I was excited about my new saw until...

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this:Think the thing is not square?  :wtf:Today I worked on building an overhead storage rack for the pvc pipes taking up space on the floor.  Was thrilled to use my saw.  Easy to use.  Smooth.  Not as loud as my circ saw.  Except for the fact that the saw would not cut a perfectly straight 90* miter cut (0*).  I tried adjusting the fence, but it only moves front to back, not in any kind of arc around the table.  Even tried adjusting the table.  Thought I got it close.  Then I tried a sliding cut and that's really when the not-90* alignment shined  What would you do about it?  The head/blade is not 90* to the table.  Is there an adjustment for that?  Or is this a QC issue?  For a $240 saw this is BS.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Flip the saw over. Many times there are screws that mount the "arm" to the table that can be loosened up and then the arm can be slightly adjusted. I can't tell what saw you have, and my sliding compound is up at the shop right now. I'll try to take a few picts if I remember tomorrow..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWFlip the saw over. Many times there are screws that mount the "arm" to the table that can be loosened up and then the arm can be slightly adjusted. I can't tell what saw you have, and my sliding compound is up at the shop right now. I'll try to take a few picts if I remember tomorrow.
Reply:I took a quick look at the manual. Looks like it is similar to what I remember on my sliding compound. There should be a couple screws that you can loosen and see if there is enough adjustment in the saw to correct the angle. Look for the 3 bolts that hold the "arm" (M4) to the table near where part 23 is numbered. If not, there may be an adjustment in the slide mechanism itself to the right in the exploded diagram. Attached ImagesLast edited by DSW; 12-28-2011 at 08:53 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks, looking at the manual now and I'm seeing what you are.  Let me see if I can get in there to those screws.  I looked under the base but all it was was the pivot for the table which is of no help here.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Well, before I cn get to the three bolts of the mount, I have to remove a shroud.  It's got two allen bolts and a screw.  I easily get two of the three, but there is this cast piece that looks like intentionally blocks the allen.I can get my needle nose pliers in there but they just keep slipping on the round head.Looking at the threaded holes that the motor mounts too, they're straight holes.  Doesn't look like any room for adjustment.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:I can't clearly tell for the pict if that angled piece above the yellow arrows is part of the lower bracket, or the swivel attached at the rear to the bracket. I'm thinking it is seperate from the bracket from the look of the manual. Does that part swivel if you tip the head? If so, you might get access by tipping the head to one side, then the other. You might also have to pull the pivot bolt and remove the arm from the bracket. I'd start thinking about looking to see if they have a 1 800 number you can call for tech support. It's a new saw. They should either help you adjust this and tell you how, or give you an RA number to send it back. You don't want to do too much and then run into issues if you can't get it back together. They'll also probably send you out a new set of table inserts to replace the one you cut up.I still keep thinking the saw got thumped in shipping and that's what knocked things out of alignment, so it should be a "simple" adjustment. the question is just how hard it is to get to the parts you need to adjust as you are finding out. I'll look at my Dewalt tomorrow if I make it up to the shop and remember and see if there's anything that jumps out at me. The slide design looks to be very similar..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI can't clearly tell for the pict if that angled piece above the yellow arrows is part of the lower bracket, or the swivel attached at the rear to the bracket. I'm thinking it is seperate from the bracket from the look of the manual. Does that part swivel if you tip the head? If so, you might get access by tipping the head to one side, then the other. You might also have to pull the pivot bolt and remove the arm from the bracket. I'd start thinking about looking to see if they have a 1 800 number you can call for tech support. It's a new saw. They should either help you adjust this and tell you how, or give you an RA number to send it back. You don't want to do too much and then run into issues if you can't get it back together. They'll also probably send you out a new set of table inserts to replace the one you cut up.I still keep thinking the saw got thumped in shipping and that's what knocked things out of alignment, so it should be a "simple" adjustment. the question is just how hard it is to get to the parts you need to adjust as you are finding out. I'll look at my Dewalt tomorrow if I make it up to the shop and remember and see if there's anything that jumps out at me. The slide design looks to be very similar.
Reply:if you loosen the bevel lever number 1 and bevel the head over to 45 using the scale number 2 you should gain access to the allen.I have had to adjust my wood saws before, so let me tell you how I did it.  I took a pencil and scribed around the base you are wanting to adjust.  I then removed lossened the bolts and then adjusted as needed.  only one time did I need to take it completely apart and that was when there wasn't any play in the holes to let me adjust like I wanted.  i took the lever number one off and dropped the motor head and all so I wouldn't have to manage the weight of it all.  I then only had to worry about the mount that attached it to the base.  I used a rat tail file to dress the holes I needed more  room in and then assembled.. Attached ImagesLast edited by Scott Young; 12-29-2011 at 06:14 AM.
Reply:Hey thanks Scott.  I might drag it in here to the living room and try that.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:The screw you have marked in red is a stop screw for one of the tilt adjustments. It's there to set the angle that the saw stops at (probably 90deg vertical). It should not need to be removed but to get to you just need to tilt the saw. Looking closer I don't see that guard in the parts break down. It might be held by the stop screws. Keep in mind that if you do remove them that you will need to reset them to the right height for the angle adjustment to stop at the right angle.   I got a new compound miter saw a while back and the first thing I did was check all these angles to make sure it would cut right. I'm picky about precision on something like this and never trust a factory to set a saw up right. In my case most of the adjustments where right but there was a couple that I tweaked to get more precision out of the saw.Last edited by irish fixit; 12-29-2011 at 09:32 AM.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by irish fixitThe screw you have marked in red is a stop screw for one of the tilt adjustments. It's there to set the angle that the saw stops at (probably 90deg vertical). It should not need to be removed but to get to you just need to tilt the saw. Looking closer I don't see that guard in the parts break down. It might be held by the stop screws. Keep in mind that if you do remove them that you will need to reset them to the right height for the angle adjustment to stop at the right angle.   I got a new compound miter saw a while back and the first thing I did was check all these angles to make sure it would cut right. I'm picky about precision on something like this and never trust a factory to set a saw up right. In my case most of the adjustments where right but there was a couple that I tweaked to get more precision out of the saw.
Reply:you may need to remove it to remove the shroud so you can get to the bolts.
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott Youngyou may need to remove it to remove the shroud so you can get to the bolts.
Reply:Just called the tech hotline and they're closed for the holidays.  I'm half tempted to throw this whole thing in the truck and drive it to Lowe's to see if they'd exchange it.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Called and left Evolution a message.  Meanwhile still poking around.  I found that when I loosen the bevel angle knob (pictured as M2) the saw goes back into a nice straight position in the table track.  When the bevel knob is tightened down it pushes the entire head assembly to one side.   That seems unacceptably stupid if that's the intention of the design.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Stock at Lowes? I may have to look into that. If that is the case, I'd probably not F with it too much and simply take it back. Venders are pretty good about returns with larger companies like that vs small mom and pop operations. The rep will most likely come by, give them an RA number and have them ship it back to be refurbished, or the store will send it to a central returns point where the vender will do this. That's at least what used to happen with larger items when I worked retail at one of those types of stores years ago. I doubt it's changed much.While I'm not the biggest fan of these big box stores, their return policy is one of their strong points. It sounds like something isn't right with that saw. I can understand the need to simply want to fix what is most likely a minor issue rather than return it. Probably be my 1st reaction as well. However, I make money with my tools. I don't make money if I have to spend hours F'ing with them, especially new quality tools. I think it's great you are making an attempt at fixing this. I also know you don't have the mechanical experience many here have with pulling things apart and "fixing" them , say like Duane and Irish do. Nothing wrong with that, you are learning all this stuff. The point is, don't let this get you all worked up. There is an easy "out" if you need it. Simply take it back and exchange it. I seriously doubt you'll be given any flack ..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I'd recommend taking it back from the sounds of it. However you might want to look closely at the joint where it swivels. Sounds like there might be something wedged or simply not fitting properly on the opposite side of where you've taken pics of it. The side where you've taken a pic shows to be a good tight fit there but I can't see the other side which would be the side that would throw it the way it's going. It may just be a warped casting for that matter. Sounds like one got through quality control to me.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Thanks guys.  Gonna run it to the store today.  Hopefully they have another in stock so I don't have to wait.Here's a vid of the problem:  http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7227/w3a.mp4Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Good luck. I hope they have one in stock. Just sounds like you got a bad one. Maybe it got dropped or something.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Yay!  New saw in the garage and it works properly!  Big shout out to Lowes.  They allowed me to return/refund and repurchase the new saw (essentially exchange).  The employees were skeptical when I explained the problem because the saws get great reviews.  When I offered to show them, they believed me  lol  They also allowed me to open up the new box to check and see if the new saw exhibited the same problem as the other.  It did not.  Even the display model was solid and straight.  I got a dud I guess.And Lowe's does now stock the Rage 3, at least in my store.  So yall keep your eyes open at your local stores.  Thanks Lowes for taking care of me.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Great. Glad it worked out.   Now don't go sawing up everything in sight. Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:I really felt bad there for awhile as i do recommend this sawBut i have had no problems with mine i was hoping it was just a bad unitBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:killdozer, don't feel bad at all.  I could tell I was gonna like the saw from what little running of it I did.  It was just a piddly problem with that unit.  I just checked out the square on this one and its almost dead nuts on.  I'm looking forward to putting it into real action Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:What are you using the saw to cut?Originally Posted by astaindsoul5446What are you using the saw to cut?
Reply:Now i don't know if you seen this or not but for cutting steel you should get the blue blades and the cheapest source is  [ame]http://www.amazon.com/CARBIDE-TIP-MILDSTEEL-BLD-10IN/dp/B001QF9VQ2/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_b[/ame]Those blades that come with that saw is a combo blade set for wood and steel but really are better for wood A lot of what i have cut with my saw lately has been 2X2X.250 and 3X3X 3/8 thick angle iron and it real hard on them as they were not really meant for that heavy of a gauge they do real good on .120 gauge which is what most people cut with them  Too have the blades resharpened is running about $30.00 to 40.00 bucks and one of the guys said he had gotten a circular saw blade sharpener from harbor freight i look at one they had them on sale for $49.99 lot #96687  so it would pay for it's self in two resharpening's  something to keep in mind  Hope this one works out for you i have been very happy with mine so farBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11Now i don't know if you seen this or not but for cutting steel you should get the blue blades and the cheapest source is  http://www.amazon.com/CARBIDE-TIP-MI..._bxgy_hi_img_bThose blades that come with that saw is a combo blade set for wood and steel but really are better for wood A lot of what i have cut with my saw lately has been 2X2X.250 and 3X3X 3/8 thick angle iron and it real hard on them as they were not really meant for that heavy of a gauge they do real good on .120 gauge which is what most people cut with them  Too have the blades resharpened is running about $30.00 to 40.00 bucks and one of the guys said he had gotten a circular saw blade sharpener from harbor freight i look at one they had them on sale for $49.99 lot #96687  so it would pay for it's self in two resharpening's  something to keep in mind  Hope this one works out for you i have been very happy with mine so far
Reply:Hey Monica,Be careful getting any blades for Ferrous metals(steel) as they need to be at least a C5 grade tungsten-tipped. C7 would be best, although may be hard to find in 10". Also, a ferrous blade can also cut non-ferrous, so don't think you need to buy a separate blade. A non-ferrous blade(alum.,copper,brass) will not be good to use on ferrous metal. I get all my ferrous blades from www.Cripesdistributing.com, but they are 14" & I didn't see a 10" C5 or higher rated ferrous blade. I get the 10" from this dealer:http://toolcity.com/oshlun10x80tstee...gsawblade.aspxBe sure of rpm rating & tip rating so as to maintain blade integrity. Also, with steel, positioning of sq., angle, rect., will need to be indexed for a "wall" cut, & not a "surface" cut. I posted a thread a while back to show positioning of steel for cuts that will reduce/eliminate blade wear & extend blade life. Hope this helps a bit.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:I have not had any issue with 1/4 wall material with the machine it just wears on the blade heavily especially the orange blades The big advantage to this saw a opposed to the chop saw is that no matter what you are cutting you can always start the cut at the corner of the material in stead of wearing out your blade cutting on the flat part as chop saws do Most people make a jig for there chop saw vice so that it angles the material to start the cut on the cornerBut if you are mitering that cannot be done with the chop saw type of design and there's the other problem that most chop saw do not pivot the saw they angle the material to do miter cuts which is a real PITA especially cutting long pieces of heavy wall materialIMHO the rage 3 is a win win setup except for the clamping it really sucks if i had a shop and had it mounted on an in/ out table i would do a lot better clamping setup but i have mine on a Porter Cable folding stand that has wheels on it for portability and ease of useBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by irish fixitGreat. Glad it worked out.   Now don't go sawing up everything in sight.
Reply:Originally Posted by MonicaAnd Lowe's does now stock the Rage 3, at least in my store.  So yall keep your eyes open at your local stores.  Thanks Lowes for taking care of me.
Reply:Originally Posted by papaharley03I went into a Lowe's near my parent's house in central Arkansas over Thanksgiving and they were stocking the Evolution saws.Haven't looked here in DFW area yet, but I can't imagine they wouldn't be there. Hmmm, I do have a Lowe's credit card with a zero balance... hmmmm. Glad you got it worked out, Monica. Was going to suggest you show the store your video if they hassled you, but it appears that wasn't necessary.Papa
Reply:If you have a VA card or a DD214, you get 10% of the any price at Lowes.