dnoyeB wrote:

David wrote:

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


Yea, I bought the craftsman new. But The dewalt, whenever it arrives,
will be used. So I imagine I could get another used something if the
craftsman is actually a problem. Just wondering if it is indeed a
problem or if they are all like that.

You can make a cross-cut sled more accurate than the miter gauge by
using tight fitting runners. I use 2 of the Incra aluminum, adjustable
width runners on my sled. You can adjust them to take any slop in the slot.

Dave