How do I Install a Rip Fence on an Old Craftsman Contractor Table Saw?
A Craftsman contractor table saw is designed to provide the stability of a table saw on a job site. This saw is not nearly as heavy as a cabinet or hybrid saw, typically using steel rather than cast-iron wings. Unfortunately, the fence on some contractor saws isn't as stable as one would desire, but a versatile rip fence can be constructed out of plywood and a pipe clamp. Once built, you can easily install this rip fence on an old Craftsman contractor table saw.
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Things You'll Need
- Table saw
- 14-by-40-inch piece of 3/4-inch thick sanded plywood
- 36-inch section of 3/4-inch threaded pipe
- 3/4-inch pipe clamp kit
- Power drill with screw and drill bits
- 1 1/2-inch deck screws
- Tape measure
Instructions
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1
Measure from the front edge of the saw table (closest to the position where you stand) to the back with a tape measure.
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2
Rip two strips of plywood at 4-inches in width, and another two strips at 2 1/2-inches in width. Cut the four strips to the same length as the measurement you determined in the previous step.
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3
Cut two small 2 1/2-inch squares from the leftover plywood. Drill a 1-inch diameter through hole directly in the center of these two squares.
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4
Form a long 4-inch square tube using the four strips of plywood. The 2 1/2-inch wide pieces should fit in-between the edges of the 4-inch pieces. Connect all four together with five or six deck screws along each edge.
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5
Insert one of the square pieces into each end of the tube - make sure they are flush with the end, and secure them with some deck screws. Be sure that the tips of the deck screws do not enter the drilled hole in the center of each of the two end pieces.
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6
Attach the crank end of the clamp kit onto one of the threaded ends of the pipe. Insert the opposite end into, and through the plywood tube, before attaching the rear end of the clamp kit to the open pipe on the back side of the tube.
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7
Place the plywood tube onto the saw table, and position the front (crank end) and rear of the pipe clamps so that the jaws are pointing downward. Turn the crank clockwise to tighten the jaws against the saw table.
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Tips & Warnings
To adjust the new rip fence, measure the distance from the blade with a tape measure. Then check to see that the fence is parallel to the blade by using the miter slot as a guide. If the edge of the fence is equidistant from the miter slot both front and back, then the fence is parallel to the blade.
When working with power tools, such as a drill or table saw, be sure to protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses.
References
- Photo Credit man sawing a piece of wood image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
