Introduction
Why is aligning and waxing important?
Proper maintenance of your table saw fence is crucial to achieving clean, accurate cuts every time. Aligning and waxing the table saw fence ensures it moves smoothly and stays parallel to the blade, preventing mistakes such as crooked cuts or binding material. Over time, fences can become misaligned due to frequent use or accidental bumps. Waxing the fence reduces friction, making adjustments easier and improving overall workspace efficiency. Together, these steps enhance safety and precision, essential for any woodworking project.
Step-by-step Guide
Checking alignment
Before making any cuts, it’s important to verify that your table saw fence is aligned correctly with the blade. Follow these steps:
- Unplug your table saw to ensure safety.
- Raise the blade to its highest position so you can measure accurately.
- Lock the fence in place, then measure the distance from the fence to the blade at both the front and rear of the blade.
- Compare measurements. If the fence is closer at one end, it’s misaligned.
- Adjust the fence using the adjustment knobs or screws on your saw’s fence system until the distance is uniform along the blade’s length.
- Double check by sliding the fence forward and locking it in multiple positions to confirm consistent alignment.
Waxing the fence
Once aligned, waxing your fence will help maintain smooth and effortless fence movement:
- Choose a quality paste wax or furniture wax designed for metal surfaces.
- Clean the fence rail thoroughly with a dry cloth to remove sawdust and debris.
- Apply a thin layer of wax evenly along the fence’s sliding rail using a soft cloth.
- Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes, then buff the surface with a clean cloth to remove excess and create a smooth finish.
- Operate the fence back and forth to distribute the wax evenly and reduce friction.
Remember, proper waxing prevents the fence from sticking or binding during long woodworking sessions.
Maintenance Tips
Regular cleaning
Keeping your table saw fence clean plays an important role in maintaining its accuracy and longevity. Regularly wipe down the fence and rails to remove sawdust, resin, and pitch buildup. Use a soft brush or compressed air for hard-to-reach areas. A clean fence ensures smooth movement and reduces wear on adjustment parts.
Checking for rust
Rust can severely affect the performance of your table saw fence. Inspect metal components periodically, especially if your workspace is humid. If you notice any rust spots, clean them immediately with a fine steel wool pad or rust remover. After removing rust, apply wax or a rust inhibitor to protect the metal. Preventing rust will keep the fence sliding smoothly and protect your investment over time.
Extra Tips
Using a featherboard
A featherboard applies consistent pressure to the workpiece against the fence, improving safety and cut accuracy. Using one alongside a properly aligned and waxed table saw fence prevents the wood from shifting during cuts, reducing kickback risk and enhancing precision.
Using a push stick
Push sticks keep your hands at a safe distance when feeding material through the blade. While they don’t impact fence alignment directly, combining safe operating tools with a well-maintained fence improves overall workshop safety and efficiency.
For more detailed maintenance techniques on woodworking tools, check out our tool maintenance and repairs guide.
To learn more about the table saw itself, visit the comprehensive Wikipedia entry on table saws.
FAQ
Why is aligning your table saw fence important?
Aligning your fence ensures cuts are straight, accurate, and safe. Misalignment can cause material binding and uneven cuts, leading to wasted material and potential injury.
How often should I wax my table saw fence?
Waxing frequency depends on use, but a good rule of thumb is to wax the fence every few weeks or whenever you notice it isn’t sliding smoothly.
Can I use any type of wax for my table saw fence?
Only use a non-abrasive paste or furniture wax suitable for metal to avoid damage. Avoid oils or heavy lubricants as they can attract sawdust and grime.
Maintaining your table saw fence by regularly aligning and waxing it is essential for achieving smooth, precise cuts every time. Start the habit now and improve both your project quality and workshop safety.
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