Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 06, 2007 10:53pm | #1

   Leveling the table top of what machine?

   John W.

1. 
   craigpw | Feb 06, 2007 11:28pm | #2

   Table saw.

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 06, 2007 11:40pm | #3

   There is no need to have the table level or parallel to the floor on a table saw, but if you use infeed or oufeed stands, it is a bit easier to set them up when the table surface is parallel to the floor since you won't have to readjust the stand's height if you move it.

   On many saws, if the four legs of an open stand saw, or the four corners of the cabinet, don't all bear evenly on the floor the stress can twist the table's surface which can cause alignment problems.

   John White

1. 
   craigpw | Feb 07, 2007 12:35am | #4

    In FWW #179 p. 51, Roland Johnson wrote the if the blade is parallel to the miter slot at 90 degrees but not at 45 degrees it means the tabletop is out of level from front to back. He recommended shimming the tabletop. I trying this with dial indicator. How do I know how to shimming the front or rear?

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 07, 2007 12:40am | #5

   Now I understand what the question is.  Can you give me the make and model of your saw?

   John W.

2. 
   craigpw | Feb 07, 2007 12:48am | #6

   Detla Unisaw 36-812.  It is 12 or 13 years old.

3. 
   JohnWW | Feb 07, 2007 01:38am | #7

   The easiest way to figure out whether to add the shims at the front or back is to simply try adding shims at the two back bolts and then recheck the measurement for parallel.  If the added shims get the alignment closer to parallel just keep adding shims at the back until the tilted blade and the slot are aligned.

   If adding shims at the two back bolts makes the parallel alignment worse, then take the shims out of the back, retighten the back bolts, and then loosen the front two bolts and add the shims there, adjusting the thickness of the shims until the miter slot is parallel to the blade.

   Whether you add the shims at the front or the back, always shim equally at both of the front or both of the back bolts.  If you shim at one bolt only you will be twisting the table and throw something else out of alignment.

   Hope this helps, John White