Norwood bunk alignments

[cmcguigan]

What's the best method for ensuring the cross bunks are all on the same plane?

[chet]

Stretch a mason string across them.

[Magicman]

My bed rails are individually adjustable, so I measure from the blade down to each bed rail.

[melezefarmer]

I tried assembling the bed rails on their sides with a long straight edge but I couldn't get it all level. I ended up using the method in the below video. Just make sure that the two ends are perfectly level with the rest of the sides rails loosely bolted. Then use a string line to get everything on the same plane (as per the video). It seems longer that way but you just can't get it perfect if you don't use this method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7F1SWyn4nA

[cmcguigan]

Thanks for the input.  I already have the mill assembled but I have one bunk that is 1/8" higher than the others.  I tried loosening the hardware and manipulating it but I ended up back where I was.

[Patrick NC]

You will most likely have to loosen all the hardware on your rails and align per the video that @melezefarmer posted a link to. Norwood alignment can be finicky. 

[melezefarmer]

Are you measuring the bunk compared to the other bunks or compared to the rails. On my hd36, I could see how one section of rail is higher at a joint making the corresponding bunk lower or higher but you have me stumped if it's bunk to bunk. If that's the case, I think the only solution is to loosen all the bolts, place supports under the rails where the bunks are and start over with a mason string as Chet mentioned above.

When I ended up following the method of assembly outlined by mr Boyt in the video, I didn't have to even touch the bunks. If the rails are straight, the bunks follow. What model Norwood mill do you have?

Cheers and good luck

Edit. Patrick replied with a more concise response than mine as I was typing mine.

[beenthere]

Thanks for the input.  I already have the mill assembled but I have one bunk that is 1/8" higher than the others.  I tried loosening the hardware and manipulating it but I ended up back where I was.

Or all the other bunks are too low by 1/8". Just a thought. 

[cmcguigan]

Thanks for all the input.  I took the bunks off and drilled out the 8 holes to 7/16".  That allowed me enough play to get them all within 1/32 of the others.  Measurements were taken from the blade under tension with the mill and head level. Hopefully this makes for better quality lumber and less blade deflection.