Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 9:35 pm
dusty wrote:Rail alignment is ALWAYS possible. One may need to do undocumented things to make it possible but it is possible.
Align the rails. What does that means. I think it means, attach the rail so that it is a consistent distance below the plane of the main table. The bolting method allows for some slop, use it to set the rail height. It there is not enough slop (something is likely installed wrong) create the slop by drilling out the holes or using smaller diameter bolts.
The edge of the rail should (must) be a straight line and should be perpendicular to the plane of the blade. Shims can be used to accomplish this if needed.
To simplify if possible can be the biggest labor saver.
My point was to say if you don't need it, don't do it.
If change of alignment AS IS is not possible, and alignment is good, don't undo success.
In other words, check the alignment first. Don't be disappointed if you don't have to remachine the machine to introduce misalignment.
In my case, simply, the bolting method (tapered head screws into threaded holes) did not allow for any slop. And the "Alignment Jigs" didn't fit. Since the rails aligned properly, there was no reason to introduce slop, to my enormous relief and undying gratitude to whatever Force provided this serendipitous situation.
And if it happened to me, who bought ONLY from ShopSmith direct, it could happen to anyone.