Testing straightness of guide rail

[Chris Cianci]

Where do you test straightness of a guide rail? Along the rib the saw rides on.? On the non saw side along the rib that’s furthest away from the saw blade?

 

[TwelvebyTwenty]

Test what you cut rather than the rail.

 

[ear3]

Do test cuts on two pieces of plywood and see if there are any gaps when you line up the cut sides.

 

[tallgrass]

How do you plan on testing? Also what length of rail?

 

[Birdhunter]

If I had any doubts about my rails, I'd test them against the bed on my jointer.

 

[Oldwood]

I do a quick check in the store by setting the rail on the box it is shipped in and centering the back about in the middle of the box. I carefully score a mark on the box using the rail as a guide then flip the rail end for end and lay it against the line. Viewing the line against the edge to see if it is aligned.

This is just a quick check and as has been said the truth is told by cutting 2 long pieces and hold the edges together but you must make sure the panels you cut are not releasing tension. I find most sheet stock will bow when cut down the middle of the sheet so best to first cut the sheet in half then trim a 1/8" off both edges.

 

[MaineShop]

A second on the scoring cut but on a sheet of plywood as opposed to cardboard, someone mentioned cutting two pieces of plywood and butting them together but plywood can bind on a table saw because it can release some tension and have some bow, especially thin strips. A shallow scoring cut and then flip the track to the other side and make the same cut. That will show any variation.