Unlocking The Delta Table Saw: A Step-By-Step Guide To Blade Removal

how to remove blade from delta table saw

Removing the blade from a Delta table saw is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure safety and avoid damage to the saw. Before beginning, it is crucial to disconnect the power source to the saw to prevent any accidental activation. Additionally, it is recommended to clean the saw by using a brush, a wet/dry shop vacuum, or compressed air to remove dust and debris.

The next step is to remove the blade guard and the miter gauge, and slide the rip fence to the side. The throat plate should also be taken out. Following this, the blade should be raised to its highest point to allow easy access to the arbor nut. At this point, you can use an arbor lock, if your saw has one, to prevent the blade from turning while loosening the locking nut with a wrench. If your saw does not have an arbor lock, you may need to use two wrenches or a block of scrap wood to hold the arbor steady while loosening the nut.

Once the locking nut is loosened, it can be removed by hand, along with the locking washer. It is important to be careful not to drop these parts and have a retrieval tool ready in case they do fall. After inspecting the arbor for damage, the new blade can be installed, ensuring that the teeth are pointing down. The locking washer and nut can then be replaced and tightened securely.

Before replacing the guards, it is important to turn the blade by hand to ensure it is straight and securely held in place. Finally, the blade guards and throat plate can be replaced, and the power source can be reconnected. It is recommended to perform a test cut using scrap material to ensure the blade is mounted correctly and cutting cleanly.

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Unplug the saw and hold the blade tightly with one hand

Unplugging the saw is the first step to ensuring safety when changing the blade. With the power source disconnected, you can now focus on the blade itself. Holding the blade tightly with one hand is a crucial step in the process. This action prevents the blade from turning freely and provides stability for the next steps.

Holding the blade securely, you can now use your other hand to begin loosening the arbor nut. Depending on the model of your Delta table saw, you may need to use a wrench to loosen this nut. If the arbor lock is accessible, engage it to prevent the blade from turning. If not, don't worry—you can use a block of scrap wood to wedge against the blade's teeth. This will create enough resistance to allow you to loosen the nut.

It is important to be cautious and deliberate during this process. Avoid forcing anything, as it may lead to damage or injury. Take your time, and if something feels too tight, re-evaluate your approach.

Once the arbor nut is loosened, you can finish removing it by hand. With the nut and washer set aside, you can now safely remove the blade. Remember to handle the blade with care, as the teeth can still cause injury.

At this point, you can clean the arbor and inspect it for any damage. If everything looks good, you can install a new blade, ensuring that the teeth are pointing down towards the front of the saw table.

After installing the new blade, you will need to tighten the arbor nut securely. Be careful to thread the nut properly and avoid stripping the threads. Once the nut is tightened, perform a test cut to ensure the blade is mounted correctly and cutting cleanly.

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Use a wrench to turn the arbor nut in the direction of the blade-cutting motion

To remove the blade from a Delta table saw, you will need to use a wrench to turn the arbor nut in the direction of the blade-cutting motion. This will loosen the nut so that you can eventually remove it by hand. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

  • Disconnect the power source: Unplug the table saw from the power outlet to ensure that the saw is not accidentally turned on during the blade removal process.
  • Raise the blade to its highest point: This will give you better access to the arbor nut and make it easier to work on.
  • Use a wrench to hold the arbor steady: Place an open-end wrench on the flats on the inside blade flange to keep the saw arbor from rotating. This will prevent the blade from turning while you loosen the arbor nut.
  • Loosen the arbor nut: Using another wrench, turn the arbor nut in the direction of the blade-cutting motion. This will loosen the nut. If the arbor nut is tight, you may need to use a longer wrench or pipe for more leverage. You can also try tapping the wrench gently with a rubber mallet to help loosen the nut. Be careful not to use excessive force, as this may damage the nut or the arbor.
  • Remove the arbor nut by hand: Once the arbor nut is loosened, finish removing it by hand. Be careful not to drop the nut or any other parts inside the saw.
  • Slide off the locking washer: After removing the arbor nut, slide off the locking washer that was holding the blade in place.
  • Inspect the arbor for damage: Before installing a new blade, take a moment to brush away any sawdust or debris from the arbor and inspect it for any damage.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely and effectively remove the blade from your Delta table saw by loosening and removing the arbor nut in the direction of the blade-cutting motion.

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Loosen the mounting screw and adjust the stop screws to align the blade with the miter slot

To align the blade with the miter slot, you must first disconnect the saw from its power source. Then, use an adjustable square to measure the distance from the miter slot to a single tooth on the blade. Mark this tooth with a pen. Rotate the blade to the other end of the table insert and compare the distance using the same tooth. If there is a gap, measure it with a feeler gauge. Place a piece of masking tape on the table where you measured the gap, and write the measurement on the tape. Repeat this process after tilting the table to 45 degrees.

Now, loosen the bolts that hold the table to the cabinet. Tap the table in the needed direction using a dead blow hammer. Recheck the alignment with the adjustable square and continue making small adjustments until everything is aligned. Once you are satisfied with the adjustment, tighten the table mounting bolts.

If the initial measurements are different at 90 and 45 degrees, you will need to add or remove shims from between the table and the cabinet or trunnions. Adding shims under the rear table corners will move the rear of the blade further from the miter slot, while adding them under the front corners will move the front of the blade further from the miter slot.

The blade arbor is held to the bottom of the table with mounting screws and stop/adjusting screws. Loosen the mounting screw and adjust the stop screws to align the blade with the miter slot.

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Remove the blade guard and miter gauge. Slide the rip fence to the side

To remove the blade guard and miter gauge from your Delta table saw, follow these steps:

First, disconnect the power source from your table saw to ensure safety during the process.

Next, locate the blade guard and miter gauge on your saw. The blade guard is the protective cover over the blade, while the miter gauge is a bar with a guide that helps you make accurate cuts at specific angles.

To remove the blade guard, you may need to loosen some screws or bolts holding it in place. Once it is loose, carefully lift or slide it off the blade and set it aside.

Now, for the miter gauge, you will need to loosen the screw or knob that holds it in place. This is usually located at the back of the gauge. Once it is loose, you can slide the miter gauge out of the miter slot.

With the blade guard and miter gauge removed, you can now slide the rip fence to the side. The rip fence is the long metal bar that runs parallel to the blade and helps guide your wood during cutting.

By removing these components, you will have better access to the blade and arbor for further maintenance or blade replacement. Remember to refer to your specific Delta table saw model's manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.

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Raise the blade to its highest point and use a wrench to loosen the arbor nut

To remove the blade from a Delta table saw, first raise the blade to its highest point. This will ease access to the arbor nut. Next, use a wrench to loosen the arbor nut. If your saw comes with a set of two wrenches, use one to hold the arbor and the other to loosen the arbor nut. If your saw does not come with a wrench, you can use an adjustable wrench or mechanic's wrench, but these may not fit in the narrow area to hold the arbor. In this case, push a scrap block of wood against the blade, then turn the locking nut with the wrench.

Once the arbor nut has been loosened, finish removing it by hand, then slide off the locking washer. Be careful not to drop the locking nut or washer. Finally, install the new blade, ensuring that the teeth point towards you, and put the washer and locking nut back in place. Tighten the nut by hand, then use the wrench to finish tightening, being careful not to strip the threads.

Frequently asked questions

You can use a large crescent wrench or any wrench that fits.

First, ensure the table saw is unplugged. Next, raise the blade to its highest point and remove the table insert. Place an open-end wrench on the inside blade flange to prevent the saw arbor from rotating and remove the arbor nut with a wrench. Turn the nut counterclockwise to remove it, then take off the outside blade flange and saw blade.

Some signs of a dull blade include rough cut surfaces, difficulty in cutting, powdery sawdust, and a burning smell.

You can clean your table saw blade with a brush, a wet/dry shop vacuum, or compressed air. It's important to keep your blade clean and free of dust and debris to ensure safe and effective use.

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