: I don't think that you would want any offset in the fence. If it is closer at
: the front, then you are digging into your surface and will be leaving
: scratches in the wood from the blade tip. If adjusted perfectly straight,
: then you shouldn't have to use a planer, when using a carbide blade on the
: saw. Even a good quality steel blade will leave a good surface if it is
: aligned properly and kept sharp.

: Rehd

Rehd,I think it is always wise to leave a little wider space at the back of the blade to the fence. Not alot but about 1/64 or so. My reasons are that as soon as the wood is started cutting friction is created and heat generated which expands the wood slightly. Also if tension is released in the board during the cut it needs a little room or it will burn for sure, more fiction, heat and expansion. Most blades these days are stamped out and not very flat at all. Most of the blades I have are Amana and Everlast. Both are in the $100 range and still a few /1000th off. I have a couple blades made by Forest that are guaranteed flat within 1/1000ths of an in. Especially with the Forest blades I leave the fence open at the back. They almost seem to create more friction because they are always in contact with the wood. I mostly cut hard woods in my profession which burn easier but even just for tension release it wise in my opinion to keep it a little open in the back. Most of my burning problem are caused by the blade getting out of paralel with the mitre slots. Especially after alot of hard ripping.

John