Table Saw: Why does my table saw make bad cuts?
If you have to push the work piece harder through the table saw blade and you see ragged, torn, splintered or burnt grain along the edges where you just cut, you may need to clean, adjust or replace the blade. You might also need to clean the table and use a guide to achieve clean cuts.
First, check the condition of the saw blade for damage or residue. Clean gum or pitch residue off the blade using turpentine and steel wool. Replace the saw blade if it's worn or damaged.
Check blade alignment because the blade won't make accurate cuts if it's not parallel with the miter gauge groove. If blade alignment is off, use a combination square to accurately adjust the blade so it's parallel with the miter gauge groove.
Use the right type of saw blade to cleanly cut the work piece.
Clean gum or pitch off the table so the work piece feeds smoothly through the cutting blade area when making cuts.
Use the rip fence or miter gauge to guide your work piece through the saw blade for uniform cuts.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TABLE SAW PROBLEM
Adjust the table saw blade
The table saw blade won't make perfect cuts if it's not parallel with the miter gauge groove. Check the blade alignment using a combination square and adjust the blade to parallel with the miter gauge groove.
Adjust the table saw blade
How to adjust a table saw blade
If your table saw isn't cutting straight or true, the blade alignment may be off. This step-by-step repair guide and video show how to adjust a table saw blade in 30 minutes or less.
Replace the table saw blade
The table saw blade becomes dull with use. Cutting hard wood or metal dulls the blade faster. The blade is dull when you must apply significantly more than normal force to push the piece you're cutting through the blade.
Table saw blade
How to replace a table saw blade
When a table saw blade isn't making the cut, the blade may be worn. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a table saw blade in just 15 minutes.
Symptoms for table saws
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Repair guides for table saws
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your table saw.
How to adjust a table saw blade
If the table saw isn’t cutting parallel to the miter gauge groove, adjust the cutting blade following the instructions i…
How to replace a table saw drive motor
You can replace a table saw drive motor that is weak or won't run. Here’s how.…
How to replace a table saw blade
If the table saw blade is dull or damaged, use these simple steps to replace it.…
Articles and videos for table saws
Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your table saw.
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