Shopsmith Forums

I bought a couple new toys a couple weeks ago but have not had much time to play with them. Today I have the time but after just a few minutes I decided that I needed to ask for advice.

I have the laser set up on my table saw with the laser pointed at the blade a fixed distance away. As I rotate the blade (using the spindle) I can move each successive tooth into the laser and get a measurement (of that fixed distance).

My question: When I finally get done (having recorded the distance for each and every tooth) will there be any valid conclusion that I can draw from the data?

The laser is advertised to be accurate to 1/32" (.03125") and the blade is a common ordinary Shopsmith combination blade.

1/32" seems like a lot of variance, to me. For fence alignments, it might be useful.

Gene Howe wrote:1/32" seems like a lot of variance, to me. For fence alignments, it might be useful.

As shown, this would tell you nothing about fence alignment. If anything useful at all, when used as shown in the pictures, it would quantify the variations in blade (wobble).

But for your comment, what do you consider appropriate for fence and table alignment?

For both fence and table alignment, I use a dial indicator and a verified flat steel plate on the arbor.

Gene Howe wrote:For both fence and table alignment, I use a dial indicator and a verified flat steel plate on the arbor.

Agree. And what do you use for a tolerance. I shot for +-.003" but often accept a little bit more and this is only for alignments.

These days I am quite satisfied if my projects come out somewhere between 1/16" and 1/32" of what is called out on my drawings.. However, the improved shop lighting may enable me to become a bit more picky.

.03 either way is close enough for me. .05 is just ok.
I very, very seldom work from plans. It's usually, as a buddy calls it, my one cell Sketchup. Consequently, other than gross ones, measurements are rarely used. I've got 6 or eight tapes and several rules from my cabinet building days. All are gathering dust. That is not to say that precision cuts have no place in my shop. I just get there without relying on gadgets with numbers.

A-men, Gene! When reading threads like this about using the newest and greatest inventions of measurement it makes me wonder if woodworkers are quickly losing any ability to see and feel the unique and exciting feeling of cutting, shaping and fitting of wood for useful purposes.

Are we losing the experience of using blocks, sticks, eyesight and feeling rather than some digital device to fashion a piece of wood? I was taught that finger tips are more accurate than micrometers. Still think that's true.

charlese wrote:A-men, Gene! When reading threads like this about using the newest and greatest inventions of measurement it makes me wonder if woodworkers are quickly losing any ability to see and feel the unique and exciting feeling of cutting, shaping and fitting of wood for useful purposes.

Are we losing the experience of using blocks, sticks, eyesight and feeling rather than some digital device to fashion a piece of wood? I was taught that finger tips are more accurate than micrometers. Still think that's true.

Another Amen from me!

± 1/32"???

Bosch says accuracy is ± 1/16" ?????

I would have expected something better.

with out any question a saw set to cut accurately and true is hands down much more safe to use then one out of wack , especially when it comes to kick back .

Also adds life to blades .

lay out lines , that's a different story .

My motto is ,,,when its tight ,, its right jmo