Shopsmith Forums

MrWilliams wrote:Thanks. I spent a couple of hours Sunday trying to get the table saw aligned. Much better now.

Don't guess on this one. It is very important that you have your table saw properly aligned and that you understand why it needs to be that way. Using a malaligned table saw can be unhealthy.

Mr Williams, Dusty has TS alignment to a science, he is one a of a few go to guys here on that subject. I cant even begin on that subject, have a Delta TS, my SS are used for the rest of its assets.

Thanks @dusty and @ERLover
We have some snow coming this weekend so maybe I'll take another swing at saw alignment. I followed the Mal Hyams youtube videos so far. Do I need a "dial indicator" to get it aligned correctly? Any advice would be appreciated.

dusty wrote:Don't guess on this one. It is very important that you have your table saw properly aligned and that you understand why it needs to be that way. Using a malaligned table saw can be unhealthy.

Dusty is correct. I never could get my SS table saw to work for me and I gave up on it. Then I inherited and old Craftsman table saw that just worked and it became my favorite. Still is. It was years before I had any respect for the Shopsmith. Now we've fallen in love all over again

Thanks tomsalwasser. Really hoping I can get it aligned and sell my old table saw.

Ditto to Dusty. The SS in table saw mode is a great tool, but alignment is mandatory. Any TS not aligned has to be categorized as a weapon and not a tool. No you don't need a dial indicator. Aligning the blade to the miter slot requires accuracy but the actual values are meaningless. There are lots of good videos on the subject using everything from a combo square to the SS Allen wrench and miter. They all work as long as you are diligent about it.
Paul

tomsalwasser wrote:

dusty wrote:Don't guess on this one. It is very important that you have your table saw properly aligned and that you understand why it needs to be that way. Using a malaligned table saw can be unhealthy.

Dusty is correct. I never could get my SS table saw to work for me and I gave up on it. Then I inherited and old Craftsman table saw that just worked and it became my favorite. Still is. It was years before I had any respect for the Shopsmith. Now we've fallen in love all over again

I did not say that. I have my SS Main Table aligned to what I consider perfect. Well, I had it aligned when I got barred from the shop. It is, right now, a collection point for all things every one else has moved out of the house. That will begin to change in a couple weeks, after surgery.

The Shopsmith Main Table presents some unique obstacles in that so many different parts that effect alignment move. The trick is to learn what moves and more importantly what moves enough to upset alignment. The five locking mechanisms must be utilized faithfully.

My comments do not apply to a Model 500. I have never attempted alignment of anything older that a Model 505. Bent or otherwise damaged parts do not belong in the setup.

dusty wrote:

tomsalwasser wrote:

dusty wrote:Don't guess on this one. It is very important that you have your table saw properly aligned and that you understand why it needs to be that way. Using a malaligned table saw can be unhealthy.

Dusty is correct. I never could get my SS table saw to work for me and I gave up on it. Then I inherited and old Craftsman table saw that just worked and it became my favorite. Still is. It was years before I had any respect for the Shopsmith. Now we've fallen in love all over again

I did not say that. I have my SS Main Table aligned to what I consider perfect. Well, I had it aligned when I got barred from the shop. It is, right now, a collection point for all things every one else has moved out of the house. That will begin to change in a couple weeks, after surgery.

The Shopsmith Main Table presents some unique obstacles in that so many different parts that effect alignment move. The trick is to learn what moves and more importantly what moves enough to upset alignment. The five locking mechanisms must be utilized faithfully.

My comments do not apply to a Model 500. I have never attempted alignment of anything older that a Model 505. Bent or otherwise damaged parts do not belong in the setup.

Fear not! Smaller is easier!

dusty wrote:I did not say that. I have my SS Main Table aligned to what I consider perfect. Well, I had it aligned when I got barred from the shop. It is, right now, a collection point for all things every one else has moved out of the house. That will begin to change in a couple weeks, after surgery.

Sorry Dusty I was not clear. I was agreeing with your instructions to the OP to spend all the time it took to get his alignment done correctly. I never did that and I never could cut anything on my SS table saw. I wasted a lot of years thinking I had a piece of junk in my garage when what I really had was the result of some fantastic engineering.

Tom

this is how I align my table saw
http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... 23#p183523

I use a 1" rod and a 1/2" bar for alignment.
I have used it several time to check the alignment.

Then I cross cut a 4x4 with the miter gauge. To check for square, I check it both vertical and horizontal

if the 4x4 does not check out, (which 9 out 10 times it does) then I make additional adjustment. If I need to I cross cut the 4x4 again and check it.