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How to fix Ozito mitre saw fence not straight?

Hi all, I have been very occasionally using a ozito mitre saw. It never cut perfectly square and i thought i just haven't adjusted it properly.

Recently, Ihave just realised that the back fence is not level and just ever so slightly points inwards to the blade. See the picture.

Have others faced similar issue and know of a fix? Thanks

looks fine but it is not flat!

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EricL

Hello @jack7676

If the rear fence on your Ozito mitre saw is slightly leaning toward the blade, it will definitely cause cuts to come out of square. The good news is this is usually adjustable or correctable with some basic checks. Start by unplugging the saw and cleaning everything thoroughly. Sawdust trapped behind the fence or under the mounting points is a very common cause and even a thin layer can push the fence out of alignment. Loosen the fence bolts slightly and see if the fence relaxes back to square once the pressure is removed, then retighten while holding it against a known straight reference like a good steel ruler or combination square.

Next, check whether the table itself is flat. Place a straightedge across the table and against the fence. If the table is slightly twisted, the fence will follow that twist. Also confirm the blade is actually square to the table first, because sometimes the bevel stop is slightly off and it makes the fence look wrong when the blade is the real issue. Set the bevel to zero, lock it, and verify with a square against the blade (avoid touching the teeth). If that’s off, adjust the bevel stop screw before touching the fence again.

If the fence is still pointing inward, try loosening both sides completely, then retightening from the centre outward while pressing the fence flat against the table. Some Ozito saws have a two-piece fence, and they can get slightly misaligned between halves, so also check that both sides line up perfectly with each other. If the fence itself is bowed, flip it around temporarily to confirm; if the problem follows the fence, it’s slightly bent. In that case, thin shims (like aluminium tape or a feeler gauge strip) behind the mounting points can bring it back to square.

Finally, make a test cut on a wide board, flip one half over, and butt the cut edges together. If there’s a gap at the front or back, you’ll instantly see which way it’s still out. That method is more accurate than relying only on a square.

Let me call on our experienced members @Noyade, @Dave-1, @JoeAzza and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

jack7676

thanks @EricL for your quick reply. Is there an instruction on how to remove the fence / losen the fence bolts? I couldn't find anything obvious.

EricL

Hello @jack7676

I'm sorry but I don't have a "how to manual on removing the fence". However, there is a parts diagram available on the Ozito website but I'm not sure it is the same as your mitre saw. You could possibly use it as a reference the fence is part number 49.

Please remember to be safe, make sure that the mitre saw is unplugged before carrying out any mechanical repairs.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Evening @jack7676

Mmm it does look like the fence has taken a knock (we all have sawn something incorrectly and "BOOM" we are lucky nothing bad has happend to us :/ )

I have never tried to adjust the fence on my saw, I like ozito tools but my drop saw is a makita so it may be diierent.

Just had a google and found this video that may help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeAJbfGt6BQ

I will be checking my saw next time I get it out as I think I may have mine out of alignment as well.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @jack7676

All saws, DIY and trade need re-aligning at some stage. Some even straight out of the box. This is because they regularly get knocks and bumps that slowly put them out of square both horizontally and vertically.

The process for re-aligning your fence square to the blade is quite simple. First you need a set of Allan keys and a trusty square. Next you need to lightly loosen the securing bolts to the fence, usually four with your Allan key Typically they are behind the fence, if not they will be under the saw, but unlikely.

With the power disconnected, and the saw locked down, rest your square again the face of the blade flat on the table. Adjust the fence so it's square to the blade. If you have a slide mitre saw, test squareness at full extension. Once happy with the result, lock down the fence bolts. Oh an a handy tip is to watch how you align the edge of the square against the blade that one or more of the test aren't resting on its as this could

Vertical alignment requires a shorter square of the blade to the table. Grub screws will be located at the red of the saw where the stops are for centre, left and/or right bevel depending on if your model is a dial bevel model.

Nailbag

Noyade

"It never cut perfectly square"

In my humble and amateur opinion - this is/was a defective fence casting when they packed it in China. It's a one piece casting with a 'herniated' bulge to accommodate the back of the blade. They either get it right - or they don't. The sliding fence component is not the issue here and I don't believe you can 'unbend' it with the adjustments available.

It's one of the first things I look at when setting up and checking how accurate the 90 degree (particularly when a sliding saw) cuts are with a builders square. Always keep your receipt. Find something wrong - return it as soon as you can for advice - or swap/refund.

Noyade

I don't know what your Ozito saw size is, but if you want this fence (10" saw) - it's yours (no cost). You may have to drill new mounting holes though.

Just a thought.

JoeAzza

Hi @jack7676, if the saw fence is bent, then you should take the saw back to Bunnings for a replacement, as long long as you have a receipt or proof of purchase date. If it’s out of warranty, then you could build a mitre saw sled out of timber, there’s a lot of examples on YouTube, I made one for my mitre saw, it works well for straight cuts.

Here are some photos of the sled that I made for my mitre saw, I also made it with an adjustable guide to cut different angle of timber.

MitchellMc

Hi @jack7676,

As @Dave-1 and @Noyade have mentioned, that's a bent fence and not something that can be corrected through adjustments, unlike a fence that is out of alignment, which can be adjusted. It might have been a manufacturing issue, or this damage can occur if timber gets caught in the blade and slammed against the rear fence.

Typically, you don't have an issue when cutting longer lengths that fully span across the fence, but shorter lengths that don't reach the right-hand side get their ends cut at an angle. I've experienced this same issue myself before. If the unit is under warranty, I would suggest returning it to your nearest Bunnings store for assessment, or considering purchasing a new machine.

Mitchell

jack7676

Thanks all for your great advice as usual. I can't get access to the saw to check if i can adjust the fence but it seems like it won't work anyway (which is what i suspected). I unfortunately don't have the receipt anymore unfortunately so might try to build a sled as suggested. Also thank you @Noyade for your offer. Which suburb is it located in? I don't know if it'll fit but if you're nearby - i could grab it off you.

Cheers

Jack

Noyade

I suspect I am a long way from you Jack - PM me if you want me to post it too you.

Noyade

Noyade

That's a wonderful looking jig @JoeAzza - was it because the Makita fence was less than accurate?

And I love your pencil holder! 😁

Cheers!

JoeAzza

@Noyade, I made the sled to give me a zero clearance what cutting melamine to reduce chipping, I also added the guide to cut angle without moving the saw, I can also do more angles than what the saw mitre can do, I can still do combination a angles by removing the sled.

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