Changing the blade on a miter saw can be daunting for some, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process step-by-step.
We will also provide some tips and tricks that will help the process go a little smoother.
So, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to change the blade on your miter saw!
Another interesting read: 5 Best Sawzall Blades for Cutting Tires
Reasons To Change The Miter Saw Blade
There are several reasons you might need or want to replace the blade on your miter saw with new saw blade.
Some reasons are listed below:
What causes damage to my miter saw?
If you hit something while cutting like a nail or knot in the timber, or if the blade becomes otherwise damaged, it will need to be replaced. A damaged blade can cause kickback, which is dangerous. It can also cause the saw to produce uneven cuts.
You may not notice the damage right away, but over time it will become more and more apparent in the quality of your cuts.
Eventually, it will reach a point where you have no choice but to replace the blade.At that point, you might as well just replace it with a better quality blade so that you can get better results moving forward.
How can I tell if my miter saw blade is dull?
Probably the most common reason to change the blade on a miter saw is that the blade has become dull and no longer produces quality cuts. A dull and dirty blade can cause the saw to bind, produce kickback, and can even cause damage to the motor.
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How Often does my miter saw blade need to be replaced?
How often a blade needs to be replaced depends on how often it is used and what type of materials it is cutting. If you are only making occasional cuts in softwood, you may be able to get away with only changing the blade once a year or so.
However, if you are using the miter saw daily for hours at a time to cut wood, or if you’re cutting hardwoods or other tougher materials, you’ll need to change the blade more frequently – perhaps as often as every few months.
When inspecting your miter saw blade, pay close attention to the condition of both the teeth and carbide. The teeth are the tiny metal blades that do the actual cutting, while the carbide is a harder material bonded to the tips of the teeth. Below are some considerations in this regard:
Teeth are Damaged
If the teeth are damaged or bent, they will need to be replaced. If only some of the teeth are damaged, you may be able to get away with just having those particular teeth repaired or replaced. However, if most of the teeth are damaged, it’s probably time for a new blade.
Carbide Tips
You’ll also need to look at the carbide tips. These can become chipped or broken off completely, which will damage both the blade and your workpiece. In most cases, once the carbide tips are damaged, they cannot be repaired and you’ll need to replace the entire blade.
If your blade bolt is still in good condition but isn’t cutting as well as it used to, you may be able to sharpen it. However, this is a job best left to the professionals, as it requires special equipment and training.
The Current Blade Is Not Making Clean Cuts
If your compound miter saw blade is not making clean cuts, it may be due to a dull blade or one of the following issues:
- Teeth are damaged or bent and need to be replaced
- Carbide tips are chipped or broken off and need to be replaced
- The blade is dull and needs to be sharpened
- There is something caught in the blade (such as a nail) and needs to be removed
In most cases, you’ll be able to tell which of these issues is causing the problem just by inspecting the blade. However, if you’re not sure, it’s always best to take the saw to a professional for diagnosis.
You Want To Use A Different Size Or Style Of Blade:
In some cases, you may need to change the blade on your miter saw because you want to use a different size or style of blade. For example, if you’re cutting firewood, you may want to switch to a blade with larger teeth and the quality of the cut doesn’t matter as much. If you’re making precision cuts for carpentry, you will want to switch to a blade with finer teeth which will produce a more accurate cut.
Another interesting read: How to Saw Lumber with a Bandsaw Mill
Quick Steps To Change Miter Saw Blade:
Whatever the reason, changing the blade on your miter saw is a relatively simple and easy task that anyone can do with just a few tools and the correct direction.
Tools Required:
- Blade wrench
- New blade
- Safety goggles
- Hearing protection
Step1: Unplug The Miter Saw
Before you do anything else, make sure to wear gloves and unplug the saw. This is an important safety precaution that should never be ignored when you change the blade.
Step2: Raise The Blade Guard
Next, use the blade adjustment knob to raise the miter saw blade guard as high as it will go. This will give you more room to work and make it easier to remove the old blade.
If your saw has a dust bag, you may need to remove it before you can raise the blade. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
Step3: Remove The Old Miter Saws Blade
Once the blade is raised, use the blade wrench to loosen the bolt cover that holds the blade in place. In most cases, you’ll need to turn the bolt counterclockwise to remove it.
Once the bolt cover is loosened, you should be able to slide the old blade off of the arbor. If it’s stuck, tap it gently with a hammer until the bolt cover comes loose.
Step 4: Install The New Blade
To install the new miter saw blade, simply slide it onto the arbor and tighten down the bolt. Again, you’ll usually need to turn the bolt clockwise to tighten it. Once tight, lower the blade back down to its original position.
If your saw has a dust bag, you’ll need to put it back on now.
Step 5: Test The New Blade
Before you start cutting, it’s always a good idea to test the new blade to make sure it’s installed correctly the spindle cover and working properly. To do this, simply turn on the saw and let it run for a few seconds. If everything looks and sounds normal, you’re ready to start cutting.
If something doesn’t seem right, turn off the saw and double-check that the saw blade is installed correctly. Once you’re sure everything is okay, you can try turning on the blade washer of saw again.
Conclusion:
That’s all there is to it! As you can see, changing the miter saw blades on your miter saw is a relatively simple process that anyone can do. Just make sure to take all the necessary safety precautions because it will be extremely sharp and you’ll be good to go.Another interesting read: How to Cut 2×4 with Circular Saw (4 Simple Steps)
