How To Change A Table Saw Blade

For carpenters and do-it-yourselfers, replacing and changing a table saw blade is a basic task that may need to be performed several times on various projects. Table saws are used at construction job sites and in home work spaces and are one of the foundational tools for many work projects. Occasionally, blades need to be changed because they have become dull and old. However, table saw blades also can be changed according to the materials being cut for the specific project at hand. Types of blades for table saws include rip blades, smooth cutting and dado blades, just to name a few.

Materials Needed

•New Table Saw Blade
•Screwdriver
•Allen or Hex Wrench
•Small Block of Wood

Step 1 – Turn Power Off

Locating the power switch on table saw, turn the saw off. Also, for extra safety, unplug the saw from the wall socket to completely disconnect the power from the saw. Allow the saw to sit for a moment to make sure that all of the power drains from the machine.

Step 2 – Remove Blade Plate

Locate the blade plate on the table saw. With most models of table saws, the blade plate is the plate of metal that is on the top surface of the table saw.

Most blade plates are secured with at least two screws – one in the front and one in the back, so loosen and remove these screws in order to remove the plate. Set the plate aside out of the way.

Step 3 – Remove Blade

Move the blade so that it is in the highest position. For safety, place a small block of wood against the blade to prevent the blade from accidentally turning.

Locate and remove the nut and washer from the blade by turning the nut counterclockwise (toward you) with a wrench.

Remove the blade and set aside out the way while you work.

Step 4 – Install New Blade

With the teeth of the blade positioned toward the front of the table saw put the blade onto the blade housing.

Place the washer and nut in place and secure the blade in place by tightening the nut with a wrench by turning it clockwise (away from you). Hold the blade safely with the small block of wood.

Step 5 – Reinstall the Blade Plate

Using a screwdriver, reinstall the blade plate by tightening the screws that secure the plate to the top of the table saw.

Step 6 – Reconnect the Power

Plug the saw back into the wall socket to reconnect the power. Turn the saw on and run the blade to determine if the blade is correctly installed and running true.

Once you know how to replace a table saw blade, then it will become a routine activity that requires very little preplanning or special effort. In the course of a project, you may discover that you need to change a blade several different times as you work with different materials or need to make different kinds of cuts to complete your home improvement or construction project.