Shopsmith Forums

I have heard numerous people say when aligning the fence to make the outfeed side slightly off about 1/16 from the infeed side. I cannot remember which direction if it is less or more, but my questions is can anyone explain why I would offset the fence rather than keep it perpendicular to the blade?

The offset would make the fence further from the blade as the wood exits, after being cut. Adjusted the other way would pinch the wood against the blade causing wedging, burning and possible kickback.

I have heard the same thing but I DO NOT do that. I attempt to make the fence perfectly parallel to the blade. I do however, make certain that the fence is not closer on the outfeed side of the blade than it is on the infeed side.

As previously stated, that creates a pincher action which can result in a kick back.

+++++++++++++++ What Dusty said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amen to comments already posted... Only thing I could add is that if you have a 500 like I do be sure the splitter is in line with the blade and not angled. If angled toward the fence it can have the same effect as having the fence not aligned correctly and can make the space between the blade and the fence narrower at the outfeed side of the blade which can lead to the negative consequences as mentioned.

edflorence wrote:Amen to comments already posted... Only thing I could add is that if you have a 500 like I do be sure the splitter is in line with the blade and not angled. If angled toward the fence it can have the same effect as having the fence not aligned correctly and can make the space between the blade and the fence narrower at the outfeed side of the blade which can lead to the negative consequences as mentioned.

I would think a splitter closer to the fence than the blade would help prevent the workpiece getting caught between the fence and the blade, however, it would tend to bind the workpiece between the splitter and the fence.

Again dead on is the goal!

What Dusty said and JPG in his post just above concerning the splitter.
A sixteenth of an inch off is way too far. If it is dead on this is best, but if it is off by a small amount best to have the back slightly away from the blade.

If you do this make sure you ALWAYS use your fence on only one side of the blade. What is an offset away from the blade becomes a offset toward the blade when you move the fence from one side of the blade to the other.

Use of the fence on both sides of the blade mandates the fence be DEAD ON parallel to the blade. I think we all would forget to realign the fence when we moved to the other side.
Forrest

zooman65 wrote:I have heard numerous people say when aligning the fence to make the outfeed side slightly off about 1/16 from the infeed side. I cannot remember which direction if it is less or more, but my questions is can anyone explain why I would offset the fence rather than keep it perpendicular to the blade?

Parallel to the sides of the blade is the ;)goal!