This article discusses the steps involved in changing a table saw blade but before then, let’s talk about knowing when to change or sharpen your table saw blade.
Important Signs Your Table Saw Blade Is Dull
1. It will require more force and effort
The first sign is that the strength you need to cut through pieces of wood will increase because when the blade is dull, it will require more effort to perform the same tasks it used to perform easily.
2. It will be slower
Despite applying more effort, you will also notice that the blade’s cutting speed has reduced. The task that used to take less than 5 minutes to complete will now take more than 7 minutes, and it will keep getting worse.
3. There will be louder noise
The motor will become noisier since it is now working much harder than it was designed to do.
4. It will consume more power
You may also notice that the amperage of your table saw will increase. In other words, it will now use more energy to perform the same task. Meaning that your electricity bill will increase, thereby raising your operating cost.
Why You Should Fix Dull Blades Urgently?
What you should bear in mind is that when any of these problems occur, it will just continue to get worse until it becomes unbearable. Moreover, the longer it takes you to either sharpen the blade or replace it, the more you shorten the lifespan of the blade.
It is better to sharpen it as it costs much less than replacing the blade. However, you can only sharpen it several times after which you must replace it.
When it gets to the point when sharpening the blade does not improve the situation, it means a replacement is due. Now, let’s discuss the steps involved in changing a table saw blade.
1. Steps involved in changing a table saw blade
To change the blade of your table saw, you need the following tools and material. The new blade, a screwdriver, Hex or Allen Wrench, and a small block of wood.
2. Turn the table saw off
May seem obvious but some users have forgotten to turn off their table saw before attempting to change its blade. This is why it is necessary to make it the very first step. You can also disconnect entirely from the outlet and then give it some time for the power to drain out of it.
3. Remove the blade plate and the blade
The next step is to remove the blade, but you have to remove the blade plate first. It is the metal that is on the top surface of the table saw. Check around for all the screws that secure the plate and remove them one by one. Turn the screws counterclockwise to loosen them. After that, you can remove the plate to pave the way for blade extraction.
Now, you can now remove the blade. You need to place a block of wood against the blade to prevent it from turning accidentally. Remove the nut and washer holding the blade in place with a wrench. Gently remove the blade and put it out of reach. You can either take it to be professionally sharpened or install its replacement immediately.
4. Install a blade (either the sharpened old one or a new one)
Gently place the blade in its rightful position with its teeth pointing towards the front of the table. After that, you can now place the washer and nut and tighten the nut against the washer to hold the blade in place.
Turn the nut clockwise to tighten it. After that, install the plate the way you want it.
It is often advisable to study how the parts are connected or fixed before dismantling them so that you will be able to put them back correctly again. You can now reconnect it to power.
5. Safety tips for the use of a table saw
While a table saw is extremely useful, it is also dangerous as there are numerous table and chain saw accidents. However, if you follow the required safety tips, you can use the equipment for many years without encountering an accident.
Many professionals have been using them for years without an accident. So, here are essential safety tips for applying when using a table saw.
6. Always wear safety equipment
Wear hearing protection and safety glasses. You should also avoid loose-fitting clothes, jewelry, and necktie when using a table saw.
7. Keep your work area clean
Always keep your work area free from sawdust, cutoffs, and stock. A clogged table will hinder your ability to make accurate cuts, and you could step on cutoffs and fall while working.
8. Study and learn about your equipment’s safety features
Every heavy equipment comes with its safety features, and you may not be able to take advantage of them if you don’t study them properly.
So, it is important to study the safety features of your table saw before using it. Anti-kickback pawls, riving knife, and blade guard are all meant to protect users. So, they should be adjusted appropriately.
9. Disconnect from power before changing the saw blade
Whenever you want to remove the blade or fix anything in your table saw, it is necessary to disconnect the equipment from power totally because you could mistakenly hit the power button and switch it on.
10. Ensure there is no obstruction before starting the table saw
It is also necessary to ascertain that nothing is hindering the spinning of the blade before you start it.
11. Other miscellaneous safety tips
Always maintain a good standing position while working. You need a good balance, and you should not stay in the way of kickback so that if it occurs, you won’t be hit.
When necessary, use a push stick to push the board through the blade instead of your hands. This will protect your fingers from the blade.
Final Verdict
Now, you have not only learned how to change a table saw blade, but you have also learned the signs you will get if your table saw blade is dull.
Most importantly, you have also learned a few essential safety tips required when working with a table saw.