Fein Slugger 14 problem

[jproaster]

Don't know if this is a common problem...but I bought the Fein Slugger 14 dry saw (due to good reviews) and there's some issues that bother me a bit.

Instruction booklet may be the worst I've ever dealt with spending $500. It just doesn't make sense outside of the general warnings and such. Illustrations and the identifying letters don't always match. Didn't spend too much time with it this evening.

The clamping jaw and the fence were solidly stuck together. I had to use a plastic deadblow hammer to separate them.

The chain that holds the saw down when not in use was attached in the box; the only problem was that the hook attached to the housing was pressed against the plexi shield...so that the link could not be released. I applied enough pressure to get it loose. It just means that i'll fix it later. Just annoying that's all.

Now the problem that I'm stuck on- after loosening the screw handle that allows the fence to be turned to another angle, I could just barely make the fence move. And when I did move the fence, it was scratching the coating off the base; I've only moved it about a 1/2".

So, it's cold in my shop; new heater on the way. So I didn't mess with this thing much. But I'm annoyed. Don't really want to send it back to Amazon.

Thoughts gentlemen.

Thanks
John

 

[The Cobbler]

I can understand your frustration with the lack of care to assembly. but, I don't get the concern of paint scratching on the base . each of us have our pet peeves.

 

[Moosefire]

This might be a dumb question, but is there a tension nut or handle that needs to be undone in order to move it easier, and lock it in place once you achieved the proper angle?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[jproaster]

Thanks for responding gentlemen.

I've turned the handle that loosens the fence to allow angle changes...and also loosened the allen bolt which I understand as the fence pivot point..

Maybe my description earlier of the problem moving the fence was not clear- the distance that I've adjusted the fence isn't even 5 degrees...and the extreme left side of fence is scratching significantly. This fence does not want to move. And I thought it better to seek advice before whacking anything else.

Should I disconnect the fence and re-assemble? Maybe it's like the jaw and fence which were stuck to each other very tightly...though the fence is more likely a torquing issue I suspect.

Thanks
John

*and if anyone wants to know, it is made in Taiwan.

 

[jproaster]

Maybe a little penetrating oil and light taps for a couple days?

 

[tarbellb]

Sounds like the whole thing got assembled with wet paint.

All those issues don't effect the performance but definitely leave the user wanting better fit and finish.

These are simple machines, you can easily disassemble, sand, lube, and the sliding surfaces should be better. While this wouldn't be a deal breaker/return issue for me likely, I get your concern.

 

[jproaster]

Thanks tarbellb.
Never had this issue before. You've confirmed what I need to do.

Thanks
John

 

[tarbellb]

Glad I could help.

So I've been trying to confirm something about this saw.

Does it have any kind of "blade stabilization" feature? Ie blocks that correct wobble, etc... Or something similar?

Thanks

 

[jproaster]

I'll look into it tonight. I've never owned a saw like this prior. Hopefully the lame instruction booklet will have some input.

John

 

[jproaster]

Well. Realizing my tool ownership novice status with this purchase.

Yeah, the manual is a bit goofy; but this tool isn't rocket science.
Couple minutes with the vise and channel locks...fixed the chain hold down.
Loosened the bolts holding down the fence...adjusted the bolt under the lockdown lever; all good.

So. New or not...tear it apart...fix it.

And by my reading of manual...does not mention blade stabilization.

Checked the blade for square- great. Table is level. Heavy duty vise.

Looking forward to cuttin' some steel : )

John