Anyone Know How to Align Mitre Saw Laser - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 04:03:58 am
content: I have a Craftsman Sliding Compound Miter Saw - Ten Inch - Model No. 137.212371For whatever reason, the laser moved (I've confirmed the blade is square with the fence). The laser has a bracket with one screw, I removed the screw and bracket and it exposed two plastic screws on each side of the laser.Initially I thought each screw performed a specific adjustment for a specific axis, however, it seems they just loosen the laser. I got the laser perfectly aligned, screwed the bracket, and for whatever reason, screwing on the bracket caused the laser to move.The manual doesn't offer a laser adjustment tutorial, so I'm baffled over the function of the four plastic screws, and why the laser moves once I screw in the bracket.Does anyone have experience with this model?Thanks

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 04:33:11 am
content: I just have to ask why even bother?Just look down the blade.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 01:41:03 pm
content: Your question is valid.After unsuccessfully trying to locate a tutorial for laser adjusting on this particular model, I've learned this isn't always accurate. Initially I thought wherever the laser points is where the cut will be. Now I'm learning it's quite susceptible to moving and/or being inaccurate.I thought adjusting would be easier. Now I'm just curious how to actually adjust it and why it moves when I remount the bracket. Also, it's annoying to see the laser being grossly off and a method exists to adjust, so I'm trying to find it.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 01:57:10 pm
content: On my Festool there two adjustments screws, still hard to get perfect.Quote from: Monkeh on August 23, 2019, 04:33:11 amIf you only make straight simple cuts , sure.If you make mitre cuts in wood costing $30 a meter and you just want to cut next to an irregularity in the wood then you need to use a mitregauge and pencil to mark it then position the blade.With a laser it is just quicker.Then if you have preshaped/milled frames it is darn hard to mark with a mitre gauge, also then a laser is a benefit.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 11:11:20 pm
content: OP, your 2 plastic screws multiplied into four, so you might have a major discovery on your hands.If the 2/4 plastic screws aren't changing the position of the laser, I think you might try shimming with masking tape. Either on the laser over where the plastic screws hit it and/or between the bracket and the saw.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2019, 11:50:49 pm
content: Excerpt from the Operator's Manual (pg 22,23):https://c.searspartsdirect.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/1007215L.pdfIt doesn't look like you can...

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2019, 01:34:42 pm
content: Thanks, but I have the manual in both print and PDF.The manual states to call a "service center", but I feel it's a way to make money when I can just adjust it myself.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2019, 12:32:13 am
content: QuoteSometimes, these companies contract other businesses to handle this kind of issue, locally/regionally. And those companies have to fix this crap at a predetermined rate. They don't want this business. They want to get paid their annual fee for agreeing to handle these customer problems, for providing their phone number for these people to call, and for not racking up a bunch of complaints. But they don't want to lose money by actually doing it. I mean, certain of these problems may be profitable to them, but most probably aren't. They are glad you fix this yourself, in any case. Third part or actual distributor for that product.QuoteGlad you figured it out, then.

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2019, 09:48:56 am
content: I know we all like to have our tools accurate and well adjusted but lasers on saws is more a selling gimmick than useful.Your saw will only be as accurate as the stability and squareness of the frame, fence,and bearings.A laser won't do you any good if the fence isn't square to the blade or if the frame is wobble y.There is a way that might work safely. First make sure the fence is square to the blade. Clamp a plank down and cut a groove into it. Remove the blade from the arbour for safety and lock the body in fully down position. Turn on the saw with out the blade and make your adjustments lining the laser to one side of the groove you cut previously in the plank of wood.Reinstall the blade.If need be .remove the guard if its in the way but make sure is properly reinstalled before using the saw with the blade.