Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
[ Back To Main ]
3/26/2009
12" Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
What is the procedure to square blade to table for a perfect square cut? |
| A. |
Contractor saws the motor usually hangs from the table
and on cabinet saws the trunnion hangs from the cabinet. In both saw designs
one must loosen the bolts that hold the table or trunnion in place to be able to
adjust the blade and miter slot into the same parallel or square to one
another. I use a dial indicator to check the blade to the slot. I mark one
tooth and check both the front and back of the blade checking to see that they
are the same distance from the slot. There are a number of specialty tools
designed to help you align your saw. I use the TS Alignment. Take a look at www.ts-aligner.com
they have a fine video that will walk you through this
very important procedure.
|
[ Back To Main ]
2/19/2008
Miter Saw vs. Radial Arm Saw
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
I am a wood worker with average experience,
limited space and funds. I am setting up
a shop in a converted one stall garage approximately 12'x30'. Since space and dollars are short, I was
wondering whether you feel that one needs both a miter saw and a radial arm
saw, or if you prefer one over the other.
It seems to me that the radial arm saw is a bit more versatile, where
the miter saw has the benefit of being portable. |
| A. |
I would lean more towards a slide compound
miter. It’s portable and can do most the
same things as a radial arm can. |
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2/18/2008
Universal Miter Saw Stand
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Well, this might sound stupid, but how do you set stops to be sure that
you cut a board the same length with the model 36-136 miter saw/planer stand?
I have the fence aligned with the back of the
Delta miter say and the board is on the roller and the saw. What do I use for
the stops of the other roller to be sure I cut the boards the same length? |
| A. |
I suggest that you build an extension fence using 1 ½” material, even a
straight
2 x4 would work.
You could clamp or better yet drill and bolt the fence to your
stand. Make a stop that will slide along
the 2 x4 and clamp in place at the desired length. |
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2/14/2008
Miter Cuts
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
What
angle cut do you need on a miter saw for a hexagon or a 6-sided timber
landscape tree ring? |
| A. |
30
Degrees. 360 divided by 12 I promise
that 11 of the cuts will be perfect. |
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1/29/2008
Ogee Molding
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I am very, very green on that type of job. I just bought a miter saw last week, and I am
planning to install ogee molding in the whole house. I am a little bit lost on how to do it, I tried
the saw with scrap wood and I just do not understand how to make the proper angle(
inside and outside angles). Can you help
me?? Or can you send me a video on how to set up my saw and some hint for the
cut.
|
| A. |
This is a very involved process made simple by
having someone showing you the step. So try to find a club near you and ask one
of the members to show you the ropes.
[ Back To Main ]
1/29/2008
Mitre Saw
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
Hello! I
just found this site so I’m thrilled to know it exists! My question is, my
12" compound mitre saw isn’t very old but after having cut approximately
100 5/4x6" deck boards it seems to run slower. Is there any need for oil
in the motor? Or is there some other possibility?
| A. |
It sounds to me like you are using extension cords on the
miter saw. If so, only use a 12 gauge cord that is 50 feet long. Light duty
cords starve the motors for power and cause degraded performance.
|
[ Back To Main ]
8/6/2007
Cutting Angles on my Delta Miter Saw
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q: |
Beyond
the simple 45 degree cut, I have trouble translating unusual angles which need
to be cut to my saw scale to achieve a good fit for joining pieces. The end on
one of the pieces comes out longer than the cut on the other piece . Any tips?
|
| A: |
You have
asked a great question and sometimes a very confusing cut. Please take a look at the following web site:
http://www.csgnetwork.com/sawmitercalc.html
I
believe that you will find it very helpful in determining the correct angle and
setting to achieve a good fitting joint.
I have found that some angle joints want to creep a little when gluing
up, a biscuit or a brad can help keep the joint
aligned till the glue sets. |
[ Back To Main ]
8/6/2007
Delta 10" Miter Saw
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q: |
I having trouble finding the clamp that goes to
my 10" Delta. I’ve been to Home Depot & Lowe's and Ace? |
| A: |
Sorry you could not find the clamp locally. I did a search on the inter-net and found
several mail order sources. I believe
that you are looking for a Delta #36-221 clamp.
Just type “Delta 36-221” in and several sources will come up. Good luck |
[ Back To Main ]
6/29/2007
Compound Miter Saw
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I am trying to cut cove moulding (1/2"
by 1/2") for the inside edge of a mirror frame I am making. How do
you get the angle right for the corner cut?
|
| A: |
Just measure the complete angle and cut it in
half. Go to Delta Part number 422-32-655-0004 document for more complex
compound cuts or try issi1.com/corwin/crown.html. Be ready to cut test pieces
to get the length just right. Sometimes Kevin a shooting board jig with a hand
plane if the perfect way to tune up fits. |
