I recently purchased a 6″ powermatic joiner model 54A. The fence is slightly bowed running horizontally (not sure of terminology, the fence is 90 degrees to table the length of the fence but is slightly bowed??). At worst, the variance is .007″ and runs approximately 7″ both sides of this variance to 0. Variance is middle of the fence. Called powermatic and left a message. I asked them what their acceptable tolerances were for the table and fence. They left me a message with table tolerances but nothing for the fence other than a recommendation to place fence on a 2 x 4 and step on it. This suggestion makes me a little nervous and was hoping for some input.
Does anyone think this is an acceptable way of taking out such a small variance?
Is this small a variance an issue at all?
If you feel the variance is an issue what would you recommend?
Any and all replies are greatly appreciated.
Edited 12/14/2002 3:17:57 PM ET by jpa
Replies
I have never seen a jointer fence perfectly flat unless you have a Martin jointer. However bowed in the horizontal plane won't affect the cut at all as long as the fence is square to the tables. And are you positive your straight edge is straight? I use a Starrett 6' straight edge, they also sell a 24" and 36"
You know, if the fence is 90 deg. to the table, what would it matter if it's bowed a bit (all of .007 at that) - just doesn't sound like anything to worry about. I mean, even if it was, gasp, an inch out of flat over it's length, provided its was 90 deg. to the table you would still have an edge 90 deg. to the face, right? I've gotta be missin' somethin' here - somebody jump in.
You're not missing a darned thing Don that I can see. Perpendicular to the infeed table and outfeed table, assuming both of these are in the same plane is what really matters. A bit of a bow in the length shouldn't cause any real problems. It never has to me over the last 20 odd years anyway. But if it's twisted too? That's different. Slainte.
Some stuff I've made.
Edited 12/14/2002 9:05:52 PM ET by Sgian Dubh
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