On Mon, 30 Jan 2006 16:45:03 -0500, 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?

Don't expect too much precision.

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?

That much slop is unacceptable. There are several techniques to tune
up the miter gauge, or you might consider replacing it.