adjusting side torque on the MFT

[HowardH]

I have an original MFT that I have square but there is about a centimeter or slightly less amount of lateral movement to the left that must be done to get the rail to seat into the tab when I lower the rail. If I simply drop the rail down, it is pretty far off.  What adjustments do I need to do in order to minimize this torque?

 

[Brice Burrell]

Howard, this is fairly easy to fix. The guide rail mounting brackets are removable with the plastic black knob on each bracket. Loosening the knob on one will allow the bracket to slide in the channel on the aluminum profile. That's all you have to do. Be sure to check for square and when it is move the stop inside the profile. Let me know if that makes sense. BTW, a small amount of torque to seat the rail is what you're after. 

 

[HowardH]

I thought about doing that, however, it seems to me if I adjust either the rear or front rail holder brackets, it will throw off the squareness.  When it currently is moved into position, it is perfect as it is as shown by my 12" inch square.  Moving the the brackets along the profiles will mess that up I think.  The fence is fixed by virtue of it being inserted into the holes of the mft plate so I can't adjust it there.  I'll look at again in the morning and see if I can see what you were speaking to.  Thanks, Brice.

 

[tbellemare]

Howard:

If you're already square when fully engaged in the non-pivoting end tab, you need to loosen the two allen head cap screws that hold the rail to the pivot. There is enough play in their holes to move the rail quite a bit. You will need to re-square anyway because there is enough play but that is your adjustment.

Tom

 

[HowardH]

Ok. I couldn't stand it.  I went out to the garage and tried to adjust it.  Ultimately, it should be square not only with the fence but with the plate at well.  The only way I can get it square to the fence is to drop the guide down until it barely has any side to side movement, loosen the end stop and adjust it until it meets the triangle square I'm using to adjust it.  So, I have a close to perfect 90 but the whole thing is not close to being square with the plate.  It's about 2-3 deg off.  I wonder if i bent something somehow on the rear bracket.  It's really strange.  

 

[HowardH]

Tom, I'll look at it again and try that.  I did loosen those two allen screws but I didn't try to move it laterally that way.  I'll let you know.  Thanks!

 

[jeffinsgf]

Howard,

I have found that the detent on the miter gauge head is not quite as precise as one would hope.  The procedure I use is to position the guide rail where I want it, adjust the tail piece (that the rail drops onto) so that it is a nice secure fit, then align the fence to a large square, adjusting it with the plastic stop that slides in the table rail.

 

[HowardH]

I got it figured out.  [big grin]  I laid my triangle out, adjusted the fence so it is parallel to the back of the plate and then loosened the two allen screws on the bar that holds the rail to the rear tilting bracket.  Then, it was simple matter of dropping the rail down onto the tab, making sure it was square and then carefully tightening the allen screws.  Now all is good in the world...  [tongue]