How to use rip fence set screws

[Ash1562]

The rip fence has these two set screws. Are they used to make slight adjustments to make it line up with the table and blade? Or are they used for locking in the fence in place?

[DLB]

The rip fence has these two set screws. Are they used to make slight adjustments to make it line up with the table and blade? Or are they used for locking in the fence in place?

Some fences have one or two setscrews intended to adjust the fence out of true for a specific operation. (520 and new-style Mark 7 don't have the setscrews). They should be backed out and not in contact when you true/square the fence and 99% of the time. Some would say 100%. I'm linking the only operation I have ever done using the setscrew to bias the fence, from Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone (PTFE): https://www.shopsmith.com/academy/discsand/index.htm Scroll down to "Edge Sanding." While that setup works as well as it ever did, a Conical sanding disc gives better results and uses the fence without any bias.

You have the 60's version Mark VII, which I've never used. I'm presuming the same purpose as Mark 5/V prior to 520.

- David

[chapmanruss]

I can't recall any operation other than what David suggested and is covered in the books Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone and Modern Power Tool Woodworking. Modern Power Tool Woodworking is the Mark VII version of PTWFE and starting on page 276 it mentions the same operation for the Mark VII. It is interesting though that this operation would be included for the Mark VII since it came with a 10" double sided flat/conical sanding disk.

[HopefulSSer]

Always make sure that after you've finished sanding to back out the bias screw. Otherwise your ripping operations will not go well. Ask me how I know.

[chapmanruss]

Would that be something you do to a Soccer Ball but going in reverse?