table saw fence troubles

[mike mitra]

Looking for some advice. I have a 13 year old craftsman table saw that still runs well. My problem is the fence. It will not stay aligned. I don't want to buy a new saw and they no longer sell replacements. However they still sell parts for this. But I have no idea what could be wrong or what parts would need replacing. If anyone has any experience or ideas, I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks  Mike

[Rick]

I fought with that fence for 20 years until I finally got a real one. 

I got the Delta36-T30 30" T2 fence System from Tools-Plus.com for $155 complete.

Then I found a great instructional online to install it.  Time and money well spent, and long over due.

[michael evans]

Mike you could always clamp the fence in position cheap fix .

[Ken Darga]

Mike,

Can you post a pic of the fence, and denote where the adjustments are failing?

Perhaps its in the fasteners or clamping components.

[mike mitra]

Ken Darga said:

Mike,

Can you post a pic of the fence, and denote where the adjustments are failing?

Perhaps its in the fasteners or clamping components.

Ken, Not that smart, but my daughter is coming over tomorrow and hopefully she can help me. The fence does wander in the back but not the front. I tightened it till it became hard to slide and still wanders in the back (rear) of fence

[mike mitra]

michael evans said:

Mike you could always clamp the fence in position cheap fix .

Thanks Michael but every time I would move the fence it would be a huge hassle. And Rick thanks for your suggestion about a different fence system

[Ken Darga]

Mike,

It sounds like the rear clamping mechanism is not functioning properly.

Check for a threaded fastener, on the underside, at the rear clamp---

perhaps missing or stripped threads.

mike mitra said:

>>>.... The fence does wander in the back but not the front. I tightened it till it became hard to slide and still wanders in the back (rear) of fence

[Richard Smith]

I agree with Rick. I also bought a Delta36-T30 30" T2 Fence System on my 10 year old Craftsman saw. I absolutely love it. Well worth the investment.  

[mike mitra]

Richard Smith said:

I agree with Rick. I also bought a Delta36-T30 30" T2 Fence System on my 10 year old Craftsman saw. I absolutely love it. Well worth the investment.  

Thanks for the advice. I just read some reviews in amazon and one gentleman stated he had to drill holes in the saw or the rails. (our choice). Also stated that holes had to be spot on, no room for any adjustments. Did either of you gentlemen have to drill any holes?

[mark stanley]

Assuming I had an average table saw like is sold at sears/homedep/lowes, (AND NOT a cabinet saw for 3-10K) and if I had to do it over, I would buy a specialty made clamp and use a circular saw with good blade, not a typical "it came with the saw" blade.  You use the clamp for the fence, and you can get not only safer cuts as opposed to trying to manhandle a large sheet of plywood or long stock that you have to push into a table saw, but the cost is substantially less.  Kreg makes something like this, and I know others do too.  I bought one to use as a 50" clamp, because it was cheaper than a glue clamp and it doubles as a saw fence.  Mine is an emerson, and I know there are others.  Just my .02

[Rick]

Mike, yes, you have to drill holes.  Had to c'sink some of the holes too.

Also, Mike, when you post a response, please use the space above the quote.  Otherwise what you type appears to be part of what you are quoting.

I found these great detailed Instructions online, printed them out, and followed them.  Worked perfect.  Much better than Delta's instruction booklet.  Take some time to read through these instructions and then you will better know if you are up to the challenge.

mike mitra said:

Thanks for the advice. I just read some reviews in amazon and one gentleman stated he had to drill holes in the saw or the rails. (our choice). Also stated that holes had to be spot on, no room for any adjustments. Did either of you gentlemen have to drill any holes?

[Leslee]

Mike,

 I had a old craftsman table saw and the fence was going out of line alot. I turned it over and inspect the hardware and found that the lock mechanism was loose to where it was loosing tightness when locked down. I also changed the board on the fence. It worked for awhile until I got enough money to upgrade to a better saw.  I am thinking of upgrading again to a better table saw like the saw stop saw; a future because of my disablities.

[mike mitra]

Leslee said:

Mike,

 I had a old craftsman table saw and the fence was going out of line alot. I turned it over and inspect the hardware and found that the lock mechanism was loose to where it was loosing tightness when locked down. I also changed the board on the fence. It worked for awhile until I got enough money to upgrade to a better saw.  I am thinking of upgrading again to a better table saw like the saw stop saw; a future because of my disablities.

Thanks Leslie, I'll check that. I too am now considering buying a saw stop next year when I have enough money. The place where I buy hardwoods uses one and they swear by it that it's the best saw ever.