A Quick Guide On How To Align Table Saw Blade!

Aligning the blade on a table saw is an important step to ensure accurate cuts. To align the blade, first, ensure the saw is unplugged, and the blade has stopped moving. Then, use a square or a special square tool to check the angle of the blade to the table and the miter slot, make sure it’s parallel, and voila! You’ve learned how to align table saw blade.

Of course, other details should be noted, such as what to do if the blade isn’t at a 90-degree angle or the role of bolts and the trunnion, as well as the differences in aligning Cabinet Saws and Contractor and Hybrid Saws, but we cover the steps of this process in a little more detail in this article.

Of course, you should keep in mind that there is also a lot of content on ‘adjusting’ instead of aligning blades, and that’s why we’ve also covered the topic of How to Adjust a Table Saw for your needs. So if that’s your goal, feel free to check it out. Otherwise, let’s dive in!

Cabinet Saw – How to Align Table Saw Blade

Step 1

In our excitement to begin a new project, it’s all too easy to forget to disconnect the power supply. So, for your own safety, make sure to disconnect the saw from the power source.

Note: Learn more about power requirements with “How many watts does a table saw use?”

Step 2

Measure the distance from the miter slot to a single blade tooth using an adjustable square. Since you can see the end of the square more clearly when the blade is slanted, it is typically simpler to check on the opposite side when the blade tilts.

Verify that the adjustable square’s face is level along the miter slot. Lock the adjustable square into place with the end of the square just contacting the tooth’s edge, and then mark the tooth with a felt tip pen.

Speaking of miters, on a side note, you can also check out our guide on building a miter saw table to help you in your woodworking journey!

Step 3

Turn the blade in the way of the other end of the table insert. Utilizing the same tooth, compare the distance by sliding the adjustable combination square downward. Utilize a feeler gauge to find out the size of any gaps.

When measuring the gap at the front position, reset the square using the rear position if it is closer. The gap measurement should be recorded on a piece of masking tape that is placed on the table.

Step 4

Repeat these actions while tilting the table 45 degrees. Depending on the model of your table saw, the blade may need to be changed if it is not parallel to the fence at one or both locations as required.

Note: To choose the best blade for the task, read more about Blade Thicknesses.

Trunnions on cabinet-style table saws are fixed to the cabinet. Therefore, adjustments are often made by releasing the bolts and shifting the table.

Step 5

In order to secure the table to the cabinet, locate the bolts. They are normally found at the cabinet’s four corners. These bolts should be carefully loosened by 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn.

When you touch the table edge with a dead blow hammer, you want them to shift just a little. It will be more difficult to hold any modifications you make until the bolts are re-tightened if you loosen them too much.

Step 6

Once the bolts are free, gently hit the table with a dead blow hammer in the desired direction. Once more, use the adjustable square to verify alignment, then make little adjustments until everything is straight.

After the adjustment has been completed to your satisfaction, tighten the table mounting bolts. Make sure everything is still in place after tightening the bolts.

Step 7

If the original readings at 90° and 45° are different, do a second type of adjustment. If so, you will need to adjust the distance between the table and the cabinet or trunnions by adding or removing shims.

Typically, U-shaped shims are used. This makes it possible to add or remove them without fully removing the mounting bolts.

Step 8

The rear of the blade can be moved farther away from the miter slot by placing shims under the two back table corners. The front of the blade will be further away from the miter slot by adding them under the two front corners.

Measure from the side where the blade tilts away from the miter slot. Shimming the table will have the reverse effect if, for some reason, you measured on the incorrect side.

Contractor and Hybrid Saws Alignment

Note: Trunnions on these table saws are fixed to the underside of the table. Therefore, trunnions must be moved to make adjustments.

Step 1

To align the components, loosen the bolts holding one of the trunnions and tap it sideways. To access the trunnion and reveal the trunnion bolts, remove any coverings or panels. Loosen the bolts by roughly a half-to-four-turn.

Step 2

Use a hammer and a drift or punch to gently hit the trunnion on the side to move it in the required direction. Once more, use the adjustable square to verify alignment, then make little adjustments until everything is straight.

When you’re happy with the adjustment, tighten the trunnion mounting nuts and replace any covers. Check once more that nothing shifted after you tightened the bolts.

Step 3

If the original readings at 90° and 45° are different, do a second type of adjustment. Trunnions, as opposed to cabinet-style, are mounted to the table’s underside.

Use a minimal amount of shims while adding or removing them. This will enable you to approach the ideal alignment covertly without passing it by. To ensure that the direct side-to-side adjustment of the table or trunnions is not impacted, only loosen one bolt at a time.

Check your measurements once more, and then add or remove extra shims as necessary to get the desired alignment.

Practical Demonstration on How To Align Table Saw Blade

Of course, if you’re facing any concerns regarding the process, you can always try checking out a practical demonstration to see how to align table saw blade in the best possible way.

For that, We recommend watching a video on the alignment of a saw blade that showcases the steps you need to follow in a practical way:

The Bottom Line

We hope that this article was helpful in learning how to align table saw blade and you were able to follow the steps outlined within this guide.

If you have any problems in the process, remember to go over the steps again, and if not, consider why exactly you need to align the blade in the first place or whether you should work to adjust the blade instead, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article.

Nevertheless, we wish you the best of luck in your woodworking journey!

Learn more table saw knowledge with “How to build a Crosscut Sled?”