table saw problems Archives - WoodWorkingToolsHQ

Table saws are one of the most popular tools in any woodworking shop. Table saws can be used to cut anything from small pieces of trim all the way up to 4x8 sheets of plywood. It is important that you take care of your table saw so that it will last for many years and provide accurate cuts every time without issue. This blog post will discuss common problems with table saws and offer solutions on how to fix them! Problem: My Table Saw Just Stopped Working Causes and Solution: There could be a few different reasons why your table saw just stopped working. The first thing you should do is check the breaker box to make sure that the circuit isn't tripped. If it's not, then you'll need to troubleshoot the saw. One common problem is a bad switch. To test this, turn off the power and remove the switch. You can test the switch by using a multimeter and see if there is continuity between the common and run positions. If there isn't, you will likely need to replace your switch. Another problem could be a damaged cord or plug. The easiest way to tell if this is the case is to swap out an extension cord with the one that is attached to your table saw. If the problem persists, then you likely have a damaged cord or plug and will need to replace it. Lastly, if your table saw just stopped working for no reason, it could be that the motor has failed. In this case, you will need to replace the motor. Problem: My Table Saw Doesn't Have a Riving Knife Solution: One of the main safety features of a table saw is the riving knife. This helps to keep your hands and fingers safe while the saw is in use. If your table saw doesn't have a riving knife, you can purchase one and install it yourself. You can also use a splitter, which is a cheaper alternative to a riving knife. Problem: My Table Saw Isn't Cutting Straight Causes and Solution: One of the most common table saw problems is that the cuts aren't straight. There are a few different reasons this could be happening. The first reason could be that your angle on the blade isn't set correctly. Make sure to read your owner's manual on how to adjust it properly before making any adjustments. A fence that can easily be adjusted is another solution; make sure it is locked in place securely before making any cuts. Sometimes your miter slot can be out of alignment, which will cause the wood to cut at an angle when using the miter gauge. Another thing you should do is pick up a better quality blade. A more expensive blade will usually provide cleaner cuts every time, which will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Lastly, make sure your blade is sharp. A dull blade can sometimes cut at an angle as well. Problem: My Table Saw Keeps Tripping Breaker Causes and Solution: Usually, when your table saw keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it is because there is too much resistance on the motor. This can be caused by a couple of different problems. The first problem could be using the wrong size blade for the project you are working on. If you have a 10" blade and you're trying to cut through an 8" piece of wood, you will likely experience a lot of resistance. Another problem could be that the blade isn't sharp. A dull blade can't cut through the wood as easily, which will cause more resistance and eventually trip the breaker. Make sure to always use the correct size blade for the project you are working on, and always keep your blades sharp! Problem: My Table Saw Is Smoking Causes and Solution: When your table saw is smoking, it usually means that the motor is not getting enough airflow. The first thing you should do in this situation is check to make sure that none of your safety features are tripped. Make sure the blade guard and riving knife are both engaged. If they are, then you will need to remove any excess materials from the saw. This could be anything from sawdust to wood chips. Once you have cleaned up the saw, turn it back on and see if it is still smoking. If it is, then you will likely need to replace the motor. Problem: My Table Saw Doesn't Have a Fence Solution: If your table saw doesn't have a fence, you can purchase one and install it yourself. You can also use a miter gauge, but this isn't as accurate as a fence. A fence helps to keep the wood in place while you are making the cut, which results in a cleaner and more accurate cut. Make sure that the fence is in line with the miter gauge and that it locks into place before making any cuts. Problem: My Table Saw Got Wet Causes and Solution: When your table saw gets wet, it is important to make sure that you unplug the power before attempting to fix it. The first thing you should do when this happens is remove any excess water with a towel; if there is rust present, you will need to sand it down and paint over it. If there isn't enough moisture left in the wood, you can dry it out with a heat gun or hairdryer, but you will need to let the wood sit for a few days before using it again. Problem: My Table Saw Is out Of Alignment Causes and Solution: If your table saw is out of alignment, it will cause the wood to cut at an angle when using the miter gauge. This can be caused by a few different things, such as a warped tabletop or a misaligned blade. You can try to fix this yourself by adjusting the blade or the miter slot, but if it is still out of alignment, you will need to take it to a professional. Conclusion: A table saw is a vital piece of equipment for any woodworker, and it is important to know how to fix the most common problems. By following these tips, you can keep your table saw running smoothly and safely. Happy woodworking!