Positioning of table saw blade stiffener
I recently purchased and aftermarket guard and splitter for my early 1980s Unisaw. After mounting the unit, I discovered that my blade (Forrest WW2) was positioned 1/8″ too far out on the arbor to line up with the splitter. To align them, the only thing I can think of doing is eliminate my 1/4″ thick blade stabilizers and insert a 1/8″ thick spacer on the inside of the blade.
Forrest sells a 5″ diameter blade stiffener that is ~1/8″ thick and might do the trick. However, it’s pricey (~$25) and they specify mounting it on the outside of the blade. I assume they recommend an outside mount to keep the blade as close to inside of arbor as possible to minimize run-out. Other than that, would there be any other potential downsides to mounting a stiffener on the inside of my blade or could I just scrap my stabilizers, forget the stiffener, and use any old 1/8″ thick washer as a spacer?
Finally, I’ve read of the importance of using stabilizers in pairs on earlier posts. If I end up using a stiffener on the inside of my blade, should I also use washer under the arbor nut on the outside?
Thanks
Replies
The best position for your stiffeners would be
in the garbage can. You have a high quality saw and blade, what more do you need? A total waste of money. I once saw a B. Kliban cartoon titled "Merchandising". It pictured- well see for yourself. Saw blade stabilizers would fall into the "Raisin" catagory. Use the flange that came with your saw.
Merchandising and rabbit pellets
Thanks for your reply. I wasn't able to locate an image of Kliban's cartoon, but did find a description of what the rabbit was "merchandising." It left little doubt of your opinion of stabilizers...
It sounds like your real problem is blade alignment. Don't use a washer to align the blade. Readjust the table on the saw base. That is what is so good about a cabinet saw like yours. Be sure you align it as parallel to the blade as you can get it. The original saw hub is well machined and doesn't need anything but the blade fitting against it. A full thickness blade gives added rigidity over the thin blade but according to at least one major blade manufactuirer, it isn't necessary.
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