In this video, we'll demonstrate how to check and adjust the alignment of a table saw blade with the miter slot for optimal performance and safety. We've provided instructions for both cabinet-style and contractor/hybrid table saws.

Ensuring accurate blade alignment provides better results and safer operation of your table saw.

We've also included step-by-step instructions below if you'd like to follow along.

Important Safety Precautions:

• Disconnect Power: Always disconnect the table saw from the power source before performing any checks or adjustments.
• Read Instructions: Refer to the instruction manual that came with your specific table saw for detailed information and safety guidelines.
• Watch Entire Video: It is recommended to watch the entire video before starting.
• Technical Support: If you need further assistance, you can call technical support at 570-546-9663.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measuring the Blade Alignment:

• Position the Blade: Ensure the blade is at 90 degrees (vertical).
• Measure at the Front:
• Use an adjustable square to measure the distance from the miter slot to a single tooth on the blade. It's often easier to measure on the side opposite the blade tilt.
• Ensure the face of the adjustable square is flush against the miter slot.
• Position the end of the square so it just touches the edge of a tooth.
• Lock the square in place.
• Mark the measured tooth with a felt-tip pen.
• Measure at the Rear:
• Rotate the blade towards the other end of the table insert.
• Slide the adjustable square down the miter slot and compare the distance to the same marked tooth.
• Check for Gaps:
• If there's a gap, measure it with a feeler gauge.
• If the rear is closer, reset the square using the rear measurement and measure the gap at the front.
• Record Measurement: Place a piece of masking tape on the table near where you measured the gap and write the measurement on the tape.
• Tilt and Repeat: Tilt the table to 45 degrees and repeat the measuring steps at both the front and rear of the blade using the same tooth.
• Assess Alignment: If the blade is not parallel within the specifications at either the 90-degree or 45-degree position (or both), it needs adjustment.

2. Adjustments for Cabinet Style Table Saws (e.g., G0690):

• Locate Table Mounting Bolts: Find the bolts that secure the table to the cabinet, typically located in the four corners.
• Loosen Bolts: Carefully loosen these bolts by about one-half to three-quarters of a turn. They should be just loose enough to allow movement when tapped.
• Tap for Alignment: Gently tap the edge of the table with a dead blow hammer in the direction needed to align the miter slot and the blade.
• Recheck Alignment: Use the adjustable square to re-measure the alignment and continue making small adjustments until it is correct at both 90 and 45 degrees (if the initial offset was the same at both angles).
• Tighten Bolts: Once satisfied with the alignment, tighten the table mounting bolts securely.
• Double Check: Ensure nothing moved during the tightening process.

3. Adjustments for Contractor and Hybrid Style Table Saws (e.g., G0715P):

• Access Trunnion Bolts: Remove any covers or panels to expose the bolts that hold one of the trunnions to the underside of the table.
• Loosen Trunnion Bolts: Loosen these bolts by about one-half to three-quarters of a turn.
• Tap for Alignment: Using a hammer and a drift or punch, gently tap the side of the trunnion to move it in the needed direction to align the blade with the miter slot.
• Recheck Alignment: Use the adjustable square to re-measure the alignment and continue making small adjustments until it is correct at both 90 and 45 degrees (if the initial offset was the same at both angles).
• Tighten Bolts: Once satisfied, tighten the trunnion mounting bolts securely.
• Replace Covers: Reinstall any covers or panels that were removed.
• Double Check: Ensure nothing moved during the tightening process.

4. Adjustments Using Shims (If Measurements Differ at 90 and 45 Degrees):

• Identify Need for Shims: This adjustment is necessary if the misalignment is different when the blade is at 90 degrees compared to 45 degrees.
• Obtain Shims: U-shaped shims are typically used and are available in various thicknesses (e.g., 10 to 40 thousandths of an inch). Contact the parts department to order shims if needed, we carry 0.020” (PSHIM020), 0.030” (PSHIM030) and 0.040” (PSHIM040) shims.
• Cabinet Saws:
• Rear of Blade Further: Add shims to the two rear table corners.
• Front of Blade Further: Add shims to the two front table corners.
• Important Note: If you measured from the opposite side of the blade tilt, the effect of shimming will be reversed.
• Contractor and Hybrid Saws: Shimming has the reverse effect compared to cabinet saws because the trunnions are mounted to the underside of the table.
• Shimming Procedure:
• Loosen only one mounting bolt at a time.
• Add or remove shims in small increments.
• Recheck measurements after each shim adjustment.
• Continue adding or removing shims until the alignment is satisfactory at both 90 and 45 degrees.
• Ensure all bolts are tight after the final adjustments.
• Replace any covers.

5. Final Check:

• After making any adjustments, double-check the blade alignment with the miter slot at both 90 and 45 degrees to ensure it is within the specified tolerances.

We trust you will find this video to be beneficial. Please feel free to reach out to us HERE if you have any questions on how to align a blade in the miter slot.