In a couple of threads, both here and in Knots, I have added my two or three cents concerning this saw. I really like this saw; however, I have found a hair in the ointment.
While making a crosscut sled, I was cutting some poplar down to 3/4″ X 1/2″ X 36″. The problem was that I could not get the runners quite square along the width and depth. My trusty framing square had served me well to adjust everything adjustable on the saw to pretty close to perfection, at least in my world of tolerances.
I decided to test the vertical side of the fence to determine whether it was 90 degrees off of the table. The square disclosed, and my trusty micrometer proved, that the distance across the top of the fence was greater than the distance across the bottom by about a half millimeter or so. This is not critical in 99% of applications. In cutting narrow strips, it is definitely critical.
The fence is an aluminum extrusion, and is very well-made. The one shortcoming is that, IMO, the design has an incorrectible flaw. The top of the fence is solid, and the bottom is open, sort of like an inverted “U” shape. Evidently, this results in a manufacturing defect that causes the vertical profile of the fence width to be in a slightly V-shaped configuration.
Once again, this will not affect most operations. I can only say at this point that the thickness of the material being cut could affect the cutting width if one relies solely on the excellent magnifying gages on either side of the fence. This is an example of how components can sometimes be added to a tool to give an unrealistic expectation of accuracy. Anyone who has ever used a laser that is accurate to 1/8″ or less to 100′ will have learned that it is not so easy to bump the laser just the right amount to move the beam 1/4″ at a distance of 100 ft or so.
Awareness of this problem can help the user anticipate techniques to avoid surprises. In the case of making runners for the crosscut sled, I have decided to use the V-shaped result to advantage. By making the lower portion of the runners narrower than the upper, there is a slight moisture expansion allowance that will hopefully prevent the runners/rails from sticking to the slots in the table.
I hope my borientation (thanks to Kinky Friedman for the word) to the saw and fence has not been too unclear.
It is still a great TS for the price, perhaps the best!
Replies
ok so the ts 3650 is'nt perfect, i have one, and for the price re $800 cdn, on sale sometimes for 600, its alot of saw
mine is stationary in my cabinet shop, with every tablesaw accesory immaginable, and with decent blades it cant be beat
ps i did rewire mine for 240 volt, now plenty of power and a router table on the right side
and why dont every saw maker allow the fence to travel to the left side of the blade?