Everyone has the tools that they need to use to achieve the desired results in their field of expertise. For woodworkers, having the best table saw is one of the greatest achievement as this can allow you make high quality and accurate cuts. Just like any other tool, the lifespan and functionality of the tool will depend on the level of maintenance that you accord it. It is advisable to have a maintenance schedule that will keep it running properly for a very long period of time.
There are so many benefits that you stand to gain when you have a consistent maintenance pattern for your power tool. In previous guides, we have mentioned that this is a tool that can cause serious injuries. In most cases, this would be due to the failure of some parts. As such, you need to keep your machine in perfect shape as this will enhance your safety.
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Table Saw Maintenance Checklist
Maintenance Schedule:
For those who have this tool, one thing that makes maintenance easier is having a schedule. If you are not sure how to come up with a schedule to carry out maintenance, here is a simple guide to follow:
Consider the hours used
In order to keep the woodworking saw working perfectly, you need to carry out maintenance based on the hours that you have used it. This is one of the best ways to keep track of the maintenance. As such, make it a habit to note down the hours that you have used the table saw after the given session. Do not try to store the information in your head, as you may easily forget. You should find a way of recording the start and finish time for every session.
Common Tasks
There are different tasks that you can accomplish with the saw and each one may take different schedules. If you are involved in light cutting activities, the maintenance may not be as frequent as for those in heavy-duty cutting.
Model
If you have been shopping for the best value saw, then you may have come to the realization that there so many different models. There are models that are built to last, while others may need more care than others. If you have a high-quality tool, then you will notice that the maintenance is not as often as the cheaper options.
There are so many other factors that you can use in coming up with a maintenance schedule. The bottom line is that irrespective of the type that you have, it will need maintenance at one point or another. It is better to have more frequent maintenance session than end up under caring for it.
With this in mind, here are some of the main tasks that you need to consider when carrying out the table saw maintenance.
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Overall Alignment:
When you have the woodworking saw, you will need to align it every time before use. This is one way of ensuring
that it works properly and that your safety is enhanced. When you have a misaligned saw, this may lead to poor cuts, kickbacks, burnt wood and so many other dangers. You will need to start with the blade and ensure that it is properly aligned for different cuts. You should also check the throat insert to ensure that it is flush with the surface of your tool. The riving knife or the splitter needs to be lined up with the blade.
The next bit of the alignment is the miter slots and the tabletop. You should ensure that they are parallel to the blade. When this is done, you should them check tout feeder support and ensure that it is even to the tabletop. Finally, you will need to align any other part and accessories that will be used to achieve accurate cuts. This may include rip fence, which should be parallel to the blade. The miter gauge stops should also be checked and confirmed that they are stable and in the right place.
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Cleaning Motors and Gears:
The other bit in the maintenance of the table saw is cleaning the motors and lubricating the gears. All the operating
mechanics need to be lubricated in the right manner. While doing this, you should also align the arbor pulleys and motors so as to ensure that you have the right belt tension. While doing this, as a safety measure, ensure that the tool is completely unplugged from the power source. You need to access the motors and gears for this purpose and the best way to do this is by referring to the owner’s manual.
Start by cleaning the parts, with the objective being to get rid of any sawdust and debris that may be on the parts. A standard vac and stiff bristle brushes should do the job. The main target would be all the moving parts and any other surface that can be cleaned. When you are done with the cleaning, you need to lubricate the gears and trunnions. When doing this, you should always use dry lubricants that are silicone free. Such lubricants will not collect debris easily and as such would be the best bet.
Finally, align the tension of the motor and arbor pulleys. Check the owner’s manual as it will highlight in a clear manner how you will be able to align the tension. Check the belts for any wear and tear and replace any that appear to be worn out.
Replacement of Parts:
Another crucial stage in the maintenance aspect is the replacement of various parts. This is one of the ways through which you can prolong the lifespan of your table saw. You should keep checking all the parts of the table saw, since at some point they will need to be replaced.
With the regular checks, you will be able to identify parts that need replacement. This will help you prevent more grave issues on the saw. The belt is one of the parts that may need to be replaced often. When it comes to the replacement of the parts, you should only attempt it if you are knowledgeable enough. If not, you need to find an expert to replace the parts for you.
Read Here Table Saw Basics Parts And Accessories Guide
Final Thought:
As you will continue using your tool, you will easily be able to develop maintenance schedule. We have highlighted some of the factors that you can use to come up with a practical schedule for maintenance. The basics of maintenance include alignment of the saw, cleaning the parts and replacement of worn out parts. The more you take care of your power tool, the longer it will last and serve you better. It is also worth noting that maintenance does not only prolong the life of the table saw but also enhances your safety.
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