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When you are completing your own projects, you will likely need to use some kind of blade on your table saw.
There are many different kinds of blades in tabletop and portable mills, there are even different blade materials that give various benefits for the types of work you’re going to do with each type of blade.
The most important thing about any kind of blade on a table saw is that it needs to be sharpened regularly.
Otherwise, it can cause problems during use and damage the other parts in your machine especially if they get stuck in between the teeth. In this article, we’ll be going through how to sharpen table saw blades correctly.
While it’s true that the cutting teeth of a table saw blade are not meant to be sharpened like an ordinary kitchen knife, they do need to be manually sharpened from time to time. If you sharpen your table saw blade regularly, you can prolong its active life and make it a much more durable and reliable cutting tool.
How to Sharpen Table Saw Blades
Equipment Needed:
- Saw Blade that needs sharpening
- Saw Blade Sharpener
- Grinding Wheel
- Taper File
- Honing Rod
- Fine Grit Sand Paper
Duration: 15-30 Minutes
Budget: $30-$50 (USD)
Steps:
1. Start by removing the blade from your table saw and lay it on a flat surface. If you are just going to be sharpening a single blade, a bench top will work perfectly well. However, if you are sharpening multiple blades at the same time, you may want to invest in a magnetic work bench or add some clamps to keep your blades steady during the sharpening process.
2. Next, we’re going to use our coarse grit sandpaper and sand all the old material off our blade’s teeth. You want to sand until you’ve created roughly a 45 degree angle at the base of each tooth in order for them to sharpen more effectively after we move onto step 3 of this process.
3. Now that the old material is sanded off and the teeth are ground to a 45 degree angle, its time to move onto our finer grits of sandpaper. Begin sharpening by using your final honing rod and taper file and continue working into the teeth of the blade until you’ve created a sharp edge on each tooth in your blade. There are no hard set rules regarding how much pressure you must use at this point. I prefer to guide my hand along the blade while gently working my way down around it which will help me match up my strokes with what feels natural when I’m using my hands.
4. The final step, but certainly not an optional one, is to clean off all the remaining dirt and grime from your blade with some fine grit sandpaper. This step is important because even though we’ve been extra careful during our previous steps to avoid any metal shavings getting stuck in between the teeth of the blade, it is still possible for them to find their way in there and cause problems when you try to use it.
If you don’t believe me, try using a magnet on your blade’s teeth before and after this step. The magnet will more than likely only attract the metal shavings that are still stuck in there from previous steps and not your new blade sharpening work.
After you’ve finished your sharpening process, if you find that you are still having issues with your table saw blade, it is possible that there may be another cause that has nothing to do with sharpening. There have been cases where a blade would get stuck between the teeth of a table saw and the only way to get it unstuck was replace it entirely.
Done all the steps above?
Congratulations!
You now have a sharpened blade that is as good as a new blade!
How to Sharpen Table Saw Blades Video
Benefits of a Sharpened Table Saw Blade
– Sharper cutting teeth means smoother cuts and less tear out
– Blade will last longer because it won’t get stuck in the material as much with sharper teeth (less effort is needed to free the blade)
– Reduces chance of causing damage to other parts in your machine like welds, carbide blades, or gear racks. Remember, a dull blade requires you to put more pressure on it which could cause other parts of your machine to break or bend over time.
Things to keep in mind:
– If you have little experience using the grinding wheel and sharpening table saw blades, be sure to do your research first before attempting this yourself. A mistake could cost you money, time, or both.
– Sharpening table saw blades is something you want to do on a regular basis, so be sure that you are in a position to do it on a regular basis before getting started.
– Use your safety goggles, a mason’s trowel and/or a paper towel around the blade for cleanup. You will also want to make sure there is no metal shavings stuck in between the teeth of the blade.
– Keep in mind that doing this on a regular basis will leave you with more time to spend doing other things like woodworking and/or hobbies you enjoy like gardening or making jewelry.
How to sharpen blades for circular saws
If you own a circular saw, there’s not much you need to do during the initial sharpening process. However, in order to stop vibration and reduce friction, it is important that all bolts are tightened properly before you start using your new sharpened blade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I follow the same method to sharpen a circular saw blade?
Yes, you can follow the same steps to sharpen a circular saw blade.
Does a Diamond Blade need sharpening?
No, a Diamond Blade is one of the most durable saw blades and needs no further sharpening.
Does a carbide blade need sharpening?
Yes, a carbide blade may be a tough material for a saw blade but over time there will also be wear and tear.
Can I use an Angle Grinder to sharpen a table saw blade?
It is not recommended, but with a proper grinder maneuverability then you can use an angle grinder to sharpen a table saw blade.
What do I do with a dull saw blade?
It is highly recommended to sharpen it, or buy a new blade. Please stay away from a cheap blade.
Do I need to clean my table saw blades after I’ve sharpened them?
Yes, after sharpening your table saw blades it is best to learn how to clean a table saw blade. This will ensure that the coating sticks and ensures your cuts are as precise as should be.
Can I clean a Dado Blade?
Yes, you should clean your dado blade so it can provide the best cut possible. However, depending on the size of your table saw dado blade, you may need to put more effort into the cleaning.
How to Sharpen Table Saw Blades
Final Thoughts
This ends our How To Guide of How to Sharpen Table Saw Blades.
Thinking you want to level up your woodworking? Getting the best table saw blades not only saves you time because they don’t need any re-sharpening for years, they’re also flexible and can fasten your cutting.
We hope the knowledge you gained here will help you in the future with your DIY or Professional Woodworking projects. We want you to be sure of that what you get from us are 100% facts, so please don’t hesitate to ask for advice or to advise us in return with accurate facts.
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