From: grun@intellistor.com (Paul Grun)
Subject: Re: Delta contractor's saw
Organization: Intellistor, Inc.
Distribution: rec.woodworking
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 92 23:22:47 GMT

In <MFB.92Oct6094921@metropolis.super.org> mfb@metropolis.super.org (Michael F. Bridgland) writes:


>I recently bought a tablesaw. Since many postings concern relative
>merits of various saw manufacturers, I thought my experience might be
>of interest to others. I also would like some information about blade
>guards and aligning the blade.
...
>Adjustments to the saw itself are
>simple, with two exceptions. The blade guard adjustment is just plain
>clumsy. And the manual does not explain how to align the blade
>to the table slots.  Supposedly this was done at the factory, but the
>blade is not parallel to the slots. Casual measurement reveals a
>difference of several thousandths of an inch (perhaps as much as
>.01'', but I haven't measured carefully yet) between the blade-to-slot
>distances at the front and back of the blade.

>I know what to do about the fence, but what about replacing the blade
>guard and aligning the blade? Is there a good aftermarket blade guard?
>Does anyone know how to align the blade parallel to the table slots?

>Telephone: (301) 805-7382
>Internet: mfb@super.org

Michael:
1) Concerning the blade guard:  is it the adjustment of the blade guard itself,
   or is it the adjustment of the splitter assembly on which the blade guard
   mounts that is causing the problems?  
   If the problem is the blade guard, there are several aftermarket blade guards
   available.  Try the Brett guard available from HTC (the same folks who make
   the mobile bases 1-800-624-2027).  Also, I think Biesmeyer makes one.  Big $$$.
   If the problem is really the *splitter* assembly, I'm sorry I have no help
   to offer you.  When I first got my Delta saw, I simply took it off partly
   because I was impatient with the adjustment.  Not too long ago, I resolved
   to spend the time and finicky-ness to get it right.  Did it, too.  Now
   it works just fine.  Since the splitter also includes anti-kickback pawls
   as well as a splitter function, I think it's a worthwhile safety issue.

2) As for aligning the blade with the miter slot: this is accomplished by
   loosening the four bolts that hold the table top to the base and rotating
   the table top by tapping it with a mallet of some sort
   until the slots are parallel to the blade.  My saw came
   from the factory PDC (pretty darn close) but I wanted it better. Don't
   know if it mattered any, but I felt better afterwards...
   I'm not sure you'll be able to improve on .01", but you have nothing
   to lose but some time.  Give it a try.
   You'll get it just about right, only to have it slip out of 
   square again as you're tightening down the four bolts.  Keep at it, you'll
   get it. 
   One more point.  In order to eliminate the blade as a variable in this align-
   ment process, you should measure from a given tooth at the front of the
   blade over to the slot.  Mark that tooth, then rotate the blade until that
   tooth is at the back of the blade.  Now measure again.  In other words,
   always measure from the same tooth over to the miter slot. 

Good luck.  
Paul Grun
grun@intellistor.com
-- 

goes to show, you don't ever know...
grun@intellistor.com