Tip: Table Saw Accuracy

Making accurate cuts on the table starts with properly setting it up, and I go through the steps that I take to do that in this video:

Precision cuts are possible on any saw, it’s usually just a matter of getting everything adjusted correctly. The procedure outlined in the video above should be done periodically, or whenever you change the blade, to ensure that you are getting reliable cuts.
To make the task faster and more convenient, an alignment gauge that is made for this purpose is good to have on hand:

Check the accuracy of your table saw

It can be made with any type of hardwood and common hardware.

The jig and the hardware needed to make it:

Check the accuracy of your table saw
Check the accuracy of your table saw

Below are some detailed drawings on how the gauge is made. Click on each picture to see a larger version of it. Click again to close.
To print these: click the picture, then right click and select “Save Image as…”. Navigate to a convenient place on your computer to save the images and click “Save”. The drawings can then be printed.

Check the accuracy of your table saw

The bar that fits in the miter slot:

table saw alignment gauge
table saw alignment gauge

The adjustable arm and hardware details:

table saw alignment gauge
table saw alignment gauge.