table saw wobble question

[nwcatman]

still can't get cuts of any quality despite a good blade i put on my cheapo craftsman saw. realized today that i can move the blade and shaft by hand maybe 1/16th inch or more left and right. will a "real" tablesaw do this? also-just bought but haven't picked up yet an old rockwell/delta lathe. motor, stand, tools, etc for $100. be a good back up if nothing else.

 

[leehljp]

This is what arguments start over! Yes, a "real" saw will not do that or at least can be adjusted to near perfection and .003 blade runout. There are a few "cheap" saws that will run at this tolerance level but they are either the exception or a brand or two that are made for such tolerances. These usually have deficiencies somewhere else by some standards. I have a $300 Ryobi BT3000 that does make precision cuts in the quality you are talking about, but it won't take accidently dropping 2x4s on the table or fence, and it won't take fast feeding in ripping 2x4s all day long either. But it will make accurate glass smooth glue up cuts. I have two of these saws - one in Japan and one in the US. They are now discontinued after about a 15 year run.

Most construction and job site saws are not meant to deliver that kind of accuracy. But even a $2000/$3000 dollar saw is no better than its blade! Start with a good blade; it may improve the accuracy of the saw that you already have. Make sure the nut is only a little more than snug tight, make sure the blade, washers and nut are cleaned from any sawdust.

 

[nwcatman]

well hell i have a $100 plus blade on it now! (WW11) cut quality still suks. saw cost $120. i need a few knuckle bumps i think.

 

[pssherman]

John,
If you can move the blade and shaft 1/16th inch by hand, then even the worlds best blade is going to give lousy cuts.

Disconnect the power and then look at the undercarriage. There may be something that can tightened or adjusted to remove, or at least reduce, the amount of play in the shaft. You may also want to check the bearings, especially if the saw is well-used.

Hope this helps.

 

[loglugger]

What Paul said.
Bob

 

[stevers]

I had a cheap Crapsman table saw, $189, and never got any cuts worth a hoot. The only way is to step up to an improved model. Whatever brand it may be.