I am new to woodworking. I use a Delta contractor saw with the original square aluminum fence and a Forrest combo blade. I have tried my best to set up the blade square to the miter slots. (I measure .004″ with a dial indicator set up.) I have set the fence both parallel with and 1/64th out from the blade. I have even rigged up a positive lock on the far end of the fence to prevent any deflection and yet I always seem to end up with concave edge. I buy my stock (so far only solid birch and birch ply) from a reputable and very helpful supplier. Since I have no planer or jointer I have them edge both sides and plane to 3/4 thick . So I assume I am starting with a straight edge. My saw is wired for 230v. I try to keep the blade sharp and clean. I use a splitter. I have tried feeding the stock with pressure against the fence or just letting the blade guide the piece. Neither technique is successful. I have settled on ripping the piece slightly larger and then sneaking up on the final width with a series of thin cuts. That seems to work okay but is time consuming. So I do not know if my problem lies in my technique, my saw’s limited power, or the limitations of my fence. Or whether this problem is precisely why they make jointers. Is there a way to get edge glue ready edges just using a table saw? Thanx.
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Replies
Sorry I have not gotten back to you sooner- I have been tossing around in my mind the answer to your problem.
A couple things- Have you been getting a concave edge on the plywood also? or has it been limited to the solid birch? The reason I ask is that Birch is one of the less stable woods out there and I would expect it to bow after ripping.
The set ups you describe all seem fine. Try to keep the fence set parallel or 1/64" toed out AT THE MOST!
Never rip any board without having pressure against the fence! You left hand should apply lateral pressure to the wood and it should stay about two inches in front of the throat insert.
Are you certain that you are starting out with boards that are straight (and the straight edge is against the fence) Just because you bought it that way does not mean it is still straight.
In answer to your last question- yes- that is one of the reasons that you need a jointer. Every time you rip something the tensions in the wood are released and changed and the wood is not as straight- I usually re-joint the off cut each time before doing my next rip.
You can get a good glue edge off the table saw if you rip very consistently- medium feed rate and no hesitation. but I would difinately recommend a jointer.
I don't know if I really answered anything- let me know how you make out.
Bob Van Dyke
Thanx for the reply. As long as I know that I am doing everything reasonably well I am happy. Since my budget is tight and so am I,I will just keep "sneakin' up on 'em". The projects I have made so far have made my wife and daughters very happy so, what else is there? I do not worry about whether I put my plane down on the sole or on it's side. Life is too short. See ya.
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