I do not own a Hammer, but the scale of the crosscut fence should always be facing you. I can't remember the specifics of the stops, but I'm certain there is a stop somewhere for 0 degrees.
Chris, you're correct that the scale on the Hammer/Felder machines should always face the user, and Rich M.'s machine is set correctly. The fence is designed so it can be set up at the near- or far-side of the outrigger, looks like Rich M. has his set up on the near-side which is fine for certain operations, "normal" position is far-side.
Rich M, it sounds like you were able to identify with Felder that those little flip-up tabs on the outrigger are your indexes for square. Make sure you:
-- Set the slider travel for a very slight toe-in relative to the blade (I have mine set to 0.1mm over 300mm). Clamp dial indicator to your slider, your dial indicator will read "0mm" on the in-feed teeth, and "-0.5" on the out-feed teeth, making sure to measure the same tooth.
-- Set the fence square to the table. This can be checked using a square against the fence, and a dial indicator attached to the cast iron top. Needle on the indicator shouldn't move as you slide the table forward- and back-. Once you get the hang of it you can really dial it in, no need for 5-cut method.
If you try to set your fence square to the blade you risk burning or kickback, square to the slider and you'll get skewed cuts. Just be methodical and you'll get awesome results.
