How to Change a Table Saw Blade

How to Change a Table Saw Blade

When you are ready to start working with your table saw, be sure to select a blade that is appropriate for the material you will be cutting. Inspect the blade to make sure it is not damaged or dull. Using a dull or inappropriate blade can result in injury or damage to your workspace. You may need to change your table saw blade because the blade is damaged or you need to cut a different material.

The first step in choosing a new saw blade is to open your owner's manual and read the blade specifications. Most table saws use 10-inch blades, but some use other sizes. Additionally, many 10-inch saws are capable of using dovetail blades, which are typically 8 inches in diameter. Make a note of the arbor size. Never use a blade with a different arbor size. Keep your manual handy; you will need it to understand the specific steps for changing your saw blade.

Now that you know what size blade to use, it is time to decide what type of blade you need. Many table saw users keep a variety of blades to change as needed. The type of saw blade depends largely on the material being cut and the desired surface quality. Additionally, a saw blade used for slicing (cutting wood along the grain) will be different from a saw blade used for crosscutting, general purpose, or cutting sheet materials such as plywood.

Before you proceed, disconnect the saw from the power source. Small actions like unplugging the power cord or removing the battery can save you a trip to the hospital.

In the owner's manual, read the entire section on changing blades. You may find that your saw has an arbor lock or other helpful features. Each saw has a slightly different method for removing the blade guard and throat plate, so the information in the manual is valuable. Also, some saws are angled to the left and some are angled to the right. This difference determines whether the arbor and nut are right-handed or left-handed. If any instructions in this guide differ from the owner's manual, follow the manual.

Use a brush, wet/dry vacuum, or compressed air to remove dust and debris from the saw.
Remove the blade guard and miter gauge. Slide the blade guard to one side. Remove the needle plate.
Raise the saw blade to its highest point for easy access to the arbor nut.
There are several ways to remove or replace a saw blade. Some saws come with an axle lock, a button or lever that prevents the saw blade from turning when the locking nut is loosened.
Other saws come with a set of two wrenches, one to hold the arbor and the other to turn the locking nut.
If the saw doesn't have a wrench, an adjustable wrench or mechanic's wrench can be used to turn the locking nut, but these tools are generally not suitable for holding the axle in tight areas.
Push a piece of wood shavings onto the saw blade and turn the locking nut with the wrench. This may take a few tries, but eventually the wood will stop the saw blade from turning and allow the locking nut to be removed.
Loosen the locking nut with the wrench and remove it by hand. Then slide off the locking washer.
Be careful not to drop the locking nut or washer. Have a telescopic magnetic retrieval tool on hand in case the nut or washer falls off.
Remove the blade.
Brush off any remaining sawdust or debris and inspect the arbor for damage.
Install the new blade. The teeth should be pointing toward you.
Put the washer and locking nut back in place. Tighten the nut. Tighten the nut carefully. If it is difficult to turn, stop and try again.
Tighten the nut, being careful not to strip the threads.
Before putting all the hand guards back in place, turn the blade by hand to check that it is straight. Any wiggle indicates a problem and the process should be repeated.
Make sure the blade is firmly in place and does not spin freely on the arbor.
Replace the blade guard and throat plate.
Reconnect the power supply.

Make a test cut with a scrap or ordinary board. Use this test cut to make sure the blade is properly seated, cutting cleanly and set to the proper angle.
Raise the blade to its maximum height and slide the saw guard to the side of the blade. Check that the saw guard and blade are parallel.
Make a test cut with a miter gauge to check that the crosscut guide is perpendicular to the blade. You can crosscut two boards and then place them end to end to visually check that the blade is set for a 90-degree cut.
If you are making a bevel or angled test cut, use an adjustable square or protractor to verify accuracy.
All guards and the rip saw blade should be in place when using the saw.
Never make crosscuts barehanded or against a fence. Always use a sliding miter gauge or crosscut block.
Use a push stick to move the wood across the blade.
Use a feather board whenever possible.
Cutting with the saw blade is just one of the dangers of using a table saw. Kickback is also very dangerous and can happen in a split second.
Remove loose clothing, jewelry, and watches before using the table saw. Tie back long hair.
Use proper safety equipment such as safety glasses, a respirator, or a dust mask when operating a table saw.

Some signs of a dull blade are a rough cutting surface, difficulty cutting, a powdery sawdust, and in extreme cases, a friction burn smell.
A dirty or sticky saw blade needs to be cleaned. The resins in some woods can leave a sticky residue that affects performance.
Check the blade for twists, bends, or cracks. Stop using a twisted, bent, or cracked blade.
Check the blade for broken teeth, missing carbide tips, or a dull edge. Stop using a blade if its teeth are damaged or dull. Some blades can be repaired or sharpened, while others need to be discarded.