Jet JTS - 250S Fence problems - help please

[Charlie Woody]

I have had for about a year now one of these saws which I bought second hand.

In the last few days the fence cam lever (is that correct term?) does not lock down securely. When I push down the handle it appears to hold the fence in the desired position, but a few second later it just loosens up and slips.

As engineering is not my strong point I have been unable to work out why this is happening so any advice on fixing it would be most welcome please

 

[Steve Maskery]

Charlie
A couple of q's
1 When you lock it down initially, does it seem as tight at it always used to do?
2 If you lift the fence of the front rail and turn it over, are there any adjustment screws? Is there a plate under the cam and does it look in good condition?

There aren't too may places to look for this, are there? Perhaps you could take photo of the inside of the fence clamp and post it here?
S

 

[Charlie Woody]

Charlie
A couple of q's
1 When you lock it down initially, does it seem as tight at it always used to do? YES
2 If you lift the fence of the front rail and turn it over, are there any adjustment screws? YES FOR ALIGNMENT CORRECTION I THINK Is there a plate under the cam and does it look in good condition? NOT SURE WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE ORIGINALLY SEEMS OK, BUT NOT SURE

There aren't too may places to look for this, are there? Perhaps you could take photo of the inside of the fence clamp and post it here?
S

Hope these photos help.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Hmm, well I can't see anything obviously wrong,but the pictures are not very big, and clicking on them just shows them again at the same size...
Sorry I can't be of more help.
S

 

[Richard S]

Charlie

I have had one of these saws for about 8 years now and I think you have been lucky up until now. The saw is excellent and I would have no hesitation recommending it to anyone, quiet, rock solid and accurate, I have been absolutely delighted with mine. However I think the fence slippage is, to borrow a term from the motor trade a "feature of the model, sir". In reality I think it takes more force than you think to engage the cam. I have had it come loose on a few occassions spoiling the cut. I am now in the habit of checking and double checking that the lock is engaged before making the cut. In short, engage the fence lock and once you think you have done it give it another little push and "Bob's yer Uncle!"

Mine did this right from the start when it was brand new, I never found anything obviously amiss and now I am aware of it I have just adjusted my procedures to compensate.

HTH

Richard

 

[Charlie Woody]

Charlie

I have had one of these saws for about 8 years now and I think you have been lucky up until now. The saw is excellent and I would have no hesitation recommending it to anyone, quiet, rock solid and accurate, I have been absolutely delighted with mine. However I think the fence slippage is, to borrow a term from the motor trade a "feature of the model, sir". In reality I think it takes more force than you think to engage the cam. I have had it come loose on a few occassions spoiling the cut. I am now in the habit of checking and double checking that the lock is engaged before making the cut. In short, engage the fence lock and once you think you have done it give it another little push and "Bob's yer Uncle!"

Mine did this right from the start when it was brand new, I never found anything obviously amiss and now I am aware of it I have just adjusted my procedures to compensate.

HTH

Richard

Richard
I have not changed my methodology since I got the saw and up to a few days ago it has always held in place. I am concerned that if I push the lever much harder I will do some damage somewhere!!

 

[Charlie Woody]

Hmm, well I can't see anything obviously wrong,but the pictures are not very big, and clicking on them just shows them again at the same size...
Sorry I can't be of more help.
S

Steve

I had edited the photo size to web page small so that the forum would allow it to load ...... is there a different way of doing it so that the photo can be enlarged?

I could not work out why the fence is not locking down either. Need to get it sorted as I miss it badly ..... fiddling around with a straight edge clamp trying to align it each time is a real pain.

 

[Steve Maskery]

I had edited the photo size to web page small so that the forum would allow it to load ...... is there a different way of doing it so that the photo can be enlarged?

Yes. You have the originals on a photo site somewhere (such as photobucket) at full size, then post the small ones on here as links. I think the PB site will give you all the links you need. It's a long time since I've dne it and my photoserver went bust and everything disappeared.....

I could not work out why the fence is not locking down either. Need to get it sorted as I miss it badly ..... fiddling around with a straight edge clamp trying to align it each time is a real pain.

I'm sure it is just a case of tweaking the tightness of some screw somewhere. I bet Richard is on the right track.

S

 

[Richard S]

Charlie

It's hard to explain really, I mean how do you put into words the amount of "force" required, all I can say is it's not a ridiculous amount. I guess that being a cam there is a "point" at which it bites (a bit like getting used to the clutch on a new car) and on mine it seems to be just after the point at which the fence "feels" like its locked. I guess being second hand it is not possible to know exactly how much wear the cam on yours has been subjected to. My guess is there is nothing wrong, just give it a bit extra and I'm sure you will be ok. This is probably your only option because as far as I know there is no other adjustment. As a final thought, there is no contamination on the rails such as lubricating wax or similar is there?

If you where a little closer I would say come and try mine and compare the two

Regards

Richard

 

[Charlie Woody]

Yes. You have the originals on a photo site somewhere (such as photobucket) at full size, then post the small ones on here as links. I think the PB site will give you all the links you need. It's a long time since I've dne it and my photoserver went bust and everything disappeared.....

Steve, you flatter my technical knowhow!!!! I have the photos stored on my laptop and can just about manage that never mind an external site like photobucket etc!!!

 

[beech1948]

Pictures.

I just click on the picture to get a screen with just the picture in it and then hit CNTRL + and the picture is enlarged.
Will this work for you and obviously CNTRL - reduced the picture size.

CAM

Looking at the enlarged pictures I can not see any obvious point to adjust the cam.

The surface of the Cam seems to be in two planes. A narrow edge on the side towards the right angle frame and a flatter plane. The narrow edge seems to be worn or at least a different colour and texture to the rest of the cam.

Is this where it grips ?. If so then maybe you could add a small fillet of metal with epoxy to slightly build it up to regain grip.

You also show a point where the axle that the cam runs on passes through two retainers each with two bolts in it. If you were to add a spacer under the axle then the cam would be lifted towards the top and maybe extra grip achieved.

Bear in mind that I am a mechanical novice but a keen observer.
Al

 

[Charlie Woody]

Thanks to everyone for their assistance, I am pleased to say that Richard S's advice to "just give it a bit extra and I'm sure you will be ok" has proved correct! Got it working fine today, so thanks again.

 

[Steve Maskery]

That has made me laugh! Thank you.

 

[Richard S]

Just pleased that I can actually be of some help to someone on here!