Review: TS Aligner Jr

Proper alignment of your power tools is an essential part of maintaining them. Even right out of the box, they often need some adjustment to help them perform both safely and efficiently. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this task, including using precision measuring tools, like the TS Aligner Jr.

It’s important to note that you do not need an expensive tool like TS Aligner Jr. to make necessary adjustments to your machiner. You can often use simple methods and objects to accomplish the same ends. But if you are someone who likes to use precision measuring gear, this product could be for you. One other point...this device is not just for table saws, either. The instructions and video clearly illustrate how to use it all around your shop to properly set up and maintain virtually all your power tools. That certainly extends its value farther than some similar products that are specifically aimed at the table saw only.

Rather than using a lot of words, here’s a short pictorial that shows TS Aligner Jr. in action on my own table saw just after I purchased both.

Click on the thumbnails for a larger view in a separate window...

	Blade to miter slot parallelism is the first thing to measure and correct, if necessary. After using the TS Aligner Jr. tool, my Jet left-tilt cabinet saw is within .001 inch from the front to the back of the Forrest Woodworker II blade.
	Here, the 90 degree arbor setting is checked with TS Aligner Jr.
	At the other end of the spectrum, the 45 degree stop is checked and adjusted.
	Adjusting the fence is easy with TS Aligner Jr. I do recommend using the rounded end cap on the dial indicator when you are measuring for parallel to the miter slot so that you don't score the fence itself. The tool also allows you to check that the fence is perpendicular to the table.
	In this photo, the miter gauge is being checked for a true 90 degrees to the miter slot and blade.
	Making sure the insert is level with the table top is easy. Just remove the miter slot guide bearings so that the measurement tool can slide on the table.

I hope this pictorial was useful to you!

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