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How to Change a Table Saw Blade [Step-by-Step]

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V Susan
Hi! I'm Susan. I am passionate about woodworking, general DIY and home improvement. If you'd like to connect with me or talk about something you like at mellowpine, drop me a mail at susan@mellowpine.com

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How to Change a Table Saw Blade
How to Change a Table Saw Blade -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Learning how to change the blade of your table saw is essential for using a table saw.

In this guide, I’ll show you the easy and safe way to change a table saw blade.

Things You’ll Need

  • Table Saw
  • Table Saw Blade
  • Two Wrenches

Changing a Table Saw Blade [Step-by-Step]

In this guide, I’ll be demonstrating how to change the blade on a Dewalt Table Saw.

Even if your table saw is a different one, the steps remain almost the same for most table saws.

Before you start anything, make sure your table saw is unplugged and turned off.

First, remove the blade guard of the table saw.

Now you can remove the throat plate.

Unscrew the fasteners holding the throat plate on the table saw and take it off.

removing the throat plate from the table saw
removing the throat plate from the table saw -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Next, raise the blade high up using the crank.

Raising the blade using the crank
Raising the blade using the crank -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Raise the blade to its highest point, so the blade is easy to see and remove.

raise the blade to the maximum height
raise the blade to the maximum height -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Now, you don’t need to remove the riving knife to take off the blade from a Dewalt Table Saw.

However, if your table saw has the blade attached to the riving knife, then you might need to remove the riving knife first.

To remove the riving knife, loosen the nut that holds the riving knife to the table saw.

Then use a wrench to push down the latching mechanism inside (near the bottom of the riving knife) and pull out the knife.

method to take out the riving knife
method to take out the riving knife -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

In this case, I won’t be removing the riving knife as it’s not required to take out the saw blade.

The blade will be mounted on a shaft called an arbor and will be secured in place with the help of an arbor nut and a washer.

nut and washer of table saw blade
nut and washer of table saw blade -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

You would most likely have a pair of wrenches that came with the table saw and those are needed for removing the nut.

Use one to hold the arbor and the other wrench to loosen the nut.

Hold the wrenches such that you apply force in the opposite directions on each side.

using wrenches to loosen the nut
using wrenches to loosen the nut -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

In case your table saw comes with an arbor lock, then only one wrench is enough.

In that case, push down on the arbor lock with one hand while using the other hand to loosen the nut with a wrench.

Once the nut is loose, hold onto the arbor nut and slowly rotate the nut using your thumb and index finger.

using wrenches to loosen the nut
using wrenches to loosen the nut -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Remove the nut while making sure it doesn’t fall into the table saw.

nut removed from the table saw
nut removed from the table saw -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

With the nut removed, slowly remove the washer.

washer removed from the table saw
washer removed from the table saw -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Once the washer is removed, the blade is free to be taken out.

Remove the blade and keep it on the work surface.

table saw blade  removed
table saw blade removed -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Next, you need to install the new blade on the table saw.

Replace the blade in the arbor.

putting new blade into the table saw
putting new blade into the table saw -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Make sure the blade is installed in the proper orientation. (clockwise)

Look at the arrow shown on your blade for the correct direction.

Correct table Saw blade Orientation
Correct table Saw blade Orientation -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Installing the blade in the correct direction is very important.

reversing the direction can cause the workpiece to fly off the table saw.

Correct table Saw blade Orientation
Correct table Saw blade Orientation -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Replace the washer and nut into the arbor.

Tighten the nut and washer using the same method you used to loosen it.

tightening the nut in the table saw
tightening the nut in the table saw -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine
-Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Once the blade is fixed in place with the nut and washer, replace the throat plate.

fixing the throat plate back into the table saw
fixing the throat plate back into the table saw -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

With that, you’ve successfully changed your table saw blade safely.

Table saw blade changed
Table saw blade changed -Credit: John Abraham/mellowpine

Tips for Safety

  • Ensure the table saw is unplugged before changing the blade.
  • When changing saw blades, ensure sure the blade arbour nut is properly secured.
  • Use the saw guard, splitter (if provided), anti-kickback mechanism, and push stick for all conceivable sawing operations.
  • Keep tools, wood stock scraps, sawdust, oil, and grease off the saw table and the floor.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Are table saw blades reverse threaded?

The table saws are reverse threaded. All table saws feature a threaded arbor that self-tightens while the blade rotates. Always pull the wrench toward the front of the saw to release the nut. If the saw is correctly tilted and the blade is mounted from the left side of the flange, the threads will be reversed.

Which way does a table saw blade go?

Table saw blades like miter saw blades, spin clockwise, thus the teeth should be facing down.

How do you change a blade on a table saw without a wrench?

If you don’t have a wrench to keep the blade in place, use a wooden block. This will readily halt any turning by wedging teeth, allowing you to use the only wrench to release the arbour nut. For the same reason, you may also buy a blade lock.

When should I change my table saw blade?

Look for worn out, chipped, broken, and missing teeth, as well as chipped carbide tips, to indicate that a circular saw blade needs to be replaced. Examine the wear line of carbide edges with a bright light and magnifying lens to see whether it’s starting to dull.

Are circular saw blades interchangeable between brands?

There are no interchangeable circular saw blades that fit precisely from different models and brands. The manufacturer always indicates the intended usage of any blade to help you limit down your options for the proper tooth type or gullet size.

V Susan
Hi! I'm Susan. I am passionate about woodworking, general DIY and home improvement. If you'd like to connect with me or talk about something you like at mellowpine, drop me a mail at susan@mellowpine.com