The table saw is essential woodworking equipment in a craftsman or DIY enthusiast’s workspace. Hence, it is crucial that you take good care of it in order to guarantee its efficacy at all times. A table saw that is properly maintained can last you for a long time and be able to provide excellent service.
Regardless of the table saw brand or whether the product you bought is high-end or affordable, you have to see to it that the device is properly cared for.
So what measures should you take in order to maintain the table saw’s effectiveness? You should know the different components and appropriately maintain each part. The first thing you should always examine is the device itself.
The table saw is a metallic and ultra-sharp item that spins at higher speeds in order to cut wood stocks. The saw should be very sturdy to tolerate contact with the stock at such high speeds.
Hence, before your beloved equipment gets damaged or acquires problems that need pricey overhauls, you can perform a few preventive steps to help safeguard your table saw.
- It is crucial to understand that having a table saw on hand requires a certain degree of maintenance in order to guarantee that it will work as it should every time. If the saw is not tuned and maintained correctly, it will lead to ruined projects. Furthermore, it can lead to safety risks. One of the initial indications that will indicate a need for maintenance is if the device has burn marks materializing on the stock as you cut it. This signifies that the blade is not aligned correctly.
For correct blade alignment, it is suggested that you change the blade with a new replacement. When mounting the blade, guarantee that the miter slots are extending correspondingly to the actual blade.
Do this by elevating the blade to the highest point possible. As soon as you do this, allow the blade to rotate, and measure the span that it goes up against the table that is it affixed to.
If you notice that it is not correctly aligned, you will have to make modifications to the attachment of the blade.
Next is correctly adjusting the throat plate. You first have to lower the blade of the saw. Make use of a square on the border next to the miter slot; then allow the square to slip across the plate.
It should end up on the level of the worktable. If not, you must make modifications to the screws that are placed on the throat plate.
- The edges must be very sharp all the time in order to minimize the stress on the saw’s body. Guarantee that the edges are sharp and it does not display any cracks on the saw’s body. Maintaining the sharpness of the edges will help prevent the early onset of wear and tear on the device.
Keep in mind that woodworking excesses like clips and wood shavings can minimize the sharpness and efficacy of the table saw.
Regardless of whether you have acquired a high-end table saw or an affordable one, leaving the table saw surrounded by woodworking waste will significantly reduce its sharpness.
Make sure the table saw is clean and dry before leaving your workspace. Wipe the item with a soft, clean cloth. It is also essential that you at least apply 15 minutes of your time for maintenance.
This will guarantee that each component of the table saw will always be efficient. Doing everyday inspections on the equipment will also allow you to recognize possible issues as early as you can.
- Another aspect you have to consider in the saw is its moving components. The saw is linked to a motor that helps revolve the saw at higher speeds. It is certainly required that you have to take care of and maintain the motor as well, just like any other equipment part that is powered through electrical means.
Make sure that the electrical connections are sturdy and consistent. The motor must work at a normal speed without producing unusual noises.
It must be well-oiled and greased. In addition, have the motor inspected by an expert every once and a while to guarantee that the internal parts like bearings and windings are in excellent condition.
If your old table saw breaks down, it is best that you replace the whole unit instead and go for another overhaul.
You know how to choose a good saw by observing essential factors and checking models from the different table saw brands. Take good care of your saw and it will last you for many years.