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+-- Thread: Table Saws: What does flat mean? (/showthread.php?tid=7328635)
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - jteneyck - 03-11-2017
(03-11-2017, 05:31 PM)williamebyrd Wrote: I purposely didn't reveal specifics fearing that it might color your opinion about what flat should mean with regard to table saws. Mine is a brand new R4512 Ridgid. Haven't even plugged it in yet. I hope you can see my drawing. This forum used to let you upload pics directly. The red area is low and maxes out at .023". I'll give 'em a call. I suspect they'll say it's within limits.
image
If 0.023" is within spec. I'd get my money back and buy something else.
John
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - JGrout - 03-11-2017
.023" is around 1/64"
it is cutting wood, that is flat enough
could it be better? probably.
should it be better? maybe.
Will it still cut wood? absolutely
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - Delta007 - 03-11-2017
A decent max table tolerance would be .010" left to right; .010" front to back; .015" corner to corner. Notice: MAX...not average, or expected... this or anything less should not be able to affect your work.
Also, make sure that you aren't measuring high spots by pushing down on the end of the straight edge and trying to measure the resulting gap at the other end. That can take you places that you needn't go.
My 2 cents...
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - Robert Adams - 03-11-2017
It's good enough. Too many people are looking for cnc machine shop tolerances on woodworking equipment and it isn't needed.
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - cvillewood - 03-11-2017
I'd return it. That's almost maxing out most feeler gauges. Surely Ridgid's QC is better than that. I don't remember exactly, but Grizzly's is something like half of that?
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - WilliamHodge - 03-11-2017
I test machines with the cutters running. The only way to do this is to just run some wood, and measure it.
The other half of the equation is the required accuracy. What are you building?
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - Steve N - 03-11-2017
What did the saw cost you? Being it's 2017 and perfect castings from Taiwan/China have never reached our shores I ask this as a serious question. If it's over 3K then maybe you have wiggle room to complain about flatness. If it's a 700 dollar saw I don't think you do, unless it is domed, or has a wallow so pronounced it causes safety concerns. I'm sure you have noted the majority have answered if it didn't affect performance it isn't an issue. That would cross the entire industry as being the correct answer.
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - knotscott - 03-12-2017
Let test cuts on wood be your guide. If you have deviations that are affecting the cut, then there's an issue....if not, make some dust and don't fret about it. Also, be sure that any flatness issues aren't correctable by shimming the wings before you pursue any warranty support.
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - cvillewood - 03-13-2017
I don't agree with the test cut and see idea. What if the low spot is in an area where an issue only arises when a certain type of cut is made? What if while pushing the board through it lifts the board and causes a kickback? I know that's likely not to happen, but that'd be part of the case for a new one.
RE: Table Saws: What does flat mean? - JGrout - 03-13-2017
(03-13-2017, 08:43 AM)cvillewood Wrote: I don't agree with the test cut and see idea. What if the low spot is in an area where an issue only arises when a certain type of cut is made? What if while pushing the board through it lifts the board and causes a kickback? I know that's likely not to happen, but that'd be part of the case for a new one.
I would agree if the issue was more pronounced
That said being off 1/64" on a cut that likely will be further refined once off the saw is picking nits.
you can sand a 1/64" bevel on an edge for example
or plane it the same way.
comparing wood to machinable solids like metals or plastics even is an apple and orange analogy
they should not be treated the same. you certainly can strive for that perfection but the craft will still not conform to the same rules.
JME
Joe