SuperStation : Maureen Uses the Exaktor Sliding Table

	Now she turns to calibrating the fence for square. She starts by using a square to adjust the fence to the miter slot.
This view shows how the fence is secured to the sliding table. The post I have marked "A" is a pivot point. The knob at the lower end, marked "B", is a locking knob on a post that can slide in the miter track. This is also where you slide the fence out of the slot for fence removal.    Once Maureen has the fence perpendicular to the miter slot, she adjusts a stop screw that allows the fence to be returned to the "0o" setting without further checking.    She also slides the miter scale so that the 0o-mark lines up with the fence.
	One thing you can't help but notice, is that the accuracy of the miter setting is GREAT. You can move the fence from 0 to 45 degrees by loosening the knob and sliding the fence in the miter track.
Here is why the Exaktor sliding table fence can give such accurate degree settings. Maureen has set the fence to 45o. Look at how large each degree is on the laser etched aluminum scale.
	The extension arm gives considerable reach and the fence can be used for miters far in excess of the 45o that is the limit of the stationary scale.    We will be using this feature in our special section on cove cutting using the new CMT cove cutter. That will be added soon.
Maureen uses the lock lever to fix the sliding table in position. This is useful when setting up to make cuts. It is a quick release lever. By pressing forward on the fence, the lock will release. This is extremely useful when there is a panel in position that covers the lock lever. You simply push slightly on the fence and you are unlocked, ready to cut.    When the fence is removed, the lock keeps the table from sliding. Since Maureen has so carefully aligned the height of the sliding table, the locked table makes for a wonderful extension to the table saw's working area.
	With the sliding table and fence setup, Maureen wants to make a cut. She uses a piece of cherry that is large and heavy enough to put the sliding table to the test.
She adjusts the new holddown to the board. The knob at the rear, allows her to adjust the rough height of the clamp. She can adjust the foot screw for fast, fine adjustments. Once the height is set, she uses the quick action clamp to put pressure on the board.
	You can't get much better, easier, and safer cross cutting of heavy stock than this. The holddown clamp holds the stock to the table, and Maureen can effortlessly maintain total control of the cut.
The proverbial "bottom line." The end is square. The holddown clamp does its job and keeps the heavy plank from any lateral shifting.
	The real test of the holddown is when making miter cuts. That is when the piece wants to shift during the cutting. To test the holddown here, she sets the fence to 45o and lowers the clamp to hold a piece of pine. It is easy to reset the holddown fixture for stock of a different thickness.
She makes the cut. Note that the holddown keeps the board from shifting. Her hands merely guide the sliding table.
	The Exaktor System comes complete with two positionable stops. They are very useful for accurate, repetitive cuts.
Maureen can easily align the flipstop edge to the clear, exact numbers of the measuring tape. The ratcheting knob is useful for quickly loosening the locking screw and and then swiveling the handle out of the way.
	The flipstop is very sturdy. She notices that she can position the stock against the flipstop without flexing it. Note that the second stop is at the right on the fence and is up, out of the way.
Removing the fence couldn't be easier.
	When I first installed the table, I added a couple of bicycle storage brackets. They were easily attached to the legs. I have wrapped the loops with foam padded tape to keep them from marring the fence. It is the ideal place to store the fence when not in use.    Well that is it for the sliding table. Next, Maureen puts the final touches to the Exaktor Overarm Guard.