective communication. Stumpy for POTUS...

I love it when your videos confirm the conclusions I have made over my experience (always do). The cool thing is they almost always come with an additional little piece of information I haven’t thought of. Thanks for another great video👍

Great tips here, and just in time for shop tune up season. In the past, I've tried to reference square off the edge of my table saw surface. But using the miter slots as reference makes even more sense. Now If I only had a good fence for my 30 year old saw that stayed square. Thanks for sharing!

It took a long time for me to wrap my head around this concept; your video clears things up really efficiently! Thanks JH!

Thank you for this fantastically educational content. I love the way you explain things thoroughly and your renderings really helped to illustrate your points effectively. Time to go watch the alignment video... I've been noticing my work pieces starting to drift away from my fence near the back of the blade and no matter how I adjusted my hands and pushstick, I couldn't figure it out... I think you diagnosed my issue without even seeing my saw.

Stumpy, you make perfect sense. I think you can describe things so we can all understand. I really like your posts. Keep up the good work.

As always this was an informative video. It is always of great interest to understand how dangerous and quick acting a table saw can be. One minute your smiling and the next your screaming. Any info on table saw safety is a good thing. Thumbs up for safety and thanks for the video.

Really interesting subject James, I find that I learn something useful and different every time I watch your videos. To be honest for me your channel is the clearest and most comprehensive I have seen. Keep up the great work 👍

Always love your stuff James. I find it hard to believe (but not really) that ANYONE would argue these points - especially the stuff at the beginning about blade alignment. The later stuff about ever so slightly angling the fence away can help ease the cut I’ve heard my entire woodworking career but I’ve always opted for just making it RIGHT to avoid any problems. We’ll done!

I appreciate you, and your knowledge, and your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make them.

As usual, Stumpy Nubs surprises me, yet again, with how well he explains a topic. I love these short, succinct deep dives.

Wonderful update for us all. Thank you for sharing this with us today from Henrico County Virginia

Thank you for taking the time and effort to explain this with great illustrations. Very informative.

Every day I learn something new when i watch your videos. Thanks m8

this kind of happened to me , it didn't kickback but the blade bound up and stopped working. It freaked me out a little but after talking to some other wood workers I know what happened and can fix it. Another great video. You explain things so well even someone who is still learning can understand you.

You've got more patience than most. Not sure I could put up with some of the folks you encounter. Thanks for all you do. Great information as always, albeit elementary to most. Thanks!

This video made a lot more sense after I re-watched it. Thanks again James.

Excellent video, thanks for demonstrating the importance of correct alignment. Have a great day.

You are absolutely correct! The miter slot is the only constant on a table saw. It will never ever change. At least a couple times a year depending on use I recheck with a dial indicator setup the blade to miter then the fence to the same miter slot. The blade should be first clean and free of any pitch. The most important reason above all for doing this is safety.

Thank you, excellent video as usual. Know how thing truly works helps to under the result you get when a cut is made.

Hi James, another great video. Just to add some clarity, up here in Canada, we use the miter slot as the only reference for aligning the blade and rip fence, just like most everywhere else 😁. Thanks always for sharing!

James dishing out life lessons with his woodworking advice. Thanks for this one!

I always learn something from your videos, I don't know any other content creator with that distinction. Just amazingly well-honed scripts.

I'm an occasional home DIYer and have have a table saw for 20 years and it's never occurred to me that this needs to looked at. So obvious, thanks!

Thank you so much for this information, very succinctly put across to us and once again a pleasure to watch.

Very informative video. I like how easy you make it to understand things.

I'm completely baffled at the topics of conflicts that you encounter. As a contractor, cabinetmaker, and woodworker I can tell these contrary ideas and opinions are from home DIYers. You are skilled, knowledgeable, and professional. Great videos. 👍

Great tutorial James, much appreciated.

As a Brit, everything on a table saw should be parallel. Anyone concerned enough with kickback to shift their rip fence off-line should simply install a riving knife & never worry about it again. Bandsaws are an entirely different story, however.

@JohnSSSSS

2 жыл бұрын

What about this comment is specific to being a Brit?

@nightcatarts

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnSSSSS Stumpy mentioned that things might be different in Europe.

@tocboatman

2 жыл бұрын

@@nightcatarts I live in France, manual that came with my saw also says fence should be parallel with blade and mitre slot. Would be interested to hear if anyone anywhere can actually find a legitimate machine manual that says otherwise.

@nightcatarts

2 жыл бұрын

@@tocboatman I think it would only apply to machines with no riving knife, since they're susceptible to pinching. That means none of the EU ones by default.

I’m going to align my table saw soon, we picked up a cool gauge that measures hundreds of a percent so I’m looking forward to that. Good video sir.

Thanks Stumpy for your infinite patience, courtesy and respect in helping us newbies understand these complex and often bewildering issues. It is obvious that you understand that the only dumb question is the one you did not ask.

I think this is exactly what's wrong with my table saw! Thanks for sharing this. I didn't even think about the blade being off from that angle

I confess, I made a similar mistake once, when I needed a long board with a very shallow angle. I tried to accomplish this by setting the fence askew. Instant bind. I finally got the job done with an improvised sled, though I didn't know that's what it was. It was an interesting exercise to figure out exactly what was going on. Wish I'd had this video then.

Great explanation! I wouldn't have thought that was a controversial thing, but after reading some comments, I realized some TS owners may not know that the blade parallelism can go out over time or was never correct from factory.

@StumpyNubs

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly... :)

@jonhuus1925

2 жыл бұрын

This is soooo helpful. I've been using the SS 3.0 HP for about 2 1/2 years since new. I carefully aligned it at the first set up and am beginning to get some burns just recently. I cleaned my blades, but perhaps they DO get out of alignment. I'll get on that tonight. I swap blades pretty often. I wonder if that could cause misalignment? Excited to see improvement.

@gnic76

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonhuus1925 I also think if the bolts holding top down are a tiny bit loose, (cabinet saw) we all grab the top to move our saws around, it could make it go out of alignment. In the case of a contractor saw (motor hangs off back) a hard bump on motor or something else to make the trunnion move, the will cause misalignment as well.

Good info Jim, I watched your tutorial on saw alignment and appreciate the detail about checking run out at 45* . I’m setting up a skillsaw jobsite saw and was able to achieve .001 runout @ 90* but drifting .035 when checked at 45*. I have a couple of ideas to try to correct it before shimming the carriage mount as you suggested although skilsaw doesn’t support that idea after contact with them (oh well).

I would never have even considered angling the blade (other than for a taper/bevel), but this is a great reminder for me to check my alignment. My Ridgid saw manual talks about aligning to the mitre slot (for the fence) and ensuring the blade is square to the table so that your mitre slots are parallel to the blade. Rockler and John Heisz both have great videos on this but I am also sure you've covered this too at some point Stumpy. Thanks for all your detailed explanations, even when it might seem "obvious"

Came to this video expecting to learn about table saw alignment, left with a deeper understanding and respect for my fellow man.

Thank you for providing this excellent explanation. I for one learned a lot and listen to the reasons of why and how. You are not stupid by any means I have the utmost respect for your skill, knowledge and expertise.

Another excellent video! I can confirm that SawStop recommends the fence be parallel to the miter slot as well. Angling the fence away from the blade is functionally the same as angling the blade away from the fence and will have all the problems that James so clearly described in the video. A riving knife, pawls and using good, safe techniques are far better investments in preventing kickback without the problems. Another reason to have the fence perfectly parallel - I have on occasion needed to move the fence to the other side of the blade. If it's parallel there's no problem with this. If it's out of parallel you've suddenly created a dangerous situation.

Fascinating! Thanks again, James.

James, great video. There are 2 kinds of opinions. Informed opinions and all others. I always find your videos of the informed type. keep up the good work. I have learned much from you.

Well said Mr. Nubbins. Very informative as well.

After watching this video I wondered what would prompt you to make it. The whole subject is pure and simple geometry. At least I think so. So after I watched I started reading the comments. WOW, still a lot of folks have differing opinions, physics and geometry be damned. You gave it your best shot. Some folks just won't be convinced. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

Exceptionally clear and well presented discussion.

Im going to need to watch this video multiple times to really grasp what is meant but intuitively this is the explanation of many erroneous results. In fact what is needed is to know 4 things must be in alignment, blade, table, fence, and board. With the compounding errors of this it's probably more important to know that in the pursuit of safe tool use we can subdivide the precision into two sets: table to fence alignment being true in squareness and parallel to the miter slot. And to make sure that the wood being cut is safe for the work, and that all the predictability and repeatability of cuts comes from the kerf, the wastage that is necessary to obtain the dimensions. Complex stuff. Thanks stumpy nubs! you're the man!

This is a great video. I will check out the link on how to adjust.

Apart from liking your videos and the way you explain things I like the way you handle "opposing opinions" (sometimes aka insults). More people should be that calm, relaxed and sympathetic. Keep that spirit up.

Stumpy, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had been seeing some weirdness when making cuts lately. It seemed just a little harder to push material through the cut. SO i thought must be my table needs waxing. same issues after a clean and wax. then I got the notification and watched this video and viola there was a few thousands of runout with the back of the blade pointing toward the rip fence! After I adjusted the top to zero runout BAM cuts glide through just as they should. Thank you for a tImely lesson and I will make sure to put the dial indicator towards the front of the drawer so I remember to use it!!!! :)

Great content as usual! My ShopFox saw manual does specify the very far end of the fence should be set 1/32-1/64 away from parallel to the blade. I've not noticed any appreciable difference between that are dead parallel, if anything when cutting wide rough stock down before jointing it gives a little wiggle room if the boards move during cutting. Ultimately, personal preference.

@carlcox7332

2 жыл бұрын

When I'm calibrating my contractor saw sometimes I'll put a piece of paper or a layer of painters tape on the back side of the fence when I'm setting the fence. It's not much at all but doesn't take much clearance to keep any binding from happening. I square the blade parallel with my miter slots.

I’m 100% in the parallel alignment camp. I want that slot, the blade, and the fence straight as an arrow. Any kickback you’re getting after that is likely bad technique or dull blades.

Thank you, James. I love this explanation with all of your drawings. Felix

I agree. Also, I had a similar problem with using my circular saw against a clamped-in-place straight edge "fence'. The cuts weren't clean and not as easy to push through as when I used the saw freehand. I finally discovered the blade wasn't parallel with edge of the saw's shoe. It made me wonder how many out there a fighting a similar problem and don't know it.

I know what I am checking first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks Stumpy! I have a shoddy table saw so I think the blade might even be perpendicular to the mitre slots

Agreed with all of what you outlined here. My preferred method is to align everything to the mitre slot as you indicated. A dial gauge and jigs help to do this accurately. Each year the alignment is tested and so far, since 2011 I've had to adjust only twice.

Thank you for the video, very helpful. I have a contractor saw which does not have any mitre groves. The mitres are done on the side which is very poor, so I would have to align the blade to the table side. I have been thinking of making a jig with mitre groves, but this will take away some of the blade height. Or when I have some money I can buy another table saw. I do like your videos as they are very informative and give me tips as a new woodworker. Thank you again.

Lol I read the manual to set mine up. I always rtfm. Never considered setting the blade to the fence an used the slot instead, per the manual. Align blade to slot and fence to blade. Dont have a jointer so I'd never make my fence out of parallel to the blade as it's my only way to get straight boards, the level trick. Makes sense why, now that I watched this. Good info. As always. Thanks

It is amazing how many people make comments about your video's with out watching them to the end and obviously not understanding the facts which you presented.

Well, I am from Canada, and have never seen a manual that suggests the fence be aligned “slightly away at the end”. It has always been said to make the blade and the fence parallel to the slots. Shouldn’t be off even a millimeter, LOL

Thanks for another very helpful video.

Great info, James! Thanks!!! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

I bought a new table saw and felt and saw that the blade was binding ever so slightly when ripping. Got a blade straightening setup with a dual indicator and indeed it was off. Straighten it out and wow. I even had to show it to my wife since the new saw was actually cutting like a new saw. Safer, too. Less chance for kickback.

"You can argue that I'm stupid, but I'm not wrong" Love it!

always set a machine base on the one factor you can't change. miter slot are build in and non adjustable.

@andreblanchard8315

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, and then I verify/adjust the axis of the tilt bearings is parallel to the table surface and the slots.

@terrysullivan1992

2 жыл бұрын

Actually the entire cast iron top is adjustable. Not something I'd recommend but might need to be done if restoring an older saw.

Stumpy Nubs is the young Mr. Rogers of wholesome woodworkers. I'd love to see a collaboration between him and Townsends on traditional woodworking techniques, if only for the wholesomeness.

You are certainly not an idiot. 😁 We are blessed to have your input.

I agree, everything should be lined up with each other.

Man, I totally agree on all you said. Cheers from Italy

Excellently done!!!! Thank you again for the great info!!!! 👍😎🙏😀🤘

Good job James. ❤

Great video. I always use a tape and set fence front and back of blade using a fence facing tooth for accuracy. My blades last along time buy not stressing them . It takes a few seconds more to be accurate

Simply great video !

Great video. Good work on the graphics. Thanks

Great clear explanation, thank you

Thanks Stumpy!

Interesting - I've been struggling lately getting everything lined up - never had issues before, but recently it seems that my 3HP saw is having troubles, so I am assuming it is the alignment. I will probably double check tonight. As always - I appreciate your direct videos to subjects.

@mickeyreed4260

2 жыл бұрын

Woodpecker makes a great dial indicator setup for checking alignment

I won’t take personally. Even if I am Canadian… let me assure you, every single table saw manual I read (yes I read them) says the same. The fence should be dead on parallel with the blade. I guess the only Canadians that will tell you the opposite are the one who cut free hand on the table saw. By the way, i love your videos. There is always great things that I learn from you. Thanks.

@tkat6442

2 жыл бұрын

"Free hand" or "hand free"? ;)

@nicolassimard5847

2 жыл бұрын

@@tkat6442 please excuse my poor English, I may wanted to say hand free. actually, I had my father in law in example. 70, really old school. Does not use the rip fence some times. Does not wear any PPE; googles, ear muff, gloves, respiratory protection, etc. Not only that but he is testing for live wires with his bare fingers after licking them ! He does not trip the breaker before playing in the electrical boxes, name it, he does it !

@tkat6442

2 жыл бұрын

@@nicolassimard5847 Yikes! I meant my comment as a joke, but based on the idea that he could lose a hand. If he hasn't, he's lucky!! (I hope his luck continues!) Edit-your English is fine; I understood your meaning precisely. Free hand is a correct way to say without guards, etc. Hand free is what you can become by doing that!

Your video helped me identify the problem with my tracksaw. One small thing though, we don't all drive on the other side of the road in Europe ;)