How to Align the Rip Fence to the Blade on a Table Saw

Unplug the table saw's power cord. Step to one side of the saw and double-check by turning the saw on and then off again. Never make adjustments on a saw still connected to its power source.

Spin the circular saw blade by hand and check for wobble. The saw should run true without side-to-side movement. Wobble could mean a bent blade or something as simple as dirt beneath the nut and washer that lock the blade to the spindle. Replace the blade or fix the problem.

Analyze the alignment of the saw blade to the miter slot in the table. Since the miter slot also runs parallel to the blade and can't be adjusted, this slot serves as the base of the adjustment procedure. Measure the distance from the front of the blade to the near edge of the miter slot, using the engineer's square. Measure the distance from the back of the blade to the slot. The two measurements should equal each other. If not, follow the saw alignment procedure in the operator's manual.

Loosen the bolts that hold the rip fence bar to the rip fence bracket--the T-shaped fitting that slides from side to side on the front rail of the saw table--using a socket wrench. Different manufacturers use different assembly systems so check your manual for advice on proper tools. Tighten one bolt enough to hold the bar in place but still allow pivoting the bar slightly to either side. Keep the remaining bolt only finger-tight.

Release front and rear clamps on the rip fence and move the fence to the right edge of the miter gauge slot. Clear all debris from the front guide rail and the front clamp of the rip fence. Set the bracket of the rip fence firmly on the guide bar so the rip fence aligns with the right edge of the miter gauge slot.

Shift the fence slightly in either direction to perfectly align the fence with the slot's edge. Shift the fence bracket as needed, until the fence runs exactly parallel to the slot. Tighten the bolts that hold the fence to its bracket and recheck the alignment. Tighten the front clamp and check again before tightening the fittings securely.