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To improve table-saw accuracy, align the blade and rip fence to the miter slots, then check that the riving knife or splitter sits in line with the blade. WOOD Magazine’s eight-step procedure uses a dial indicator or combination square for the blade check, recommends a discrepancy of no more than .002 inches for blade-to-slot and fence alignment, and calls for model-specific adjustments based on saw construction. Follow your saw’s manual whenever its instructions differ.
Before you adjust the saw
Unplug the saw before making adjustments, and follow the manufacturer’s safety and setup instructions. The procedures below are editorial guidance from WOOD Magazine, not universal manufacturer specifications. Cabinet, contractor-style, and hybrid saws differ in how their tops and blade assemblies are mounted.
Gather a dial indicator and suitable setup fixture, or a combination square for the blade check; a rule for checking the riving knife; and thin shims if that adjustment is needed. The combination square is an alternative to the dial indicator for checking blade alignment; the cited guidance does not compare their accuracy.
Align the blade and fence
1. Measure the blade against the miter slot
Fit a dial indicator so its contact point can register against a blade tooth. Measure at the front of the blade, then rotate the blade and measure the same tooth at the rear, keeping the indicator referenced to the same miter slot. WOOD Magazine recommends striving for a discrepancy within .002 inches. This is the publication’s target, not a tolerance established for every saw model. WOOD Magazine’s alignment procedure.
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- V-GROOVE EDGES: Ensure optimal alignment on conduits and pipes for bending and alignment tasks
- WIDE MEASUREMENT RANGE: Measure between 0-90, or 0-180 degrees - useful when accounting for springback when bending conduit
2. Use a combination square if you do not have an indicator
As an alternative, position a combination square in the miter slot and bring the blade so a tooth touches the square at the front. Lock the blade position, then check the same tooth at the rear. The square provides a practical comparison, though the cited article does not quantify its repeatability against a dial indicator.
3. Tighten the mounting bolts after alignment
Once the blade is aligned, secure the parts you loosened and recheck the measurement: tightening can shift the setting. On cabinet saws, the tabletop mounts to the cabinet, providing access for adjustment. Use the fasteners and procedure specified for your model.
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4. Adjust the trunnions on saws that use them
On contractor-style and most hybrid saws, the tabletop attaches to trunnions that support the blade assembly. WOOD Magazine’s procedure is to loosen the trunnion-mounting bolts, tap the trunnions side to side to correct alignment, then retighten and recheck. The access and adjustment differ from cabinet-saw top alignment, so consult the saw manual before loosening hardware.
5. Check the rip fence against the miter slot
Measure the fence at the front and rear relative to the same miter slot. WOOD Magazine gives the same .002-inch target for fence alignment. If a slight discrepancy remains, its guidance is for the fence to toe away from the blade at the outfeed end, rather than toward it, to reduce the risk of pinching a board during a rip cut. Confirm the acceptable setting for your saw in its manual.
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6. Adjust the fence and verify its action
Some T-square-style fences use setscrews at the bracket for alignment. Make small changes and check both alignment and operation: adjustment can affect how the fence locks and slides. WOOD Magazine describes this as a trial-and-error process; do not trade reliable locking for a closer measurement.
Check the riving knife or splitter
7. Compare it with the blade plate
Hold a rule against the flat blade plate, clear of the teeth, and check the relationship on both sides. The riving knife or splitter should sit in line with the blade rather than noticeably to one side. Use the saw’s manual for the required position and any model-specific clearance requirements.
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8. Shim only if the check shows it is needed
If the knife or splitter needs lateral adjustment, thin shims placed in front of or behind it can change its position. Note the original shim locations before removing anything so you can restore them if necessary. Recheck against both sides of the blade plate and reinstall or adjust the guard and related safety components as directed by the manufacturer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Related tune-up checks
Blade, fence, and riving-knife alignment are the focus of these eight steps. WOOD Magazine’s broader table-saw tune-up guide also covers extension wings and tables, fence rails, bevel stops, and miter gauges. For example, it recommends checking extension surfaces with a long straightedge, verifying 0° and 45° bevel stops with a drafting square, and checking miter-gauge angles. Those are additional tune-up items, not extra steps in the alignment sequence above.
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