A problem that woodworkers may run into when using a table saw is a blade that is hard to raise. When the mechanism that is meant to allow the disc to rise and descend malfunctions, it can be a real issue.
A saw blade that won’t raise can be caused by a few things. First, you will want to ensure that your blade is installed correctly and the mechanism is unlocked.
Should the blade raise and lower but feels more challenging than it used to, start by cleaning it up. Sawdust and debris can build up over time and cause issues. Should you continue to use it in this state, you run the risk of stripping out the mechanism. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for people to strip the mechanism before realizing they should have cleaned it out.
Keep in mind, some table saw brands are known to be problematic when it comes to blade functions.
How Do You Raise a Table Saw Blade?
On your table saw, there should be some sort of wheel or mechanism located beneath the table. This will adjust the table saw blade so that you can raise or lower it to your preference.
The mechanism should be easy to use. Anytime you are experiencing more difficulty than usual when raising the blade, it is an indication that something is not working correctly and needs to be addressed.
How High Should I Raise my Table Saw Blade?
While there are various heights that woodworkers may recommend, the most common height to keep it at is around one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch above the wood that you are going to cut.
Another way to measure it is that one entire tooth of the saw blade should be visible through the wood when it cuts through. Having the blade rise any higher could increase the chances of a dangerous incident occurring. It is always important to prioritize safety first.
Reasons Why a Table Saw Blade May Be Hard to Raise
There are several reasons why a table saw blade might be challenging to raise or lower. While most of these may be simple or small, it is essential to always treat your tool with caution to prevent future injury or mistakes from occurring.
After all, when working with power tools, the chances for serious injury are high when things are not done properly.
Incorrect Blade Mounting
The most common reason for a saw mechanism malfunction is the incorrect installation of the saw blade. Incorrect installation can cause it to lock up.
Ensure that the blade is correctly fitted and that the mechanism is unlocked before attempting to try and use the tool again.
Debris In The Mechanism
Another cause of the malfunction may be a large amount of sawdust and debris located within the nooks and crannies of the mechanism. By giving the gears a thorough clean, you may fix your problems. Failing to clean it thoroughly when needed can result in stripping out the mechanism.
Another preemptive measure you can take to ensure longer and more efficient usage is by lubricating the elevating and tilting gears with either graphite or silicone lube. This is to ensure that it will not attract as much sawdust. Make sure you do not use regular grease for lube, which will have quite the opposite effect.
Object Interference
Similar to debris being located in the mechanism, which can cause interference, you should also look out for any external objects that are binding the mechanism.
It is possible for errant scraps of wood or other shop objects to prevent it from functioning correctly.
Dangers Of Leaving This Problem Unsolved
There will always be risks or dangers when errors with power tools occur. The most common risk is more force being required to lift the saw, which can be dangerous if the user exerts too much pressure. It may also damage the saw, which could have long-term effects.
Splitting or interference can also lead to kickback, where the saw blade can throw the piece of wood that is being cut. While it may not seem like too big of a risk, it can result in life-changing injuries and possibly even death.
It is always best to stay cautious and remain safe when using equipment like this.
