How to Align a Table Saw Blade
- 1). Raise the blade to approximately 3 inches. Lay a straight edge flat along the left side of the blade, making sure that the straight edge is flush and touching the body of the blade between the teeth. Measure with a measuring tape over from the outside edge of the straight edge along the front of table saw to the miter gauge slot that runs across the tabletop. Measure over from the bottom edge of the straight edge to the miter slot.
- 2). Compare the measurements. If the measurements are not exactly the same, the blade is out of alignment. Look under the tabletop and locate four bolts, one on each corner that hold the heavy metal tabletop to the framework of the saw.
- 3). Loosen all four nuts slightly, using the correct socket to fit the nut. Using the mallet, bump the corner of the tabletop in the direction needed. Measure from the front and back of the straight edge again. If the measurements are still off, bang on the tabletop again in the required direction. When the measurements are the same, tighten the bolts.
- 4). Measure again. If the measurements cannot be equaled with this approach, a more drastic method may be necessary. Locate the four mounting bolts that hold the motor to the framework. Loosen them slightly with the socket wrench. Move the motor by hand, and check the measurements on the straight edge. Once you have determined which direction the motor needs to be moved, remove the bolt with the most slack in it. Place two washers on the bolt, then put it back and tighten all the motor bolts.
- 5). Measure the straight edge again. If the measurement is off, loosen the tabletop bolts and bang the tabletop in the direction needed. When the measurements are equal, retighten everything.