Fence Tolerance Specification

Information provided is general information and your specific machine should be verified.

• Fence flatness: 0.010" or less

• Fence face bow (squareness to table): 0.006" - 0.008" dependent on machine

Required Tools

• Dial indicator with miter‑slot base, or feeler gauges with a fixed pointer
• Combination square or straightedge
• Hex keys/wrenches for rail and fence fasteners
• Screwdrivers and small adjustable wrench
• Denatured alcohol and clean towels
• Fine file or Scotch‑Brite pad

Safety

1. Disconnect the saw from power.
2. Lower the blade fully.
3. Remove debris from the table surface.

Checking Fence Parallelism

Always reference the miter slot, not the blade, when checking parallelism.

Method A: Dial Indicator (Preferred)

1. Place the indicator in the miter slot.
2. Position the indicator tip against the fence at the infeed end; zero the dial.
3. Slide to the outfeed end and record the reading.
4. A slight toe‑out of 0.002"–0.005" or less at the outfeed end is acceptable and may reduce burning or binding, while 0.010" - 0.015" may be acceptable for jobsite saws.
5. 1/32" (0.030") or more toe-out is considered dangerous. 

Method B: Feeler Gauges

1. Tape a rigid pointer to a miter gauge.
2. Set an initial gap at the infeed end.
3. Slide to the outfeed end and compare feeler gauge sizes.

Method C: Two‑Point Stick

1. Use a straight stick with two small screws contacting the fence.
2. Slide along the miter slot and observe changes in contact.

Fence Alignment Procedure

1. Clean Components
   • Clean rails, pads, and fence faces with alcohol.
   • Remove burrs with a fine file.
2. Set Fence Lock Tension
   • Adjust the cam so the fence locks securely without excessive force.
3. Square the Rails
   • Loosen mounting bolts.
   • Align the front guide tube parallel with the miter slot.
   • Tighten bolts starting at the center and moving outward.
4. Adjust Fence Parallelism
   • Lock the fence.
   • Check alignment using one of the methods above.
   • If adjustment is needed:
     • Use the fence head set screws (if equipped) to correct yaw.
     • If no set screws are present, rotate or lightly shim the guide tube.
5. Verify Repeatability
   • Lock/unlock the fence several times and recheck readings.
   • Variance should be within ±0.003".
6. Calibrate Scale
   • After alignment, set the cursor using a test cut.

Common Causes of Misalignment and Corrections

1. Rail Misalignment

Cause: Rails installed out of parallel or table extensions not level.
Correction:

• Realign the rails using the miter slot as reference.
• Shim as necessary and tighten bolts evenly.

2. Fence Lock Mechanism Issues

Cause: Incorrect cam tension, worn pads, or misadjusted glide buttons.
Correction:

• Reset cam tension.
• Replace worn pads.
• Adjust glide buttons for even contact.

3. Debris on Rails or Pads

Cause: Dust, resin, or small chips interfering with fence seating.
Correction:

• Clean rails and pads.
• Apply paste wax to the tabletop (not the clamping surfaces).

4. Fence Face Warp

Cause: Fence face bow or damage.
Correction:

• Shim or replace the fence faces.

5. Guide Tube Damage

Cause: Dents or bends in the tube.
Correction:

• Rotate or shim the tube.
• Replace if severely damaged.

6. Table or Cabinet Misalignment

Cause: Cabinet twist or unlevel table wings.
Correction:

• Level the saw.
• Re‑align extension wings.

7. Play in Budget Fence Designs

Cause: Built‑in slack or worn take‑up screws.
Correction:

• Adjust screws to minimize play.
• Upgrade components if needed.

8. User Impact

Cause: Fence struck by material or bumped during handling.
Correction:

• Recheck alignment regularly.
• Maintain clear work area around the fence.

Maintenance Schedule

• Weekly: Wipe rails and perform quick alignment check.
• Monthly: Full measurement at multiple positions.
• After Moving the Saw: Re‑square rails and verify cabinet level.

Acceptance Criteria

• Fence flatness of 0.010" or less
• Toe‑out of 0.002"–0.005" acceptable.
• Repeatability within ±0.003".
• No burning or binding during test cuts.