A Comprehensive Guide to Table Saw: Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even the best of table saws, a staple in most garages, are prone to issues now and then. As with any electric appliance, the power tool can face numerous problems with time and usage, which can be resolved with effective troubleshooting.
Owing to its functionality and mechanism, technical and hardware issues aren’t uncommon, so better safe than sorry.
This video is sourced from YouTube@GARVEE
Aside from thoroughly reading through the user’s manual, which goes without saying, the secret to your table saw’s longevity is maintenance and effective troubleshooting.
So, we’ve laid out common issues a table saw can encounter, potential causes and solutions that’ll save you time and money.
Tables of contents
- How Well Do You Know the Saw Blade?
- Types of Table Saws
- Common Table Saw failures and Quick Solutions
- How to Use A Table Saw Correctly
- Precision and Protection: Why Quality Saw Blades Matter
How Well Do You Know the Saw Blade?
To be able to resolve problems that arise while using the powerful tool, you need to have an understanding of the various table saw accessories. Let’s deep dive into the functions of a saw blade first.
Blade body - The core, also known as the blade body, is typically made from different types of steel, like HSS (High-Speed Steel) or Alloy Steel.
The main function of the blade body is to provide stability, strength and stay rigid when the blade is spinning at an extraordinary speed. The material should also resist heat, which builds when the saw blade runs at a high speed.
Teeth – The small and sharp points along the cutting edge of the blade are known as teeth. The protrusions set at a specific angle enable smooth and efficient cutting of the wood.
As the teeth cut away at the wood, more of it results in a finer finish, as opposed to fewer teeth, which leads to a rougher cut.
Arbor Hole – Where the blade mounts onto the shaft and essentially determines the stability of the structure. So yes, the size and fit do matter.
It’s crucial to always have an arbor hole of the right dimension, based on the shaft’s diameter, for a steady spin and efficient cutting.
Heat Vents – You can’t even begin to imagine the heat a saw blade forms when running if haven’t worked one.
The heat vents keep it from becoming too hot to function by allowing the blade to expand under high temperature.
Saw blades are categorized into various types based on the blade type, tooth design and their purpose. For instance, circular saw blades are ideal for general use, like framing or for rough cuts. Whereas, the jigsaw blades are made of coarse teeth to cut through plastic and ceramics.
Types of Table Saws
There is a wide range of options depending on their purpose, design, power, mobility, and accuracy. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of table saws.
Benchtop Table Saw
A benchtop or small table saw is a portable and compact, and lighter version of a full-sized saw blade. It is best for light-duty work and those pursuing woodcutting as a hobby.
However, a benchtop table saw isn’t as powerful or accurate as the others. But it can perform most functions as larger saws, and is more affordable and easier to store.
Contractor Table Saw
Contractor table saw, on the other hand, is larger, more powerful and stable than a benchtop model. Still, it’s portable enough to use on job sites.
The contractor table saw is typically mounted on an open table saw stand or a wheeled base. For cutting, these are more precise than a benchtop table saw, but not ideal for dust collection.
Cabinet Table Saw
Of all the electric cutting machines, the cabinet table saw is the heaviest-duty and most precise. It is typically built for professional woodworkers and requires a lot of practice to handle it.
It’s called a cabinet table saw owing to its design – a fully enclosed base which houses a powerful motor. The machine, built to last for decades, is known for better dust collection and reduced noise.
Miter Saw
Miter saw gets its name from its ability to make precise crosscuts, bevel cuts and miter (angled) cuts. The power tool is 10” to 12” on average and is mostly used for trim work and woodworking projects.
For wider cuts, the machine works best when mounted on a mitre saw stand. The electric cutter is fast and easy to use, always producing consistent results.
Band Saw
A band saw is a cutting machine that uses a looped blade, which looks like a band, to make precise cuts across different materials.
It’s known for its ability to handle complex shapes and make deep cuts. A band saw is great for both straight and curved cuts thanks to its versatility.
Regardless of their types, these machines are met with some common and recurring failures when interacting with humans. We’ve laid out common issues you might encounter while using them and solutions to the same.
Common Table Saw Failures and Quick Solutions
Detroit Band Saw, a full-service distributor of all things saw blades – assembly to repair – details potential issues with the machine and possible solutions.
Saw Blade Teeth Stripping
Incorrect feed rate, such as forcing the blade into the material too fast or too aggressively, or using it slowly, which causes the teeth to run instead of cutting.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
Too many teeth causing the gullets to overfill or too few teeth in the cut |
Use a coarser tooth pitch for the former and a finer one for the latter |
|
Over penetration of teeth leading to gullets overfilling |
Increase the speed of the blade or decrease the feed rate |
|
Chips are drawn back into the cut |
Adjust or replace the chip brush |
|
Poorly welded blade |
Replace or have the blade re-welded |
|
Belt slips under load |
Check belt tension and replace belts if required |
Premature Dulling of Teeth
Another prevalent issue in saw blades is caused by cutting the wrong materials, poor blade quality or overheating.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
Improper break-in |
Set the proper blade speed, metal group, and size of material to be cut |
|
Blade speed that’s too fast can overheat the cutting edge |
Decrease the speed |
|
The wrong type of coolant is causing poor flow |
Check coolant hoses and coolant level |
|
Misalignment and vibration |
Ensure the saw is aligned correctly, as uneven contact also wears out the teeth faster |
|
Incorrect Feed Rate |
Match the blade type to the material with the correct RPM |
Weld Breakage
Weld breakage in saw blade can be extremely frustrating, and it is often caused due to poor or incomplete bonding, wrong blade tension and repeated flexing, among other issues.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
Poor weld quality |
Re-welding |
|
Blade is over-tensioned |
Adjust the tension as needed, as the blade tends to break due to high tension |
|
Damage to the tension valve |
Check the tension for a slow leak, as it can increase pressure |
|
Blade misalignment from twisting or sideways force |
Check wheel alignment and blade tracking regularly |
|
Rusty blade ends |
Clean the blade thoroughly before welding |
Blade Bouncing/vibrating
Also known as “chatter” or “vibration”, blade bouncing is a common issue in the machines, caused due to incorrect mechanical setup, inefficient support and improper blade speed among more factors.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
Crooked welds |
Ensure blade ends are always welded straight |
|
Excessive teeth in the cut |
Use a coarser pitch to avoid the gullets filling up and prevent the head from bouncing |
|
Blade bouncing can result in missing teeth |
The blade will have to be replaced |
|
Low feed pressure prevents teeth from penetrating properly |
Increase the feed pressure or decrease the blade speed, which increases the tooth pattern |
|
Blade that’s too wide or thin for the saw |
Make sure you’re using a blade compatible with the saw’s specification and power rating |
Table Saw Heating Up
Any issues with the blade, fence, or even the material being cut can heat up the table saw. Below are some of the prominent issue that arise from a heated table saw and how to resolve it.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
Increased friction, overheating and burn marks on material from dull blade |
Sharpen or replace the blade |
|
Wrong type of blade can strain the motor and heat up the machine |
Use the right type of blade for the material and cut type |
|
Poor quality wood, for example, it’s wet or formed knots |
User dry, clean and knot-free wood whenever possible |
|
Feed rate that’s too slow or inconsistent can result in excessive heat build-up |
Ensure the feed rate is consistent. It shouldn’t be too slow nor too fast. |
|
Overworked motor from prolong use or bearing that’s too dry or worn out |
Allow the motor too cool down after each use and avoid continuous cuts. Inspect the bearings – replace or lubricate when necessary |
Premature Run-Out
Table saws are prone to early development of wobble, misalignment and deviation in the rotation due to issues with their parts, which could be worn out or are of low quality. Not only does a premature run-out of the machine cause inconvenience when working, but it can be a major safety hazard, too.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
Misaligned blade |
Clean the arbor, ensure flat contact, and align the blade with the machine |
|
Arbor damage |
Replace the worn-out or damaged arbor and inspect for true rotation |
|
Overheating of the blade |
Sharpen the blade regularly, use appropriate feed rate and let the blade cool properly after use |
|
The machine tends to wear out |
Practice safe storage, preferably by hanging blades on a peg or storing them flat in a rack |
|
Misalignment in the saw setup |
Use a dial indicator to check run-out as well as making sure the fence, miter gauge and arbor are aligned |
Saw Blade Won’t Cut Square
A saw blade that doesn’t cut a proper square defeats the purpose of the machine, and it can be caused due to issues with alignment, or bent or warped blade.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
The blade is tilted slightly despite the bevel gauge displaying 0° |
Adjust the blade tilt using a digital angle gauge or machinist’s square, and recalibrate the bevel angle stops |
|
The miter gauge is not square to the blade |
Verify the alignment of miter gauge or fence using a combination square and adjust them until exactly 90° to the blade |
|
A warped blade causes angled cuts |
Spin the blade by hand to observe from the side for wobbles and replace warped or damaged blades |
|
Material not placed flat against the table |
Press the material firmly against both the table and the fence. Ensure the wood isn’t cupped or warped |
Rough Cut
Oftentimes, the finish of your material is compromised by a rough cut, which is caused by several factors. This can result in splintering or chipping, requiring more sanding and rework.
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
A blade that’s not sharp or has started to chip |
Either sharpen the blade or replace it with a new one |
|
Incorrect blade type |
Use different blades depending on the material and finish. Ex- crosscut for clean finish and plywood blade for veneered materials |
|
Wobbly or vibrating blade |
Make sure arbor nut is mounted with the right amount of tightness and use a stabilizers if needed |
|
Blade is placed too high or too low |
The blade needs to be set in such a way that the teeth are about ¼” above the surface |
|
Lack of zero-clearance insert |
Having a zero-clearance throat plate supports material near the cut |
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? We recommend referring to the guidebook with relevant FAQS by Wikus, which contains detailed solutions to most queries.
If the issue is persistent despite trying the solutions suggested by us or the guide, perhaps you should contact the customer care service of the specific machine for more effective troubleshooting.
How to Use A Table Saw Correctly
Even though saw blades come in handy and sound easy to operate, trying to work it without enough practice is a major safety concern.
It’s crucial to practice safety measures before operating the machine. Children and pets, especially, should never be left around the machine unsupervised.
Here’s the step-by-step guide to correctly using a saw blade, which we’ve curated keeping your safety in mind.
Before using
This is a must – wear safety glasses and goggles to protect yourself from debris. You can also consider hearing protection if you’re sensitive to loud noise.
Cutting any material produces a considerable amount of dust, so always wear a mask or respirator. Ensure you don’t have any loose jewellery or long hair that can come in the way of cutting or get stuck in the machine.
Once you have your safety gear on, inspect the machine thoroughly. Check if the blade is intact and the machine doesn’t have any missing segments or isn’t warped.
During cutting
Most accidents occur when the saw blade is operating, so you ought to be extra careful. Especially when you’re working with the blade, avoid forcing the saw; apply steady and even pressure.
It is also recommended to use a stand for better stability, balance and support, which are pivotal to safe woodcutting. Speed is key to safety when it comes to saw blades, which tend to heat up easily when they’re too fast or are susceptible to wear when the speed is too low.
After Cutting
The blade tends to heat up when the machine is on, especially during dry cutting. It’s essential to allow the blade to cool after each use for its longevity and your own safety.
You should also make it a point to clean the blade after using the machine to prevent the debris from building up.
Precision and Protection: Why Quality Saw Blades Matter
Whether you’re a novice carpenter or an experienced construction worker, the risk of sustaining saw blade injuries is still high if the quality of the machine is compromised.
The incredibly powerful tools cause millions of devastating saw or cutting blade accidents. Such incidents can lead to unimaginable construction injuries, including amputations and death.
Other common health hazards from saw blades include eye injury from flying objects, such as wood, chips, sawdust and other debris.
Hence, it’s crucial to invest in quality saw blades, such as the 8.5” compact electric table saw by Garvee, whose 98% vacuuming rate minimizes dust. You also don’t have to worry about the loud noise, as it is under 90 db.
Your safety is our priority. Using the right type of saw blade not only delivers better performance, but it can also avoid scary accidents.
Our multifunctional 10 Inch Table Saw with bevel cut is built with your safety in mind. While the stainless steel body ensures longevity, its lightweight makes it highly portable. It comes with special features like spindle lock, depth adjustment and additional components including stand, bare tool and attachments.
A high-quality fence system and safety features are as important as the motor and the blade. So, when you’re considering buying a saw blade, pick a model based on your plan to use it. For instance, a benchtop model is appropriate for DIYers and hobbyists, while a contractor or cabinet saw is more suitable for larger products.
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