How to Adjust a Table Saw

There are two different adjustments that you can make on your table saw. You can adjust the height of the blade (making certain that it cuts all the way through the stock you are cutting) and the angle of the blade, which allows you to make bevel cuts. Both adjustments are extremely easy and both are conveniently made on the front of the saw.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• No special tools are required on most table saws

How to Adjust a Table Saw

1. Locate the circular hand crank on the front of the saw. Simply turn the wheel clockwise to raise the height of the blade (allowing it to cut through thicker wood) or turn it counterclockwise to lower it. When adjusting the height of the blade set a piece of stock that you wish to cut next to the blade (with the saw turned off) and visually check to see that the blade is approximately 1/8th inch higher than the thickness of your stock.

2. Find the lever that allows the blade to be adjusted to different angles. There will be a scale which will allow you to easily determine the exact angle at which you are setting your blade. The most common angles are 90 degrees, 45 degrees and 22 1/2 degrees, although most saws allow you to set your blade at whatever angle you wish.

3. Lift the lever and push on the hand crank to the right or left until the scale indicates that your blade is at the angle you wish.

4. Push down on the lever to lock your blade in place.

5. Place your guide fence on the side away from the direction that your blade is pointing. In other words, make certain that the blade is not tilted toward your guide, but rather that it is tilted away from your guide.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not stand directly behind the stock you are cutting to avoid possible injury should the stock become jammed and the saw blade kick the stock back toward the operator.
• If your guide fence is closer than 3 inches to your blade use a push stick and not your fingers to push your stock while cutting.