My old man called the other day. He looked worried and desperate. He had tried fitting his new table saw blade, but it was all to no avail. So he wanted me to help him out. After sending him some of my tutorials and explaining how to do the process, he finally got his sword right and got excited. But then I realized that maybe he was not alone.
There are probably many people out there who are having the same problem. So I decided to create a simple guide that will help table saw users. It is a guide showing how to properly set up a table saw blade and which direction the saw blade should point for quick crosscuts.
The Proper Way the Table Saw Blade should Spin
A table saw is an important machine in our workshop. This is a tool that has a circular saw blade integrated into the arbor and is run by an electric engine. This circular saw blade usually protrudes through the table surface and offers support for the workpiece to be cut. In order for this circular saw blade to work appropriately, it must be installed properly and also spin in the right table saw blade direction. For the all types of table saw blades in the market is the same role.
So, in what direction should my blade rotate? The blade ought to spin or rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. This is to ensure that your preferable table saw blade tooth slices as it moves up and in the forward direction.
Which Way Does the Blade Go on a Table Saw?
I have a lot of people calling me and asking me this question. If this is your first time using a table saw, the first thing you need to know is how your table saw works, what type of table saw blade you have, and the size of the blade. Well, if you are trying to set your table saw blade, in most cases, you need to adjust the blade so that it rotates towards you (in your direction).
In other words, from top to bottom. This is because the sharp saw blade faces the front of the table saw, not the rear. If you do not adjust your blade in this way, you will be forced to hold the work object to prevent it from flying forward. Sometimes, this is so risky and dangerous as the work object may push you towards the blade causing serious injury.
Take a multipurpose handy crosscut sled for better safety while you are cutting wood or wood materials.
Now that you have learned the direction of the table saw blade and how the blade moves, now are the time to ask yourself which side of the table saw goes up. For neat and accurate cross-sections, always remember that when cutting wood with a table saw or miter saw, make sure the finished side is facing up. Also, repeat the process when using a chainsaw. The finished side of your workpiece should be on the bottom.
How do You Remove and Position Your Table Saw Blade?
Like other saws on the market, such as miter saws, circular saws, scroll saws, etc., the teeth on the saw blade tend to dull with use and should be replaced regularly. There are many blades here, such as dado blades, crosscut blades, TCG blades, combination blades, and ripping blades for table saw. They are all strong and work very well.
Are table saw blades reverse threaded? Many of the table saws available on the market come with an arbor that is threaded to automatically tighten when the saw blade rotates. Often times when you push the wrench toward the front of the machine, the nut is unlocked. If the saw is tilted to the right and the saw blade is mounted from the left side of the flange, it will eventually have a reverse thread.
Steps to Follow When Changing Your Table Saw Blade
When changing the blade, make sure you have all the tools you need, like a set of wrenches, a new table saw blade, a screwdriver, and a small block of wood to carry out the following process:
Step 1: Switch off the Power
Make sure the table saw power switch is off. For added safety, remove the saw from the socket. Let the machine rest a bit before you start.
Step 2: Remove the Blade Plate
Check the saw blade plate on your power saw tool. The blade is usually secured with at least two screws. One in the front and one in the back. Therefore, loosen and remove these screws to remove the plate. So, in what direction do you turn the table saw arbor nut to loosen it? I get this question very often. Well, in case the arbor nut enters the blade from the left side of the machine, you will need to turn the top of the nut towards you to unlock it and outward to firmly secure the blade.
Step 3: Get out Your Blade
In the next phase, the blade is moved so that it is in the highest position. To ensure safety, place a small piece of wood against the table saw blade to prevent the blade from turning accidentally. Check and unlock the arbor nut and blade washer by turning the bolt toward you with a wrench. But what if you don’t have a wrench? How can you remove a table saw blade without a wrench? Here you can use many tools such as an open-hand wrench to open the nuts, or pliers to loosen the nut moderately, and then use your hands to loosen it.
However, sturdy and safe gloves are recommended. After loosening the screws, go to the washer and remove it as well. Lastly, slowly and safely remove the blade and set it aside.
Step 4: Insert the New Blade
Replace the blade in its housing following the procedure described above and with the teeth of the blade facing you. Reinstall the washer and nut and tighten the blade with a wrench or one of the tools shown above. Be sure to turn the wrench counterclockwise to tighten. Place a piece of wood on the rip blade to prevent it from turning.
Step 5: Insert the New Blade Plate
Take your screwdriver and reinsert your blade plate. Tighten the screws that secure the plate to the top of the table saw.
Step 6: Start Your Table Saw
Connect your table saw back into the socket and switch it on to determine if the blade is running. If the table saw blade is rolling and unbalanced, what are you going to do? Many people ask me in my website email: How do I balance my table saw blade? What will I do to balance my table saw blade? The answer is simple. Either you are using the wrong format to reinstall the saw blade, the saw blade is warped or not bolted securely, the saw blade is not square to the table saw and the replacement rip fence is not parallel to the saw blade.
If you need some advanced tricks on the table saw fence system you can dive into “Get Secrete Table Saw Fence Tricks and Techniques“
Summing-up
The key to a clean cut in any type of wood is a sharp saw blade and the proper position of the table saw blade. Failure to do so will result in poor-quality cuts and accidents. To avoid unnecessary drama and inappropriate table saw blade direction, read our guide and follow all the steps to ensure the correct installation and positioning of your table saw blade. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.