Shopsmith Forums

If you've checked the tape itself, and it is accurate, the next thing I'd check is the condition of the fence rail. If it isn't dead straight and smooth, the angle of the fence will not repeat when clamped at different positions along the rail. A pretty small angular error could give you a 1/16 ...

I have a Ridgid 10" table saw, and the measurements under the fence indicator are accurate around 18 inches and higher. However, under that they are hit and miss. Example, I have to set the fence to about 1/32-1/16th past the 4 1/2" reading, to get an actual 4 1/2" width from the fence to the blade ...