MasterGage SB-1 SuperBar, Part # 400-01
|
List Price: Our Price: $59.51 You Save: $10.48 (15%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Tools See more product details |
|---|
Tools and Hardware Reviews of MasterGage SB-1 SuperBar, Part # 400-01
Customer Review: Almost works
Summary: 2 Stars
The concept is good, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. It took a lot of fiddling around to get almost consistent results. There is way too much flex in the plastic body that fits into the miter slot. Trying to get the dial Zeroed was a pain in the rear. With so much body flex I wasn't confident the measurements were accurate. Maybe others have had better luck, but for me, it's outta here on its way back for a refund.Customer Review: Better than the Magnetic type, very accurate
Summary: 5 Stars
I've used the magnetic type for awhile and awkward to setup and use, but with the superbar the dial indicator becomes more accurate and easier to setup. You can use it in either miter slot. First to check the blade to slot parallelism, then to check the slot to the fence parallelism (if a+b=c then c+b=a). A very nice tool to have when your making anykind of quality pieces. Once your indicated to within .003" you reduce or eliminate the burn marks, the saw will run better and you'll get much more satisfaction out accuracy of your work.Customer Review: Do you need this gauge?
Summary: 4 Stars
Short answer: you need a gauge with resolution like this (and the Master Plate) if you want to resolve heeling error to less than what your eyes can see - for me that was about 1/32" to 1/64" - or if you want to speed up and improve the results of the alignment process. The gauge also has a number of other uses that make it worth considering (see below).
My main reason for getting this gauge was to resolve heeling problems in my Delta Contractor saw. Without the gauge, using a pencil clamped to the miter and the same blade tooth as a reference, I got the front-to-back blade error down to about 1/32" - judging by my eye. I had trouble getting my Contractor saw adjusted to less than that (I had rotated the trunnion as far as it wanted to go).
When I got the MasterPlate and the gauge, first I confirmed that the error was about 1/32" (.03"). Next, I loosened the bolts and moved the trunnion as far as I could get it to go - a wrenching action helped. After a few tries, the gauge told me I was off by about .005", which I decided was good enough for now, and I carefully tightened the bolts, rechecking the alignment as I went, and it stayed there.
How much error can you live with? In Roger W. Cliffe's "Table Saw Techniques - Revised Edition" he suggests that realignment is needed when the front-to-back heel error is more than about .015" (about 1/64"), but the number that depends on various factors. (He also describes techniques to realign.)
With my saw adjusted to about .005" error (about 1/200") I made a crosscut - and saw a very noticeable improvement in the quality of the cut; much smoother. I may try again to improve the accuracy. The gauge has graduated lines representing .001", and with interpolation you may be able to get more accuracy than that.
Aside from aligning the blade (or MasterPlate) parallel to the miter slot, the instructions also illustrate how the gauge can be used with a table saw to check the arbor shaft, face flange and bearing for runout, check the runout of the blade itself, align the fence parallel to miter slot, square the miter gauge to the blade (or MasterPlate). It also shows some uses for checking a drill press and a lathe.
Other reviewers have complained about the plastic base for the SuperBar. While I would prefer metal, it seems sturdy enough to me, and I note that it has a lifetime guarantee.
Mine seems very useful and suits my purposes as an amateur with a Contractor saw. I would have liked a metal and perhaps magnetic base, so I have given the product 4 stars. There are higher quality gauges available if you need better quality than this, but for me this was worth the money I paid.
Customer Review: For 3 bucks more you can get a MUCH better alignment tool...
Summary: 5 Stars
Other reviewers have already noted the inaccuracy and other flaws of this plastic gizmo. Don't waste your money. You can get the "real-deal" for only three-dollars more.
TS aligner Jr "lite" is only three-bucks more, is precision-ground from stable aluminum, (not plastic) and is easier to use.
It does everything this gadget can, and then some.
The TS Aligner is VERY accurate.
If you decide you want the advanced features of the higher-priced TS aligners, you can upgrade without buying an entire new unit. There ARE NO upgrades to this thing.
The TS Aligner is MADE IN THE USA by a real machinist.
TS Aligners have free videos that shows you how to use these tools. The videos are dry, but have good photography, close ups and clear explanations. The instructional videos ALONE are worth the price!
We got fast personal service and sound advice from the Ed Bennet, the owner of the company. Visit his site for a truckload of valuable info Ed provides for free. He gives you choices for different indicators, angle-blocks and models so you can choose the best tool for your needs and budget.
You can find more info at [...] or search "Tablesaw alignment, Ed Bennet".
I can't say enough good things about his products, service or business philosophy. He is very knowledgeable and helpful. Considering the quality, the storehouse of information, the free videos and personal service from this American manufacturer, plastic imported stuff just can't compete... it's no contest.
Don't just trust my opinion. Read the reviews then go Check it out for yourself... "table saw alignment" and "Ed Bennet"
Customer Review: Great Customer Service from this company
Summary: 4 Stars
The superbar is "unconditionally guaranteed". I was a little disappointed when I received it that it was just made of plastic, and I clumsily broke it when I first used it! However I called the mastergage company and they immediately shipped a replacement, no questions asked. Furthermore, they were very helpful with tips and ideas about the alignment of my tablesaw and we spent quite a long time on the phone trying to troubleshoot my problem (which was the reason I purchased this product).