Subject: Re: Delta Quality Problem

From: "Andrew Patterson" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 03:26:45 GMT

> The fact is, I paid $799 for a saw and I expect it to be able to be
> adjusted properly. 

But this did not answer the question, which was, how precise is good
enough? It is not possible to get to zero error, so there must be a
tolerance value. What is "adjusted properly?"

---

From: Ed Bennett <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 11:40:21 -0800

> tolerance value. What is "adjusted properly?"

I set out to answer that question about four years ago.  I did some 
experiments to determine how much misalignment could be tolerated before 
the quality/accuracy of the cuts was significantly effected.  The tools I 
used were:

     - Delta Unisaw with Unifence
     - Forrest WW II blade (sharp)
     - TS-Aligner

The wood was cherry.  I chose the Forrest blade because it's particularly 
sensitive to alignment but produces unbeatable cuts when properly 
aligned.  I chose cherry because it's one of my favorite woods and is 
prone to burning.  I chose the TS-Aligner to make the measurements 
between the blade and the miter slot.

I found that any misalignment over 0.005" would noticably affect the 
quality of the cut.  Burning started to occur at about 0.010" of 
misalignment.  I didn't push it to determine where the threat of a 
dangerous accident would occur.

So, to answer the question, if your saw is aligned to within 0.005" 
(miter slot to blade and fence to miter slot) then it's just fine.  Most 
good quality saws can do better and there's no reason not to if you are 
using an accurate alignment jig.  In my opinion, a good quality saw 
(like the Delta contractor's saw) that cannot be aligned to within 0.005" 
is worth going to the trouble of fixing.

-- 
Ed Bennett
[email-masked]
Home of the TS-Aligner
http://www.primenet.com/~ejb

---

From: "Jack A. Zucker" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 18:13:23 -0500

> tolerance value. What is "adjusted properly?"

According to delta, 1/100" is within tolerance. According to other
sources, 2/1000" is what you should shoot for.

-Jaz

-- 
> 
> Jack A. Zucker                          | ESP Music
> [email-masked] (or)                       | Voice: 216 349 5881 (home)
> [email-masked]       | Voice: 216 646 7796 (work)
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