For the Ryobi BT3000 Table Saw
By Rod Kirby
This approach has three big advantages - it's simple, fast, and it works! I have been using this method successfully for years. Although the following seems "wordy", it's real easy.
Everything centers around what I call my "alignment block". It's a piece of 1" thick MDF, 7-13/16" x 5-13/16", with 3/16" chamfers on the short sides of the top face. It's made this size so that when the saw blade is fully raised, the block sits against saw body, not the teeth. Do whatever you have to, to make the block exactly square, with parallel sides.
Because this technique is so quick, I check all alignment at once...
Step 1: Square the SMT miter fence to the blade - using a screwdriver in the Ryobi "quick-align" tab on the left of the SMT. (pic 1)
Step 2: Make sure the SMT runs parallel to the saw. Move the leading edge of the block just up to a leading tooth - hold the block firmly against the fence and slide the SMT away from you until the leading edge of the block approaches a rear tooth. You will see immediately, if the SMT is running parallel. Adjust 3 of the 4 SMT base screws (as per Ryobi's instructions) until the SMT runs parallel. (pics 2 and 3) Note: you may need to "tweak" again for square (Step 1).
Step 3: Align the Rip Fence. This is the easy one. Place the block between the Rip fence and the saw blade (inside the teeth). Loosen the two alignment screws on the top of the fence and align - I have the far end "just open" (see the piece of paper) - this prevents the rear teeth from roughing the cut edge as it goes thru. (pic 4).
That's it!!
Original PDF Document:
kirbalign.pdf