A table saw is a key tool in woodworking. It rips, crosscuts, cuts dados, grooves and rabbits, makes box joints, tenons and more. To do all those things well the table saw must make smooth, square and accurate cuts every time. Like a powerful race car, it’s going to need regular tune-ups to perform well. A well-tuned saw is a pleasure to use and will help you make great projects while a poorly maintained saw makes woodworking difficult and is potentially unsafe.
Its best to do tune-ups on a regular schedule, but your saw will send you some signals when it needs attention. You may find burn marks on your cuts, have cuts that aren’t square or get splintering at the end of a cut. Any of these symptoms can be a sign you need to stop working and do some adjusting.
Here are some basic steps to take in tuning up your saw:
Clean Up – Start by vacuuming out the cabinet and checking that the adjustment mechanisms aren’t coated in sawdust. Clean the cast iron top with a solvent and a scotch-brite pad and then apply a coat of wax or GlideCoat. Remove any pitch from the blade.
Blade – Check that your blade is flat by watching it as it slows when you shut off the saw. If it wobbles you may need to replace the blade.
Arbor – Remove the throat plate and check for run out by wiggling the blade. If it rattles or moves at all, your arbor bearings are worn and should be replaced. Next remove the blade and inspect the arbor flange to be sure it is clean and smooth so it provides a solid, true base for your blade. Start and stop the motor and carefully watch the arbor to see if wobbles. If the arbor is not true it will need to be replaced.
Pulleys and Belts – Misaligned belts can cause vibration leading to rough cuts. Put a straightedge across both pulleys to be sure they are aligned. If the ruler doesn’t sit flush on both pulleys, shift one on its shaft or adjust the motor position to bring them into alignment. Also check the belts – if frayed, worn or cracked they should be replaced.
Miter Slot Alignment – Reinstall the blade and check that the blade is parallel to the miter slot. Choose one tooth and measure the distance from the tooth to the slot at the front of the throat. Then rotate that tooth to the back of the throat and measure again. (A dial indicator is helpful for this.) If there is more than a couple of thousands difference align the table by loosening 3 of the 4 mounting bolts and carefully shifting the top.
Throat Plate – Lower the blade below the top and slide a straightedge across the throat plate. The plate should be at or just below the level of the table. Use the plate adjustment screws to adjust or insert shims to get the height right.
Miter Gauge – Be sure the miter gauge slides smoothly and fits snugly in the slot. Adjust the degree indicator to ensure its reading correctly.
Rip Fence – Since you previously aligned the miter slot, you can check the rip fence alignment by setting the fence next to the miter slot. Adjust the fence as necessary. Finally make sure the locking mechanism won’t allow the fence to slip sideways. That would be very dangerous during a cut.
Keeping your table saw tuned isn’t difficult, it just takes some discipline. The time you invest will easily be repaid with smoother, cleaner and above all, safer cuts.
