US Department of Agriculture, USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development Program Banner with Logos.
Images from various aspects of the T&D Program.
HomeAbout T&DT&D PubsT&D NewsProgram AreasHelpContact Us
  T&D > T&D Pubs > New Tools for Old Saws T&D Publications Header

New Tools for Old Saws

Adjustable Spider Gauge (Drawing MTDC-1014)

The adjustable spider gauge (figure 6) measures the set of the tooth. The spider gauge has three fixed legs and one adjustable leg.

Photo of the spider tool being used to determine the amount of set in a tooth.
Figure 6—The adjustable spider gauge is used to determine the
amount of set in a tooth. This spider gauge can be adjusted by
using an allen wrench to turn the top screw to the desired
tooth set.

Using a feeler gauge, adjust the spider leg to the desired saw set. To determine the set of a tooth, place the three fixed legs of the spider on the saw's main body and the longer adjustable leg on the tip of the tooth being set. To change a tooth's set, use the tooth-setting tool or hand-held anvil, and hammer to strike the tooth's tip, checking the set frequently with the spider. A set of 0.012 inch is good for most cutting applications. Flat-ground saws require more set to prevent them from binding than do tapered saws.