how flat is flat for table saw top?

[James Baker SD]

I took my Powermatic 66 (about 10 years old) apart last weekend to clean the insides and adjust the table, wings and rails. Putting it back together today, I have the top back on with the wing attached. Putting a good 36" Starrett straightedge along the top I can see it is cupped (dips low) in the center near the blade. Pretty consistent cup from front to back. It looks really deep to my eye, but feeler gauges indicate it is between 0.003" (fits under straightedge) and 0.004" (doesn't fit). This doesn't sound like much.

So the question is should I worry about this even though I cannot imagine what I could do (that I am willing to do) to fix it. How flat should a table saw top be for quality work?

James

[Jeff Miller]

You need to get rid of that saw............total junk,you give me gas money and I'll move it for you.




Really Jim I think the table is flat enough. Take the straight edge to a machine shop and get it checked maybe it's not straight:D


JEFF:)

[Dave Lehnert]

You are well within the acceptable standard.

[Myk Rian]

It's junk. Should be no more than .00005.. About 50 millionths. :)

[glenn bradley]

Steel City states .008" as within tolerance.

[tom martin]

Glen, I take it for granite you are a Steel City fan!

[Dave Verstraete]

I think you should send the saw to me (freight prepaid,of course) and I'll machine it flat for me. I don't think I need a return address though.

[Rick Lizek]

When I bought my 66 25years ago the specs were .025" for the top! Let it go. Can you keep your tolernaces better than that?

[James Baker SD]

Thanks for the info guys, and while I do appreciate the offers to take the junk off my hands, I think I will instead test my mechanical skills and finish putting it back together and see if it still spins a blade when I am done.

James