Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a passionate DIYer, your table saw is one of the most critical tools in your shop. And like any tool, it needs to be properly maintained and adjusted to ensure peak performance.
When the saw is not adjusted correctly, it can lead to inaccuracy, poor finish quality, and even dangerous situations.
This article will show you how to adjust your table saw for maximum accuracy and safety correctly.
How to adjust the table saw?
There are a few things you need to adjust on your table saw to achieve the best results. These include:
- Alignment of driver pulleys
- The blade height
- The blade angle
- The fence alignment
- The bevel angle
- The bevel stops
- Adjustment of the miter gauge
Each of these adjustments is described below.
Align the drive pulleys
The first step in adjusting your table saw is to ensure the drive pulleys are appropriately aligned. This can be done using a ruler and a straight edge.
First, measure the distance from the center of one drive pulley to the center of the other drive pulley. Next, measure the distance from the edge of one drive pulley to the edge of the other drive pulley. If the measurements are not the same, you will need to adjust the position of one or both of the drive pulleys.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the set-screws on one or both drive pulleys, then move the drive pulley until the measurements are equal. Re-tighten the set screws.
Adjusting the blade height
The blade height is the distance between the top of the blade and the table’s surface. It’s essential to adjust the blade height to the same height as the thickness of the stock you’re cutting.
To adjust the blade height, loosen the two screws on either blade side using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then use a ruler to measure the distance between the top of the blade and the table’s surface. If necessary, adjust the height by turning the two screws on either blade side. Make sure to tighten the screws when you’re done.
Adjusting the blade angle
The blade angle is the angle at which the blade is tilted relative to the table. It’s essential to adjust the blade angle to the same angle as the miter slots on the table.
To adjust the blade angle, loosen the bolt on the back of the blade using a wrench. Then use a protractor to measure the angle between the blade and the table. If necessary, adjust the angle by turning the bolt on the back of the blade. Make sure to tighten the bolt when you’re done.
Adjusting the fence alignment
The fence alignment is the distance between the fence and the blade. It’s essential to adjust the fence alignment to parallel to the blade.
To adjust the fence alignment, loosen the two screws on either side of the fence using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then use a ruler to measure the distance between the fence and the blade. If necessary, adjust the alignment by moving the fence in or out. Make sure to tighten the screws when you’re done.
Adjust the bevel angle
The bevel angle is when the blade tilts relative to the table. It’s essential to adjust the bevel angle to match the angle of the miter gauge slots on the table.
To adjust the bevel angle, loosen the bolt on the front of the blade using a wrench. Then use a protractor to measure the angle between the blade and the table. If necessary, adjust the angle by turning the bolt on the front of the blade. Make sure to tighten the bolt when you’re done.
Set the bevel stops
The bevel stops are the positions at which the blade can be tilted. It’s essential to set the bevel stops to match the angle of the miter gauge slots on the table.
To set the bevel stops, loosen the two screws on either side of the bevel stop using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then use a protractor to measure the angle between the bevel stop and the blade. If necessary, adjust the angle by turning the screws on either side of the bevel stops. Make sure to tighten the screws when you’re done.
Adjust the miter gauge
The miter gauge is the guide that helps you to make accurate crosscuts. It’s essential to adjust the miter gauge to match the angle of the blade.
To adjust the miter gauge, loosen the screw on the front of the gauge using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then use a protractor to measure the angle between the blade and the gauge. If necessary, adjust the angle by turning the screw on the front of the gauge. Make sure to tighten the screw when you’re done.
Now that we’ve covered how to adjust the table saw, let’s look at some common problems and how to fix them.
Common problems that occur while adjusting the saw
1. The blade is leaving a rough finish
If the blade is leaving a rough finish, it’s likely because the blade height or angle is not set correctly. Adjust the blade height and angle as described above to fix the problem.
2. The fence isn’t parallel to the blade
If the fence isn’t parallel to the blade, it can cause problems when cutting stock. Adjust the fence alignment as described above to fix the problem.
3. The bevel angle is not set correctly
If the bevel angle is not set correctly, it can cause problems when cutting stock. Adjust the bevel angle as described above to fix the problem.
4. The miter gauge isn’t set correctly
If the miter gauge isn’t set correctly, it can cause problems when cutting stock. Adjust the miter gauge as described above to fix the problem.
FAQs:
What is the correct height adjustment for the blade on the table saw?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the height adjustment will vary depending on the type of blade you’re using. However, a good rule of thumb is to set the blade height so that it’s just below the thickness of the stock you’re cutting.
What is the correct angle adjustment for the blade on the table saw?
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the angle adjustment will vary depending on the type of blade you’re using. However, a good rule of thumb is to set the angle to match the angle of the miter gauge slots on the table.
What is the correct fence alignment for the table saw?
The fence should be parallel to the blade, and it can be adjusted as described in this article.
Conclusion:
Table saws are essential tools for woodworkers, and it’s important to adjust them properly to ensure accurate cuts. In this article, we’ve covered how to adjust the blade height, angle, fence alignment, bevel stops, and miter gauge.
We’ve also looked at some common problems that can occur while adjusting the saw and fixing them. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to adjust your table saw like a pro!
