Uh-Oh: Miter Guage Slipping

[Richard in Smithville]

I am have some frustrating issues with the miter fence on my SMT. When I tighten the bolt to lock the miter fence in the 90 position, the head of the bolt spins and won't tighten. First inspection looks like there is wear in the slot in the SMT and it is perhaps distorted. Either way the head spins when I try to tighten it. It will tighten when I lock the fence in other angles. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there an easy fix?

[Richard in Smithville]

So I pulled the SMT apart and had a look at the underside of the slot where the miter fence adjusts. Right where the bolt tightens to lock the fence in at 90, there is the smallest bit of wear. Now the question is, what can I use to build this area back up again so the bolt head locks?

[Ed62]

That sounds similar to something I had. I just put some upward pressure of the fence while tightening the knob. It seems to work, and I'm pretty sure it is due to wear.

Ed

[crokett]

I use the same low-tech solution as Ed. I figure one day eventually it won't work any more but it has for the last few years at least.

[LCHIEN]

its a 5/16-18 bolt. You can get a T-bolt from Rockler or someplace that won't spin with an elongated head, I have heard.

[cgallery]

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ghlight=t-bolt

Loring has a good memory.

[poolhound]

The same hapended to me a while ago and I can confirm that a T-Bolt is the answer.

[Richard in Smithville]

Thanks for the advice guys. Now I just need to find a Canadian supplier for t-bolts.

[cgallery]

Thanks for the advice guys. Now I just need to find a Canadian supplier for t-bolts.

They are similar to toilet bolts, sold at my local Ace hardware (in brass and stainless). I think the toilet bolts are also 5/16-18. You should be able to easily shape the head of the bolt with a ******* file, if need be.

[Hellrazor]

When the SMT won't tighhten it is a sign you need to buy a cabinet saw

[Duane867]

/\

Negative Ghost Rider !


:P

[Richard in Smithville]

I picked up some toilet bolts tonight. Ground them down to fit and all is fixed. Thanks for the advice guys.