Top tips for maintaining your table saw
You invested in your table saw, and you want it to stay in tip-top shape for a good amount of time. Regular maintenance on a daily, weekly, and even monthly basis will ensure the longevity of your saw and keep it performing efficiently and safely. With a well-maintained table saw, you’ll be able to embark on any DIY project that your heart desires.
How do you keep your table saw in good condition?
That is a good question and an important one. You don’t want your table saw to stop working after a few times use. Therefore, it is essential that you perform these regular maintenance procedures.
Check the Alignment
Every time you use your table saw, you should check the alignment of the blade. This not only will result in more accurate workmanship, but will also decrease the possibility of accidents. You can use a straight edge to check the alignment of the motor and the pulleys to ensure that they’re flush. While you’re at it, make sure the throat plate and table extensions, if you have them, are flush with the work surface, the rip fence, blade, and miter gauge should also be parallel to each other.
Keep it Clean
After every use, make sure to clean your table saw and work surface. Sawdust and debris can build up in the parts, and make it more difficult to make accurate cuts. You can use a stiff brush, a shop vac, and/or an air compressor to rid your machine and work area of all the sawdust and other dirt and dust. You can also clean any removable plastic parts with a mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
Lubricate Regularly
A well-lubricated machine will run efficiently and at its peak power for years to come. Unplug the machine, use a stiff brush to whisk away sawdust and other residue, then use a dry lubricant to treat all the gears and pivot points. You can consult your user’s manual to see how to access all the nooks and crannies, and for recommendations on how frequently you should lubricate your table saw.
Tighten Parts
Your table saw takes a beating. The constant vibration and the effort put into cutting woods is not always easy on the device designed to do the job. Before and after every use you should check all the nuts and bolts to be sure that no parts are loose. For safety and efficiency, you must be sure that no loose parts go untightened. The miter gauge should be able to move freely through the slots, and the fence should lock securely without slipping.
Clean the Blade
The teeth of a table saw blade can get clogged with gunk, making the cuts less clean. Clean it by unplugging the saw, removing the blade according to your instruction manual (Be careful! The blade is still sharp, even when not being powered!), and soaking it in a mixture of warm water and a little laundry or dish detergent. Use a stiff blade to work off any stuck-on debris. Then rinse the blade in cool water and dry it carefully and completely with a soft cloth before reattaching it to your saw.
Replace parts as needed
If you’re noticing your blade wobbling as it slows down, it might be dull and need replacing. You can order replacement parts online, from a hardware store, or directly from the manufacturer of your table saw.
Along with knowing how to properly use it, making sure you maintain your table saw is very important to keep it running safely and efficiently. By following these regular maintenance tips, you are making sure that your saw will stay strong for a long time.
Resources — Table Saw Choice, Sears Parts Direct, The Spruce Crafts
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