Table of Contents
The blade is usually the most important part of the miter saw. There is no way you can use a miter saw that has no blade. When using such tools, you may need to change the blade once in a while. That is why every carpenter should know how to change a miter saw blade smoothly and efficiently.
For example, in a situation where you need to work on a different project from the one you did previously. Or, your blade has developed a complication like wearing out. Another reason could be that you want to cut neatly each time you use the miter saw.
You may not necessarily need expert attention while replacing your blade. Whichever the case, I will guide you smoothly on how to change a miter saw blade by yourself.
Changing a Faulty Blade
A faulty blade is one with excess burn marks, chippings, warped, or missing teeth. You will only notice this by examining the blade yourself. This is the time when your blade needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Before I take you to the steps; make sure you have a DIY toolbox because it has all the tools you may need to take care of the situation.
Just to remind you, not all blades are made by the same manufacturer, so it will be better to consult the user manual while changing the blade. Your blade could be different and have a unique way of fixing it. Besides, changing a miter saw blade is quite easy and fast and the following steps apply to most miter saws.
How to Change a miter saw Blade – Steps To Follow
Removing Blade Guard
Ensuring the miter saw is disconnected from its power saw is the prior step before the blade guard. If the blade uses electricity, you just need to unplug it from its power source and if it uses batteries, you will have to remove them. After that, you can use your screwdriver to unscrew the blade guard and detach it completely from the miter saw.
Locking the Blade
Handling the blade just like that could be perilous. Therefore, you need to secure it first. Your miter saw may have a blade lock called a spindle. It is mostly black in color and it is located either behind or in front of the miter saw case. A secure spindle presses down when locked.
YouTube Video Credit Donald LeBlanc
Removing the Blade
Most miter saws have their blades connected to them with a bolt. Using an Allen wrench, simply turn the blade clockwise to loosen the bolt. Remember not to touch the blade’s teeth with your bare hands.
A good way to handle the blade is by wearing a pair of work gloves. Remove the outer wash with your fingers without touching the inner wash. Detach the blade slowly.
Changing the Blade
This step is where the user manual fully comes in. you need to ensure that the blade you want to replace fits the manufacturer’s suggestions. Also consulting means, you are following the right steps.
Lubricating the saw with oil may have resulted in the depletion of the inner and outer washes. So, you will need to wipe the oil off before reattaching the blade. After that just slide the blade on the notch over the inner washer.
Re-Assembling the Saw
Replacing the blade in the right manner is the most vital thing to do because you may regret using a poorly installed blade. After sliding the blade back to the notch, it is time to put back the outer washer then with your fingers just the way you loosen the blade, tight it back.
Once more pick your Allen wrench so that you can tighten the bolt into place but remember this time you are turning anti-clockwise. Finally, re-attach the blade guard securely using your screwdriver to tighten it too.
Note: using an over-tightened or a loose blade could be a tune you will regret dancing to. Just fasten the bolts and the screws appropriately or according to the user guides from the makers of the miter saw.
The Craftsman Miter Saw – Steps to Change Blade
These saws have been used for a very long time but they still remain to be compound saws available. The craftsman miter saw is quite different from the ordinary miter saw. It has a tilted blade and it’s a bit complex.
So if you have this miter saw, and you have been using it for a long time, chances are, you have lost your user manual. That is why I compiled the following section to help you out.
- Just like the ordinary saw, ensure it is disconnected from its power source. Then locate the arbor lock and push it to prevent the blade from turning.
- Do you see the large wing nut? Turn it counterclockwise. This will loosen the nut, lifting the saw’s housing for you to see the blade.
- It’s time to place the wrench on the arbor bolt. This is found at the center of the blade. It is usually a flat piece of metal with a bend at the end. If it’s not available use an adjustable wrench.
- Back to the arbor bolt, turn it clockwise to detach it completely. Slip the large retaining washer off the blade and shaft. Take the blade with both hands to pull it off the shaft. If it disturbs, tip the blade off gently to free it.
- Slide in the new blade to the arbor ensuring the teeth are facing forward and down for your own safety. Put in a new washer and screw with the arbor bolt. Tighten the blade securely.
- Put back the saw’s housing over the blade. The guard should have a mall pin on the shaft which holds it in place. The guard has a small recess on the housing. Fix the recess over the pin to bring into line the guard and stay in place. Re-attach the wing nut, then tighten it appropriately. Not too tight not loose.
- Finally, go back to the knob or button to issue the arbor lock. Lump the saw back in.
