Despite the fact that a table saw is a powerful tool, its blades are bound to become dull and blunt with time. This means that you will have to periodically replace the old blades. There are steps to be followed in the process to avoid any mistakes as well as accidents. Several people know how to clean a table saw blade or even sharpen it but changing the blades is another different story. Luckily, I have provided some basic steps on how to change table saw blade.
To any woodworker out there, the table saw is one of the most important tools in their workshops. It is an essential tool that is often used to accomplish several projects within the shortest time possible. Another thing is that table saws are incredibly versatile and can be used to perform a variety of accurate cuts with ease. As a matter of fact, you can use this machine for your DIY home projects or at a construction job site.
The Tools Required When Changing The Table Saw Blade
Get A New And Suitable Table Saw Blade
First of all, you need a table saw blade that you want to change.
Here we get an table saw blade that is mostly needed and the experienced woodworker knows how a blade saw is important. That why, here we got this table saw blade that is Forrest WW10407125 ten inch table saw blades
Screwdriver Set
To remove the blade plate and table saw blade, you need to unfasten the nut. Thus you need a screwdriver to do that. Here you got a screwdriver from a popular brand named Craftsman 9-31794 Slotted Phillips Screwdriver Set which is best for doing those type of job.
Work Gloves For Safety
dealing with table saw or table saw blade, You must careful. For this reason you need to use a safety work glove that will ensure hand safety.
Here you get the a work gloves that is recommended to wear during changing table saw blade. Here you find the most popular brand named Carhartt Men’s W.P. Waterproof insulated glove.
Wrench Set
To unfasten the blade nut, you need thin but strong hex wrench set.
Here you get the strongest allen or hex wrench set from Grip that will really help you.
Table Saw Blade-Lock
Table saw blade is so sharp, for this reason you need to take sufficient safety precaution. During loosening or fastening, you need to block the rotation of table saw blade.
That’s why you should use a saw blade lock during changing the saw blade.
How To Change Table Saw Blade In 6 Steps
The procedure used to change the blades is pretty simple and straightforward. Furthermore, you can use it for any type of table saw including the job site table saws, hybrid table saws and the cabinet table saws. However, before you can proceed make sure you have thoroughly read the user manual.
Step 1: Disconnect The Power Of Table Saw
This is one step you cannot forget for safety reasons. A table saw is a power tool and can be extremely dangerous if not handled the right way. First and foremost, locate the power switch on the machine and turn the saw off. Afterwards, unplug it from the power outlet for extra safety. Allow it some time to ensure all the power has drained from the machine. All these precautions are worth your time because at the end of the day there will be no accidents.
Step 2: Remove The Blade Plate Of The Table Saw
Find out where the blade plate is located. Table saws are designed differently and if you cannot see it, you might want to get the instruction manual just to be sure of what you’re doing.
In many of the models, the blade plate is positioned on the bottom surface of the machines working tool. Note that the blade plates are usually secured in place with two screws. They are located at the front and back respectively. All you have to do is loosen the screws so that you can safely remove the metal plate. Set it aside.
Step 3: Remove The Blade From The Table Saw
Now that you have already removed the blade plate out of the way, it will be easy to raise the blade outwards to its maximum height. Take the small block of wood and place it against the blade so that it does not accidentally turn.
All tables saw blades are held in position by the arbor. Therefore, before you can remove the blade from its arbor you will have to successfully loosen the arbor nut. In this case, you will need a pair of wrenches to get the job done. Use one wrench to hold the blade immobile and the other to turn the arbor nut anticlockwise.
After the nut has loosened enough, unscrew and remove it using your fingers. Do this carefully to prevent it from falling inside the table saw body. You can now remove the washer as well. Take the blade out and set it aside.
Step 4: Install A Brand New Blade
It’s now time to replace the old blade with a brand new one. When doing this, make sure the teeth are facing towards you and never away from you. After you have already positioned the new blade on the arbor, the next thing to do is replace the arbor nut and washer.
Use the same method to re-tighten the nut as the one used to loosen it. In this case, get the pair of wrenches and hold the blade steady with one while the other screws into place the arbor nut. Tighten the nut in a clockwise manner and don’t forget to use the small block of wood to safely hold the blade.
Step 5: Place The Blade Plate In Its Position
Use a screwdriver to reinstall the blade plate to its original position. All you have to do is tighten the screws that secure it onto the top of the table saw. Make sure they are properly tightened.
Step 6: Install The Power
In this section, you are required to plug the table saw back into the power outlet. Turn it on and run the blade as you carefully observe it. This way, you can know if it’s properly installed and running as it’s supposed to.
Safety Precautions During Replacing A Table Saw Blade
You have to practice the same amount of caution guided by OSHA when changing the blades as you would when using it to make wood cuts. Little mistakes can result in serious injuries on the fingers, skin and even tendons. Here are a few safety precautions to always keep in mind when changing the blades.
Read The Manual
Reading the user’s manual of your particular table saw is quite important but very many people often overlook it. Each type and brand of table saw is different. Hence, there are a set of instructions that you have to apply. Make sure you read the manual before commencing on changing the blade.
Wear Hand Gloves
The hand gloves are meant to protect your hands from any accidents that may occur during the changing process. It should be the first thing you do when starting on the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a Saw Blade is Square?
To see if the blade is perpendicular to the table, mark a thick board with a single line on one side and a double line on the other.
What are the black blades?
The black blades (D) are a complete dado set for cutting wide grooves in lumber on the table saw.
What is a perfect square crosscut?
To get a perfectly square crosscut, the blade must be perpendicular to the table and the miter gauge must be perpendicular to the blade.
How do I hold the blade in place?
constructionprotips It is possible to buy a special device called a blade lock to hold the blade in place as you loosen the arbor nut.
What should I do if my table saw is not working?
For this reason, the first step before you do anything else should always be to ensure your table saw is switched off and disconnected from its power source.
What is an arbor lock function?
This consists of a switch that stops the blade from turning as you loosen the arbor nut.
How do I remove the throat plate and blade guard?
Since table saws are all different, this is an area where you may need to check the instruction manual to see how it is done if you are not sure.
How do I remove a table saw blade?
Loosen the arbor nut The blade of a table saw is held in place by something called an arbor, and to remove the blade from the arbor, first, you need to loosen the arbor nut.
How do I loosen the arbor nut?
Your table saw should include a pair of wrenches for this purpose.
How do I remove the arbor nut?
thesprucecrafts Once you have loosened the arbor nut with the wrench, you can then unscrew it and remove it with your fingers.
What if I need to replace the blade?
Remove the blade and replace with the new one With the arbor nut and washer removed, you can now remove the blade.
How do I tighten the arbor nut?
Tighten the arbor nut Using the same method as you used to loosen the arbor nut, you can now re-tighten it.
What if I don’t have wrenches for my table saw?
Use a regular adjustable wrench If you don’t have the necessary wrenches for your table saw, a regular adjustable wrench or pair of wrenches can be used in the same way to hold the blade still and loosen the arbor nut.
How do I identify the blade plate?
You need to go check manual for proper information about the blade plate’s location.
How do I remove the blade plate?
Simply loosen these screws and get the metal plate out.
How do I put a new blade?
You need to put the new blade in place of where old one was located.
What are the safety precautions you need to take while using a table saw?
You need to make sure the power switch of your table saw is turned off.
How do I use a wrench for arbor nut?
Instead of the manufacturer’s provided wrench, you can simply use any regular one.
Can I clean the arbor?
Note: After taking out the blade, if you see that the arbor is unclean, you can clean it.
How do I use the blade locking pin?
This will ensure that the blade is stable and is in its right place.
How do I loosen the nut?
When you are done, you have to pull the wrench forward.
How do I know if my blade is safe?
While dealing with any electrical tool, you have to keep in mind that it is essential to unplug it before you start working.
What should I wear?
You should wear full pants and full sleeves dress to avoid small cuts.
What are the best laser-cut shots?
Go for titanium-coated blades, and they will be better in performance.
Final Verdict
There is no reason for you to compromise on your safety and work performance by installing a poor quality saw blade. A high quality sharp blade will prevent any serious future accidents such as finger tendons. Install only a sharp good quality saw blade with proper safety. And follow the above guide to change the table saw blade properly.