table saw questions

8 years ago

Hello to All,

Got a new portable table saw for Christmas. I did a fair amt of research and
bought a skillsaw SPT99-12. I thought that this make was the lower end, but
review of 4.7 & 4.8 were pretty good. a video review of the saw is at the
end.

In the maintenance manual, it talks about changing the oil in the motor.
Never had a saw where you changed the manual. It states to change out the oil
in the first 10 hrs, then every 50 hrs thereof. I am familiar w doing the same
thing in new autos, but is this applicable in table saws.

Last ques, it talks about adjusting the table insert around the blade.
there's 4 screws for adjusting the insert: 2 in front and 2 in back. it stated
to slightly lower the 2 screws in the front and slightly raise the 2 in back so
the insert will be lower in front and higher in back. I'm thinking why not just
keep them both level? Is it bc the weight of the piece being cut first hits the
front and could possible raise the back end of the insert?

Considering all the models I reviewed, this portable table saw seems pretty
nice and it's real sturdy too. I just assembled it and will use next week.

Thanks, tstex

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g99Cg0v2-M0

Featured Answer

toxcrusadr

8 years ago

Pam, Crisco or store brand spray oil.

Yes I buff it with a rag to spread it evenly and not leave any droplets which can get sticky. Actually a small square of rag first, carefully wiped over the entire surface to spread the oil, then a quick buff with a clean rag to remove excess. My shop is in an unheated building in a humid climate and I still don't get rust on the cast tables for the planer, jointer etc. and things slide very nicely.

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Comments (10)

User
8 years ago
Never saw a saw motor where oil changes were mandated. Must be part of the lifetime warranty. Most woodworking electrical motors are sealed(to protect from dust), so there must be a change in the type of motor used.

As far as the insert setting. That is a rough use saw, not a shop saw. It is designed to be banged around(I hope), so settings on the saw are much less precise. The insert screw setting means less potential feed problems and will not interfere with cutting operations.

One safety tip. Always use infeed/outfeed/left side supports when sawing large/long wood---like full sheets of plywood or when ripping long boards. That saw will tip over without those supports.

support
tj starkey
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Mac. I knew that it had a worm-drive gear drive motor, so I would suspect that is the reasoning. I just thought 10 hours was a pretty quick time.

Re the insert settings, I'm going w a hair less at front and even in the back...that should do the trick.

Re feeding the saw w diff sizes and weights of wood, I'm going to have someone w me and try a variety of cuts. based on the weight/size and how it flows, I will know what I can do by myself and what I will need supports.

Finally, I heard it's a good idea to use some kind of auto wax on the table top to help the wood move better and protect the surface. That I have.

thanks again, tstex
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User
8 years ago
Use a wax that does not contain silicon! Silicon gets on wood and wrecks havoc with most finishes(fisheye).
tj starkey
Original Author
8 years ago
thanks again
mike_kaiser_gw
8 years ago
That's interesting, it looks like Skil took their 77 worm drive saw and mounted it to the bottom of a table, Yeah, just like the 77 you're going to have to change the oil from time to time.

Bosch sold Skil to Chevron (a Chinese company not related to the oil company) back in 2016. I'm assuming this is one of their designs and I'd be interested to see how it works out for you.
tj starkey
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Mike.

I've assemble it and it seems pretty solid. The blade to fence was almost spot on out of the box. I only had to barely make an adjustment to get it perfect; not it is. I then tested the 45 degree angle and it too was spot on... What I really like is the way the fence tightens down w clamps at both ends. You can also rip to 30.5" on right. The fence also has a fold over piece that that will then support the far right side of the board. It/s locked to the top right of the fence, then you flip it over to the left bottom of the fence. There's also a dust port extension that you can aim at a 5 gal bucket that's supposed to dispose the majority of the saw dust.

After I've run her a couple of times, I'll post back. BTW, do you have a 77 motor, and if so, has it performed well? Thanks, tstex
User
8 years ago
I've had/used a Skil Mag77 circular saw for over 25 years. 7 years during volunteer work with Habitat, 6 years of commercial remodeling, and 10 years of occasional use(after retiring). Never have changed the oil.
toxcrusadr
8 years ago
I assume oil is changed fairly soon due to the brand new surfaces giving off a little bit of metal into the oil. Maybe not even visible bits - hopefully they cleaned off the burrs - but enough that it's good to get it out of there.

I use a spray can of kitchen spray oil for lubricating machine tables.
tj starkey
Original Author
8 years ago
Hey Tox...can you cook off that table too lol

what specifically do you spray on your table and do you buff it then?