Table Saw Nickel Test?

[phrog]

On a number of threads about table saws I see a reference to the "nickel test." Can someone please tell me what the nickel test is? Thanks.
Richard

[bigstick509]

From what I have gathered,standing a nickel on its edge when table saw is running and said nickel not moving and or falling over. A general test of how much vibration the saw is generating.

[bhornberger]

Short Answer - stand a nickel on edge when starting the saw and see if it stays standing.

I've heard that some saws have so little vibration that one coudl stand a dime on edge.

[RickT]

The "nickel test" is placing a nickel on it's edge on the saw table top and starting the saw. If the nickel stays on its edge without falling over, the saw passes the "nickel test." A nickel stays put while I start and stop my BT3100.
Rick

[silverfox]

Some disbelievers say that the aluminum BT3 has a lot of vibration because it's so light. They have, obviously, not used a BT3. It will pass the nickel test. Many heavier cast iron saws will not.
Mike

[gsmittle]

quote:Originally posted by silverfox

Some disbelievers say that the aluminum BT3 has a lot of vibration because it's so light. They have, obviously, not used a BT3. It will pass the nickel test. Many heavier cast iron saws will not.
Mike

I tried this on an old Rockwell table saw that had collected dust for 40 years. The nickel kept falling down so I stuck the edge in a lump of modeling clay.... [)]

g.

[LarryG]

I did the dime test on my BT3100. It passed, with flying colors.

Well actually I didn't have a dime, so I stuck two nickels together with double-stick tape.

But they didn't fall over, and that's what counts, right? [)]

[mater]

My Ridgid TS3612 passed with no problems.

[phrog]

Thanks, one and all for your answers. I think that I will try it on my saw now if I can find a nickel lying around after my latest tool purchase. (Nickels are coming harder and harder to find as my garage gets more and more crowded.)
Richard

[Jim-Iowa]

quote:Originally posted by phrog

On a number of threads about table saws I see a reference to the "nickel test." Can someone please tell me what the nickel test is? Thanks.
Richard

Truly a good question! Until I figured it out, I had visions of someone dropping a nickel onto the blade to see how far it would fling it?
While I suppose it is some indicator of vibration control, I suspect it as more of the kind of smoke & mirror sales tactics I would expect from a salesman in an ugly plaid jacket.
(note I make my living in sales and don`t wear plaid).

[Knottscott]

The problem with the nickel test is the variability in the edges of the nickels. It's not an incredibly scientific test but is fun to demonstrate.

[Hellrazor]

Ok guys, what did i do wrong.

I set a nickel on my saw and started it, knocked the nickel over with the smt, it hit the blade and i only could find a quarter on the floor.




Just kidding... [}]

[crokett]

Never tried the nickel test, but also never bothered by vibration from my saw either.

[phrog]

I never realized that one simple question could elicit so many humorous responses. Thanks again to everyone.
Richard

[LCHIEN]

I used to have one of those cheapo direct drive Craftsman 10" saws.
It was a horrible saw but I did practice good work habits with it.
I always secured it to the work table with two or three clamps.
I always kept all tools and loose stuff off the top of the saw because if I ran the saw with them on, they would all be on the floor in 30 seconds or less.

Now with the BT3, I've become real bad and leave all manner of scales, digital calipers, marking devices, cutoffs, finished and upcoming workpieces, clamps, etc. on the saw table when I'm working. They just seem to stay there.

I've never actually run the nickel test with the BT3000. I'm sure it would pass. On the other hand I never ran it with the old saw either, but If I had, I'm sure I'd still be looking for the nickel.