Calibrating saw - dial indicator?

[MiterMaster]

In the Kapex "Supplemental Users Manual", page 22, there is mention of how to properly calibrate your saw, and say it's best to use a "dial indicator" to measure the errors.

I'm having some difficulty getting my saw square, the cuts are a bit off.  My question, does anyone have an online source where I can purchase this type of dial indicator?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Les]

Your image is of a dial caliper. You can find these at Enco or other similar vendors online.

If you are wanting a dial indicator, find it also at Enco or others.

There are a variety of both available, most expensive is not necessarily any better than a cheaper model. In this case you pay more for the name and made in the USA or maybe not. 

 

[MiterMaster]

Thanks for the info, really helps!  I want the dial caliper, was a bit confused as to what I was actually searching for.

Mike

 

[womackdesign]

Go digital,you can get metric and imperial readings with the same tool.
Chad

 

[Spike]

Miter Master,
Go to www.mscdirect.com

They carry every type of instrument for precision set up.
Look at Mitutoyo of Japan or Starrett of the USA.

 

[Les]

There are even fractional digitals. Not that I never work in metrics. :

Get on MSC and Enco mailing list. They both have a lot sales and have many of the same items.

 

[MiterMaster]

Miter Master,
Go to www.mscdirect.com

They carry every type of instrument for precision set up.
Look at Mitutoyo of Japan or Starrett of the USA.

I was checking out the Starrett, but all the dial calipers I found from them were made in China.  I'll check out the Mitutoyo.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Bob Marino]

Miter Master,
Go to www.mscdirect.com

They carry every type of instrument for precision set up.
Look at Mitutoyo of Japan or Starrett of the USA.

I was checking out the Starrett, but all the dial calipers I found from them were made in China.  I'll check out the Mitutoyo.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike,

I think Starrett has 2 lines of calipers - USA made and China made. I bougt m y Starrett caliper years ago and was made here. May want to ask around.

Bob

 

[MiterMaster]

Okay, looks like the Mitutoyo is a good choice.

Considering these 2:

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMCTLG=00&PMAKA=04870275&partnerURL=http://catalogs.shoplocal.com/mscdirect/index.aspx%6Fpagename=shopmain%50circularid=11264%50pagenumber=1291%50mode=

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMCTLG=00&PMAKA=62529482&partnerURL=http://catalogs.shoplocal.com/mscdirect/index.aspx%6Fpagename=shopmain%50circularid=11264%50pagenumber=1291%50mode=

Basically they are both the same, but one is "certified", one is not.  Anyone know the difference between being "certified" and not being "certified"?  Aside from a piece of paper stating it is certified, does it also mean it has been properly calibrated?

Also, I see some listed as "waterproof" and "coolant proof", do I need this?  I would not think I need it, tool will basically be housed in my workshop in our basement.

Thanks again for all your help,
Mike

 

[tjbnwi]

Coolant and water proof are normally used in conjunction with metal cutting lathes.

Most coolants now are water based.

No you do not need it but they are more dust resistant.

Tj

 

[Spike]

Miter Master,
Go to www.mscdirect.com

They carry every type of instrument for precision set up.
Look at Mitutoyo of Japan or Starrett of the USA.

I was checking out the Starrett, but all the dial calipers I found from them were made in China.  I'll check out the Mitutoyo.

Thanks,
Mike

WOW, I didn't know Starrett had a line made in China, double wow! Well avoid that and go with their USA made line or another awesome line is Brown and Sharp of Switzerland.

 

[Tony M]

Could we please supply a link for the supplemental manual? The search does nothing  : Thanks a bunch!

 

[Tony M]

Never mind I found it. It was someplace else

 

[MiterMaster]

Thanks for everyones help, I decided to go for this model, ordered it today;

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=8738500&PMT4NO=47619372

Figured I might as well get the waterproof / coolant proof version, seems it's more durable and resistant to shop dust, etc.  Several people sent me PM's highly recommending the Mitutoyo, so that's what I went with.

Mike

 

[woodshopdemos]

I am sorry to be so late to this thread. I don't have that page reference in front of me but I am hard pressed to know how you would use a caliper - dial, digital or other. Does it ask for that or does it ask for a dial indicator...very different tool and one that I have in shop for setting table saw blade runout and would expect to use for Kapex alignment issues.
  The calipers are always nice to have around but please check to see if a dial indicator is not what is required.

A how to on it: http://www.woodshopdemos.com/align-1.htm

 

[sw1211]

Thanks for everyones help, I decided to go for this model, ordered it today;

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=8738500&PMT4NO=47619372

Figured I might as well get the waterproof / coolant proof version, seems it's more durable and resistant to shop dust, etc.  Several people sent me PM's highly recommending the Mitutoyo, so that's what I went with.

Mike

$209, wow, for that price it should be painted green and come in a systainer 

 

[MiterMaster]

...I am hard pressed to know how you would use a caliper - dial, digital or other. Does it ask for that or does it ask for a dial indicator...very different tool and one that I have in shop for setting table saw blade runout and would expect to use for Kapex alignment issues....

Yes, in the supplemental users manual for the Kapex, starting on page 22 it states how to accurately set-up / calibrate your saw, it explains in detail how to do it, and states having a dial caliper is essential to getting it properly aligned.

Currently my Kapex is not quite aligned, the miters are a tad off, so I want to get it corrected.  I'm sure I could send it in to Festool for this service, but figured I might as well give it a try myself, as the instructions in the supplemental manual are quite detailed.

Mike

 

[MiterMaster]

$209, wow, for that price it should be painted green and come in a systainer   

It was a bit pricey, I imagine it will be the only time I have to purchase this kind of tool, and with proper care it will last me a long long time.  I have no problem spending money on a quality tool, and from the recommendations I got from others this tool is finely crafted and worth the price.

Mike

 

[Spike]

$209, wow, for that price it should be painted green and come in a systainer   

It was a bit pricey, I imagine it will be the only time I have to purchase this kind of tool, and with proper care it will last me a long long time.  I have no problem spending money on a quality tool, and from the recommendations I got from others this tool is finely crafted and worth the price.

Mike

Mike,
Those are GREAT calipers!! I have the same model. Extremely accurate and reliable.
Taos.

 

[Steveo48]

.....but I am hard pressed to know how you would use a caliper - dial, digital or other. Does it ask for that or does it ask for a dial indicator...

Ahh, you beat me to that one, I was wondering the same thing.  I can't find a link the the supplemental manual either, can someone point me that way?  I'd like to see why they require a dial caliper.  I'm also suprised this has to be done to a new, very expensive saw.  :

I own both, have used the indicator to check my saw and get the same result, which is good.  It gets the most use on drill presses though where I do have problems over time with the bearings wearing out.