Craftsman table saws are one of the best in the market. They offer the finest blades, which give precise and accurate cuts. If you own a Craftsman table saw and are wondering how to change its blade for dado cuts or sharpening, you are at the right place.
How to Change the Blade on a Craftsman Table Saw
A dull blade can cause irreplaceable damage to the wood and also reduce the lifespan of the blade. Craftsman table saws come with the wrenches to remove and insert the blade. However, if you purchased an old table saw or lost your wrenches, don’t worry. You can still remove the blade easily through the following steps. Changing the blade will take around one hour, and you need safety gloves and a slot screwdriver.
Step 1: Remove the plug from the socket and gather the wire. Make sure that it is not spread on the floor. We don’t want you to fall by getting stuck in it.
Step 2: Loosen the blade-tilt locking knob or handle and turn the blade to a 90-degree angle. Now tighten the locking knob again to fix the blade at 90 degrees angle.
Step 3: Raise the blade to the highest cutting position with the help of the blade lever. It will help in opening the blade.
Step 4: Now, you need to remove the blade guard. A blade guard on a Craftsman table saw is locked with the help of a button on its top. It is usually red in color. Push it in to take the guard off.
Step 5: Remove the table insert with the help of a screwdriver. Just insert it in the hole and pull it off. It will come out in a snap.
Step 6: Now, you have to remove the blade arbor nut. If you have the Craftsman wrenches, well and good. Otherwise, you can also use your car wrench for this purpose. When the nut is loose, you will be able to take out the outer flange washer and the blade. Keep the arbor nut and washer safe as such things usually get lost at the end.
Step 7: If you plan to use the same blade, sharpen it. A detailed guide on blade sharpening is available here.
Step 8: Now insert the blade back. Place the washer and tighten the arbor nut. Tighten the arbor nut firmly. Hold the backside of the nut with another wrench. Place the table-insert back and attach the blade guard. Move the blade to your desired cutting height. That’s it. You are done.