DIY Network

Table Saws and Unconventional Artwork: Table Saw Maintenance From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-216

Host David Thiel shares a few simple ways to keep your table saw in good shape.

Safety Note: make sure the table saw is unplugged when you're working near the blade.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

To make sure that the blade is aligned with the miter slots, place a combination square against the inside of the miter slot. Then, slide it over to meet one of the teeth. Once you have done that, lock down the combination square (figure A). Keep your fingers on the same tooth of the blade, and then rotate the blade so that the tooth is at the other end of the table. Next, slide the combination square down to measure at the other end of the table. If the blade is hitting the combination square, that means the blade is off a little. Different table saws have different means of making the adjustment. Some have adjustment screws underneath the table that adjust the trunions, which hold the blade. For other table saws, you move the entire tabletop to adjust the blade.

Another way to align the blade without using the combination square is to use an alignment guide with a dial indicator. Use it just like the combination square against one of the teeth (figure B). Let the dial come to rest, and then zero out the dial. Using the same tool, roll the blade to the front of the saw. Then, measure again. The dial will show you how much the blade is off.

Next, you will need to make sure the fence and miter slot are aligned. Using basically the same technique as with the blade, measure from the miter slot to the fence with the alignment guide. Then, zero out the dial again and slide the guide to the other end of the table. The guide will show you how much the fence is out of align (figure C). The fence is adjusted by loosening the screws on the fence and sliding the fence in or out, whichever way the dial indicates.

Another thing to consider about table saw maintenance is the tabletop. Rust is usually the biggest issue. If you have an aluminum top, there's not much to worry about. However, a steel tabletop will eventually rust if not cared for. A small case of rust is easily taken care of by rubbing in mineral spirits using steel wool. Once the rust is gone, protect your tabletop with finishing wax or Teflon spray.

RESOURCES :

TS Aligner
Phone: 800-333-4994
Web site: www.ts-aligner.com