When you use your table saw regularly, it is inevitable that at some point you will have to change the blade. Whether you need a different type of blade for the cut you’re making or you simply are due for a new one, we can help.
Changing the table saw blade is a fairly simple process but there are definitely some things to know and be aware of as you go. You will find that if you follow these steps, you can easily and quickly get your blade changed.
We’re going to walk you through step-by-step to make sure you fully understand the process.
Table of Contents
1. Keep it Safe
It’s important that you always know the safety precautions that you should use when you want to change a table saw blade. You need to make sure that your table saw is powered off but you also want to go ahead and unplug it.
You’re going to have your hands up close and personal with a sharp blade. If a mishap were to occur, that blade could do a lot of damage and fast. Don’t risk it! Turn the table saw off but also take it one step further and unplug it completely from the power source just to be sure.
2. Remove External Parts
The blade on a table saw has things that hold it in place. It has accessories all around it so the first step to changing the blade is to remove those things.
Here, we are specifically referring to your blade guard as well as the throat plate. Removing these will make your blade more accessible for the changing process.
While every saw is different, these are typically just secured with a couple of screws. Find where they are attached and then unscrew in order to detach them. If you’re not really sure how to remove them, we recommend checking out the owner’s manual for your saw to be sure.
3. Adjust Blade Height
When you’re cutting with the blade on the saw, chances are you have it lowered quite a bit. In most cases, you don’t want the blade sticking up a whole bunch.
To make it easier to access and change, you need to raise the blade. You’re going to need to be able to get to the arbor nut that secures the blade in place. Raise it up so that you can easily access this piece.
Honestly, we recommend raising it as high as you can. It gives you better access and more visibility to remove the old blade and replace it with a new blade while it’s still raised up.
4. Tackle the Arbor Nut
Now, you need to remove the arbor nut that holds the blade in position. This is the piece of the puzzle that secures the blade but also allows it to rotate when you power p the saw. Most saws will actually come with some sort of wrench that is meant specifically for that purpose.
If you for some reason don’t have that tool, we’ve got some workaround options. The easiest thing is to just grab a wrench that is the right size and fit. A wrench is a wrench, right? You might also be able to use a blade lock if you have one – or a wrench paired with a block of wood as well.
Check first to see if you have the tools that came with the saw. Otherwise, do a bit of research for your saw in particular and see if you can find some options to help you if a regular wrench won’t get the arbor nut off.
As you loosen the arbor nut, be sure to be prepared to catch it in your hand when it comes loose. You don’t want it to fall or get lost inside of the saw. The arbor nut should have a washer on it as well.
5. Remove and Replace
Now, you should be ready to remove the old blade and replace it with the new blade. Once the arbor nut is removed, the blade should just come right off. Just be sure that you position the new blade properly and facing the right direction as well.
Once you’ve got the new blade positioned, you are going to reattach the arbor nut and the washer to the new blade. Again, be careful not to accidentally drop the arbor nut or washer inside of the saw. Keep a good grip on it until it starts tightening on the blade attachment.
You can use the tool that came with the saw or even just a wrench to help tighten up the arbor nut just as it was before. You might have to hold your blade steady while you are tightening.
You’ve got the blade changed so go ahead and lower it back down. Then, you can reattach your throat plate as well as your blade guard.
You should be set to start using the saw again as normal when all of the pieces are attached again.
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Why Would I Need to Change My Table Saw Blade?
Table saw blades might need to be changed for any number of reasons. It might be because you’ve worn out the blade or simply because you need a different type of blade for your current project.
It’s important to know how to change the blade for when the occasion arises. Here are some common scenarios that might cause you to need to change the blade.
- You need a different TPI
- The blade is dull
- You need a different type of blade
- The blade is cracked or chipped
- The blade is not working properly
- You have a specialty blade
- You want to try out a new blade
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Conclusion
We hope you find this step-by-step guide to changing a table saw blade to be helpful. It’s a simple process if you know the steps to follow. Removing the arbor nut is easiest when you have the original tool from the saw but if for some reason you don’t, there are other options.
If you run into any snags, it’s a good idea to look up your table saw model specifically or refer to the owner’s manual.