In order to keep your table saw running smoothly, it is important to regularly check and replace the arbor bearings. These bearings help to support the blade and keep it properly aligned.
Over time, however, they can become worn down, causing the blade to wobble or become misaligned. If this happens, it can damage your saw and create dangerous kickback. Fortunately, replacing the arbor bearings is a relatively simple process that only requires a few tools.
In this blog post, i will show you how to do just that. Follow this guide, and you’ll be able to get back to work in no time. It’s a quick and easy process that anyone can do.
How to Replace a Table Saw Arbor Bearings | Step by Step
Here are some steps to replace your table saw arbor bearings step by step with the secure method.
Step 1: Prepare your Work Area
To start, gather all of the necessary tools and materials to perform this task. By preparing a workspace for this job, you can avoid having to stop halfway through to gather supplies. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need for this project:
- A vise or table saw arbor press
- Lubricant (3in1 motor tool oil works great)
- Screwdriver (flathead and Philip’s head)
- Magnetic pick-up tool
Step 2: Remove the Blade
Start by removing the saw blade. Use the magnetic pick-up tool to do this. If you don’t have one of these tools, you can use a pair of metal tongs instead. Just make sure that whatever tool you use, it’s magnetic enough to pick up your blade.
Step 3: Remove the Arbor Nut
Now that your saw blade is gone, remove the two screws holding down the motor cover with your screwdriver or flathead screwdriver. These are usually on either side of your table saw controls panel box. Once your screws are removed, take off the motor cover and set it aside for now so it’s not in the way when you’re working on replacing your bearings.
Step 4: Remove Bearings from Housing
Once you’ve removed your motor cover and set it aside, you’ll see the arbor nut. This holds the bearings in place.
The easiest way to loosen this nut is with a table saw arbor press or vise (like the one we mentioned earlier). If you don’t have that, then give your saw’s arbor a few gentle taps with a rubber mallet until the bearing slides off.
Step 5: Remove old Bearing
Your arbor will now be empty, so now it’s time to remove your old bearing from its housing. Use your flathead screwdriver or another thin metal object and gently pry out the bearing and all of its components – including washers and spacers.
Step 6: Clean old Bearing
Now that you’ve got your old bearing out, take the time to clean it. Because bearings are small and difficult to work with, you might find it easier just to bring it into a machine shop for cleaning. If that’s not an option, however, then pick up some metal cleaner and let loose with your rag. Afterward, you can use compressed air to blow off any remaining debris until the surface is completely smooth again.
Step 7: Place new Bearing in the Housing
Once your old bearing has been cleaned properly, place the new one inside its housing so everything lines up nice and neat again. Make sure the washers are on either side of the inner ring, right above where the backing plate will go (the thicker metal that keeps everything in place).
Step 8: Replace Arbor nut
After that, put your old bearing back on the arbor by replacing the original nut. Tighten it down with your vise or table saw arbor press, making sure to tighten it with firm pressure, but not too much! Just enough to make sure the bearings are secure once more.
Step 9: Reinstall the Motor cover
Finally, reattach your motor cover using your two screws and screwdriver/flathead screwdriver. Then wipe off any excess lubricant you used to replace the bearings with paper towels or a rag. You can then use compressed air to blow away any remaining debris before placing the blade back on top of where your new bearing will go.
Step 10: Reinstall the blade
After that, just put your saw blade back on top of where your new bearing will go and you’re all done! You should now be able to resume cutting wood or even metal with your newly refurbished table saw.
FAQ’s
What if I can’t find replacement bearings?
If you cannot find replacement arbor bearings for your table saw, then it may be time to invest in a new saw.
Can I replace the bearings with my own tools?
Yes. But make sure that whatever tool you use is magnetic enough to pick up your blade first (like a magnetic pick-up tool or metal tongs).
Is there more than one type of bearing on my table saw arbor?
No. There are typically just two types of bearings used on table saws: steel and ceramic. Steel is cheaper but also not as good quality. Ceramic is better quality but higher priced too. You’ll have to decide which one works best for you.
How do I remove bearings that are frozen or stuck?
If your bearings are somehow “frozen” to the arbor then you will need to give it a couple of taps with a rubber mallet so the inner race comes loose from the outer race.
Conclusion
This article is about how to replace the bearings on a table saw arbor since I was having trouble with projects being cut off halfway through because it would take me so long to find the parts to repair my own table saw. To avoid this problem, I decided to change my own bearings so that I may work on my tasks without being disrupted by an old, rusted machine anymore. This replacement needed a vise or a table in addition to an arbor press. I hope that this will be useful to my readers who are having problems with their own table saws.