After owning a table saw probably the vital skill to learn is how to change a table saw blade. Table saw blades become dull with use and you will need to change or replace the blade periodically. Even the saw blade needs to change based on the workpiece that needs to be cut. So you have to apply this skill from the first day of work as long as you use the table saw.
But changing a table saw blade is overwhelming yet dangerous, especially for novice woodworkers, as the teeth of the blade can cause injury at any time. Thus we have come out with an easy-to-follow and safer to apply the process of changing a table saw blades. Keep reading till the end to learn when to change a table saw blade and how to clean the blade to retain its sharpness and productivity.
5 Easy Steps to Change a Table Saw Blade
People who own a table saw need to know how to change its blade. Doesn’t matter how durable and sharp the blade is, it will lose its performing ability and gets dull over time. So learning the process will let you continue the woodworking without waiting for hours for the experts.
Get access to the blade
The first step whenever we’re working with power tools is to make sure it’s unplugged. Then remove the throat plate and the blade guard to get access to the blade. This is a little different with each sauce, so check your table saw’s owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to do this. raise the blade to its highest point to get good access.
Loosen the arbor nut
With the garden throw plate removed, you can see the blade which is mounted on this shaft which is called the Arbor and it’s secured with the arbor nut and washer. You can follow multiple ways to loosen that arbor nut.
Method 1
Now you’re going to need a wrench. Most table saws come with a set of wrenches. If for some reason you no longer have these wrenches, you can use an adjustable wrench or an open-ended wrench. Take two wrenches and use one to hold and secure the arbor and loosen the arbor using the other one.
Method 2
The next method is more common on smaller and portable table saws. Some compact table saw feature an arbor lock. It’s a small lever located near the arbor that locks the arbor in position. Activate this function and loosen the nut with a wrench.
Method 3
The third method of loosening the arbor knot is to use an accessory like a benchtop blade lock. What this does is holds the blade in place so you can then loosen the nut with a wrench keeping your hands safe
Method 4
One final method is to use a wrench and a block of wood. You simply wedge the block of wood up against the blade that secures it from spinning and then loosen the nut with a wrench. Sort of a clever variation of this is to lower the blade down so the teeth are just above the tabletop height. Place the wrench on and let it rest on the reverse of the opening. Then you simply bomb the block of wood against the blade and it frees them up.
Remove the nuts
Now, with the nut-free, simply loosen it with your fingers. Put your index finger at the end of the arbor so that as the nut releases from the arbor, your finger holds it. This way, you can prevent the nut from falling into the base of the table. After releasing the nut completely, remove the washer.
Replace a new blade
Take off the old blade. Install the new blade, making sure that the teeth are facing towards you instead of away from you. And then replace the washer and the nut, and then you’re simply going to tighten the nut using the same method that you use to loosen the nut, just in reverse.
Reassemble the table saw
After installing the new blade, replace the guard system. Reinstall the throat plate and you are ready to get back to work. Choosing the right blade for the application and making sure it’s a sharp blade are two of the keys to having great results.
When you should change a Table Saw Blade
The condition and the quality of the blade control the cutting and overall efficiency of a table saw. If your top-class table saw has a knock-off blade, you won’t get the desired précis cutting performance. If your top-notch blade gets dull, still you won’t get accurate performance.
So, if you find the table saw doesn’t perform up to the standard, you should change the blade. Some high-end table saw comes with carbide-tipped blades that promise impressive durability and last a minimum of 2 to 3 years. Indeed, these blades require regular maintenance like sharpening and lubricating.
Honestly, high-end blade loses their edge, teeth get bent, and lastly require replacement. Since the replacement is the final decision, you should know when to take it. below are a few signs that suggest replacing the table saw blade:
Highly tear-out: If you find a tear-out on the workpiece while cutting, it means your table saw blade gets dull. Visible chipping also indicates a dull blade. After experiencing these, replace your table saw blade so you can cleanly slice through the workpiece.
Increased Resistance: If you notice resistance from the saw blade while pushing the workpiece, it means it’s time to change the table saw blade.
Loud Motor Noise: The motor of a table saw requires more power to cut through material with a dull blade. Because of applying excessive pressure, the motor produces louder sounds and consistent vibration. A dull blade also reduces the endurance of a motor. Thus it’s better to replace the blade before causing huge damage.
Noticeable Burn Marks: A burn mark on the cutting point of the workpiece is a common indication of changing the blade. Since a dull blade requires excessive pressure to cut through, it increases the friction between the blade and material and leaves burn marks.
You can sharpen dull table saw blades. But if sharpening can’t restore the performance, replace the blade.
How to Clean the Table Saw Blade Properly?
As mentioned, replacing the table saw blade is a final call. But cleaning the blade properly can restore its productivity and keep you from spending extra bucks on a new one. Let’s learn the right process:
Firstly, wear rubber gloves and remove the blade from your table saw. Make a mixer of laundry detergent and hot water into a dilute and shallow bowl. You can also use resin remover but apply it following the instruction mentioned in the packaging.
Put the blade into the mixer and wait some moment so the residue on the blade can soften. The exact time to wait varies, so check the liquids instruction section. Then take out the blade gently from the water and be careful as the teeth can cut your hand. Brush off the residue from the edge of the teeth following its direction. If the residue is still tough to remove, scrape them off using a wire brush.
Now clean every tooth of the blade following the same direction to remain safe and gets sharper teeth. Next, clean then dip in between every tooth which is also called gullet. After cleaning all the area, it’s time to rinse the blade using clean and running water. It will remove the whole soap suds from the blade. The next step is to dry the blade as leaving wet will help build rust on it.
Use a paper kitchen towel to gently dry the blade and then apply a hairdryer to take away any moisture. It’s better to spray the table saw blade with a lubricant like WD-40 to prevent further rust build-up.
FAQs on How to Change a Table Saw Blade
Which direction should you turn to release a table saw blade?
If you insert the blade from the left side of the table saw, turn the nut facing towards you. Likewise, turning the nut away from you will tighten it. Doing so forces the saw blade to remain to tighten with the table saw and prevent slipping during work.
Are table saw blades overturning thread?
Table saws are the perfect woodworking tool for consistent accurate cut, resulting in precious addition in any wood-shop. But some novice woodworkers remain concerned about how the saw blade is threaded. Table saw blade will thread reverse if they tilt right.
Can I sharpen a table saw blade more often?
It isn’t clear how many times you can sharpen the table saw blade. A common rule is that after cleaning two or three times, you should sharpen or replace the saw blade. You can sharpen the blade regularly as long as the sharpening makes the saw blade productive.
How long should a table saw blade last?
A high-end table saw blade should last around 2 to 4 years on average. But the longevity of the blade depends on how properly you clean and sharpen the blade. Investing in a durable table saw blade is also a key step in having long-lasting service.
Final words
Table saw is a valuable woodworking tool however its inserted blade determines the quality of the cutting performance. Properly attaching a high-end blade can give you the best result. so whether you are attaching the blade the first time or want to maintain the desired performance you must know how to change a table saw blade.
That way you can replace the dull blade with a new and sharper one any time you need. Replacing the table saw blade will be safe and relatively easier following the process we have mentioned. Lastly don’t forget to wear rubber gloves to prevent cutting your finger on the teeth of the blade.
