How To Align Table Saw Blades?
High-accuracy joints can be made easier by table saws. Misaligned blades on table saws are the leading cause of joint damage. If the blade is slightly off, it can be aligned by hand. More often, however, the table saw will need some adjustment in order to achieve accurate results.
The table saw can be used to cut straight lines on large boards. However, it cannot be used to crosscut pieces of wood that have been cut with a miterbox or circular saw. Cast-iron trunnion supports and aligns the motor shaft so that blades are at 90 degrees in each direction when used.
Steps To Align Table Saw Blades:
Attach the saw blade guard assembly to a mounting plate or hardware. It may seem awkward depending on the model you have, but it is possible to do this multiple times until you get it right. It will save you time later if you make multiple cuts using clean setup steps. My preferred method is to insert my left hand in the front opening and pull outwards, while my right-hand does it from underneath.
You can now unplug your saw and remove the nut holding the blade in place using a 5/41 cm socket wrench.
Take out the blade and insert a small straightedge in the gullet. Next, look across the edge to verify if it is straight. Adjustments screws are used underneath the motor plate to adjust alignment. These screws are secured with 1/4-20 nuts. Adjust one screw at a given time. Use 1/4-20 nuts underneath the motor plate to secure it.
Tweezers are great for fine adjustments. I used them to hold the screw and tighten the nut. It was so much easier than trying to position my hand correctly.
If you’re unsure of where it is, locate the small set screw in the middle of the adjustment screws. Refer to the owners manual. The motor plate must be removed before you can do this. Turn the 5/64 Allen wrench (often included in an owner manual) clockwise until it is tight. Then turn counterclockwise for 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
Note:
Although it feels strange, I can assure you that it works. An Allen wrench can only reach so far before stripping takes place, which is not important because your blade alignment will still be off.
Reattach 1/4-20 nuts to secure mounting hardware and replace motor plate on the trunnion.
Use the same straightedge to check that the set screw is not insufficient. If still misaligned, repeat steps 3-5 until so.
Note:
You may need to take out the motor plate if your blade is badly misaligned.
Reinstall the saw blade guard assembly, making sure that the hook portion is aligned with the top edge of either mounting hardware or motor plate. This should allow for a lot of pressure. Although I use hand pressure at this stage, it is easier to do so once the saw blade guard assembly has been reinstalled.
If your alignment is still not right, you might send it in to a service center or take it to them if necessary. Or, do as I did and post a question on one of the DIY sites asking for assistance from someone who is familiar with what you are doing.
Conclusion
Aligning your tool is most difficult when using a table saw blade. Although it can be difficult to draw straight lines, if you follow these steps and use the tools, it will become easier. This process will become easier with practice and time. We hope you found this article helpful in understanding how to align your table saw blade correctly so you can start making perfect cuts every time.
