dnoyeB wrote:

David wrote:

dnoyeB wrote:

I have a craftsman bench top style table saw. I have used the miter
slide thingy to cut a few angles. It worked acceptably. My question
is though how accurate is this thing supposed to be?

When the slider is in the slot there is a lot of play in it. I think
about 1/8-1/4" play. Is this normal? Am I supposed to find accuracy
in my technique as opposed to my tools?



Accurate work is facilitated by accurate tools, although in the hands
of a klutz, the finest equipment does little good. 1/4" of "play"
seems almost unbelievable since the slot is only 3/4" wide (or less),
but whatever it is must be unacceptable to you or you wouldn't be
asking about it. Do have any plans on upgrading the saw soon? If the
bar is steel, you could try peening it.

dave



Well I bought it before I knew what I was doing. I am just learning.
Yes the slow is very narrow and maybe I exagerated. Perhaps its
1/16-1/8" play. Anyway, while holding apiece of wood up against it, I
can move the wood left or right with it. So I have to be careful to
keep it to the right, or left, but not switch.

Im not building any furniture *yet*. But before it gets too old, I
would sell it and buy a new one, if its not a respectable tool.

I think I have been influenced by my purchase of a Miter saw. No one
respected the Craftsman or the other Black & Decker saws I was
considering. So I ordered a Dewalt. Money is tight though.

If money is tighter than time, you might consider finding use equipment
that's not TOO used. Getting serviceable used equipment can stretch a
dollar, if you aren't opposed to that idea. Personally, I like to buy
everything new because I don't want someone else's problems, but I'm
aware that there is a huge market "out there" for used tools and
equipment.

Dave