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I am in the process of fitting an aluminum table saw table to my band saw (replacing the cast iron one). To finalize the mod I need some reference to align the table to the blade in order to properly use the fence and miter. Any suggestions.
Cheers
Jim

jimca wrote:I am in the process of fitting an aluminum table saw table to my band saw (replacing the cast iron one). To finalize the mod I need some reference to align the table to the blade in order to properly use the fence and miter. Any suggestions.
Cheers
Jim

Were there no 'instructions' with it? You will need a square.

jimca wrote:I am in the process of fitting an aluminum table saw table to my band saw (replacing the cast iron one). To finalize the mod I need some reference to align the table to the blade in order to properly use the fence and miter. Any suggestions.
Cheers
Jim

Hi Jim,

Is this "new" aluminum table a SS replacement or, like your post says, a (non-SS) table saw table? Pictures might help...

As I mentioned it is a ss table saw table that I am using. Just need to know if there is some way to set the alignment other than using the blade to square it up. With a straight edge on a 1/2 inch blade as a reference it is quite easy to be out significantly. Was hoping there might be some other reference surface to use on the main frame.
Cheers
Jim

jimca wrote:As I mentioned it is a ss table saw table that I am using. Just need to know if there is some way to set the alignment other than using the blade to square it up. With a straight edge on a 1/2 inch blade as a reference it is quite easy to be out significantly. Was hoping there might be some other reference surface to use on the main frame.
Cheers
Jim

Hi Jim,

Pictures wood still be nice, as I am interested to see how you attached a SS main table to your SS bandsaw. If you are trying to align the table perpendicular to the blade, I know of no other reference points other then the table surface and the blade. I am knot sure how you wood use a straight edge to do this]drift[/URL]" to find them. I like THIS ONEin particular.

jimca wrote:As I mentioned it is a ss table saw table that I am using. Just need to know if there is some way to set the alignment other than using the blade to square it up. With a straight edge on a 1/2 inch blade as a reference it is quite easy to be out significantly. Was hoping there might be some other reference surface to use on the main frame.
Cheers
Jim

y ight be abe toe

Tim
I am going to use a straight edge contacting the blade and then use the miter slots in the table to set parallel to the blade. I will include some pics of my MacGyver for the table setup.
Cheers
Jim

To answer the original question:

1) with the miter gauge set to 90º, put it in the slot.

2) slide a square against the miter gauge so that it also just touches the blade when the miter gauge is as far away from the blade and the square still touches the blade.

3) while holding the square against the miter gauge so it doesn't shift position, slide the miter gauge in its slot until the square is as close to the blade as it can get.

4) if there is any gap between the blade and the square(gap OR interference) adjust the table/trunion(or whatever you now have) to eliminate the gap/interference.

The ss manual recommends you use as wide a blade as possible and that the blade touching of the square be done BETWEEN TOOTHS.

The squaring of the tilt(trunion calibration/90º stop) is done similar to the mark 5/v method. You are needing to create your unique method there.

Squareness in the third dimensional plane is not adjustable(the ss blade slants anyway due to the upper wheel cant[unique to ss]).

GOOD LUCK!;)

Remember that bandsaw blades have teeth that may or may not be evenly set. Use the flat part of the blade. I usually use the back edge so I can avoid that problem.

Here are some pics of my table swap. The first two show a sub table I made up in order to attach the new aluminum table. The last two show the finished swap. Will now be able to use a common rip fence. Tks for all the replies especially the details from JPG40504, excellent!!
Cheers
Jim