table saw fence moving problem!

[carter383]

hi,
iv just bought a JET JTS-10 as my first table saw

but im having a few problems with the fence its moving around 3mm to the left every time i lock it in place


any suggestions on how to fix this problem would be greatly appreciated

 

[marcros]

You need to see what is causing it.

Is it the force of clamping? Is the calming force off centre somehow and pulling it to one side?

 

[rafezetter]

I don't have a TS, but I am aware that usually they have adjustment screws for the fence to correct both yaw along the fence (what you are getting) and vertical pitch either side of 90deg.

Have to tried adjusting those first?

or are you saying it's remaining true along the line and vertical but actually moving sideways 3mm? it might be that the locking cam isn't hitting the fence dead on flush and might be a hair off, get a torch in there and have a look. you might be able to file it to make it true up against the guide rail.

 

[marcros]

The cheaper ones don't normally have this feature. Even the 500-750 ones don't have this feature. I would imagine that the problem is that the fence lines up straight until it is clamped, and then the toe of it moves in 3mm when you tighten it, so it is not parallel.

It is not an easy one to fix and may be that the saw need la to be returned and an alternative model chosen. It may, however be a simple fix, or a £100 odd fix and upgrade. Depends a bit on the saw and whether it is possible to use it as a base for upgrading.

 

[Stu_2]

If you bought it new, you could take it back and tell them it's not fit for purpose. Maybe try a few fences to see if they're all the same.

Alternatively, you could use a combination square when you clamp the fence. Will the fence stay true if you hold it down in the middle when clamping? If it does, using a square each time you adjust the fence will work. Sounds a faff, but only takes a few seconds when you're used to it. When the square won't reach the fence, you can use an off-cut to bridge the gap.

 

[marcros]

if you bought it new, i would speak to the supplier. If it is axminster, see what they suggest. If they want to replace it, ask them to check the new one before sending it. There is only one review on the site, so it is difficult to know whether the saw is prone to the problem or not.

you may be able to put a shim in to the clamping part so that it clamps straight- it sounds like one side is clamping before the other and pulling the fence out of square. The problem remains that it moves when you clamp, so may be a faff having to measure each cut rather than using the scale. I measure on my bandsaw because i struggle to read the scale- it isnt the end of the world.

On a saw costing a couple of hundred quid, including manufacturers profit, import costs, transport costs and dealer profit, there is always going to be a comprimise. unfortunately it is often the fence. Hopefully you can sort it- the jet looks a handy thing with its rear extension. If you cant and have to return it, i would look at the secondhand market. you shouldnt have to spend much more to get something that will meet your needs. The forum can help if you go down that route with suggestions and what to look for.

 

[custard]

Before assuming it's true unclamped and untrue clamped you should check it first. It's just as likely that there's some slack in the mechanism to allow the fence to slide, and removing this slack by clamping causes the end of the fence to move slightly.

The act of tightening causes some movement on most woodworking tools (although not usually 3mm!). As an example, almost every router will twitch a fraction when the plunge mechanism is locked, even Festool routers will see the tip of the cutter move by a quarter of a mill or so when the plunge is locked off. The trick is to be aware and make critical settings after tightening.