Results of a tuned saw...

[bullethead1964]

A couple weeks ago, my 1996 Craftsman Contractor Saw was giving me a great deal of consternation. Sucker was just not cutting like I needed it to. Rips were being deflected by the guard/pawls, angled cuts were waaay off. Well, instead of dropping $$$ on a new saw, I set out to tune this thing up. Tweaked the blade guard, set the blade. Got a Wixey to set the angles.

Here is the result. A simple oak box, with mitered edges, key slots all done on the C-man saw.

When it went together so nicely I felt like I had actually accomplished something.




Thanks for looking.

[Bruce Cohen]

Nice shop, whish I had all that room, I'm using my garage (single 10'X20') and it's tight.
BTW, your wife looks almost as good as your tools
Very nifty stuff.
Bruce

[bullethead1964]

Thank you Bruce (on all counts) :-)

I'm somewhat of a minimalist, which can be an issue as most woodoworkers are big time tool, lumbar hoarders...but it works for me.

Getting rid of my work benches was they key to freeing up space. Using workmates with MDF tops than can be easily stored made a huge difference in my garage...errrr...shop

[leehljp]

If more people would take the time to tune their tools, the tools would perform much much better. Many years ago when hand tools were the norm, most people took great care of them and kept them tuned. Tuning tools and keeping them sharp teaches much about the tool and develops a discipline to keep it that way. The discipline that develops from this process also increases the skill level of the user considerably. This is how hand tool users a hundred years ago could build such magnificent furniture and works of art.

With table saws and other complex tools the same applies!

Well done!

[bullethead1964]

You are so right Hank. I just got complacent. I noted that things were not right with the saw for some time, but in my mind I just kept saying, "it's good enough". Then it got to the point where it could not be ignored. Poor results were moving into safety issues.

Same thing with my Ridgid BS. We all know how the orange ones vibrate like crazy and are not a tol end tool. Well, I tuned mine up with very little money and it is actually a really noce tool that is also a joy to use.

Shipping this week is my new 1000/6000 waterstones so I can get my chisels in better shape too