Delta miter saw tools are known for their precise and high-quality cuts. However, the saw is only as good as the blade. If your saw has been in use for a long time, it is time to change the blade.
So, how do you change the blade of a Delta miter saw? In today’s post, we’ll answer this question in a basic step-by-step guide.
Quick Summary
Here are some other things we’ll cover in this post:
- How to change the blade on a Delta miter saw
- Important tips
- Frequently asked questions
Without further ado, let’s get you started.
Guide to Change Blade on a Delta Miter Saw
In most situations, you’d prefer an expert/professional to replace the blade on your Delta miter saw. The only downside is that you’ll have to pay extra costs for an easy task.
Even though it seems like a daunting task with all the knobs and different parts, it is quite easy to replace the blade on your own. You just need to know the right steps to do so.
What other benefits can I get from such information?
Besides the cost reduction, you’ll also be to know how different parts of your saw work. In case of a malfunction, you won’t have to carry it to a repair shop.
This will help you save time and other resources as well.
Here are the steps to change the blade:
Step#1: Unplug Your Saw
Before you do anything, the first step is to make sure that there is no power in the saw. Remove the plug if your saw is corded. Otherwise, simply remove the battery.
Once you do that, leave it for approximately 5 minutes. This will remove any static current that is still inside the saw.
Why is it important to remove static current?
In some situations, if your workplace doesn’t have proper insulation, it can interfere with the circuit board. Worst case scenario, it can render your saw useless.
So, just to be on the safe side, it is good practice to remove all power sources from your saw.
Step#2: Remove the Cover
The next step is to remove the saw blade cover. For this purpose, all you need to do is remove a couple of screws.
These screws are located on the top side of the stationary blade cover. Take a Phillips head screwdriver and safely remove these screws.
How many screws are there?
To completely remove the blade guard, you need to remove a total of 2 screws. They are usually adjacent to each other.
Step#3: Unlock the Blade
Now, it is time to finally unlock the blade. For this step, you’ll need to unlock the blade lock first.
To do that, check for a spindle lock on the left side of the blade. It is a small Allen bolt that you can simply push to unlock.
What if the Allen lock is stuck?
If you can’t easily remove the spindle lock, use a screwdriver to push it down. Otherwise, you can add 1-2 drops of oil to loosen it up.
Step#4: Remove the Blade
Once you unlock the blade, proceed to remove the blade washer located in the center of the saw blade.
You’ll a wrench for this purpose. Simply turn it to loosen the washer and take it off. Now you can remove the blade.
It is important to note that you don’t remove it directly. Give it a little nudge to tilt it from the bottom. This way the blade will come off easily.
Step#5: Install the New Blade
Take your new blade and insert it into the saw. After the blade is in its place, simply put all the pieces in their original location.
Now your saw is ready for any task at hand.
Note: Make sure that all the screws are installed properly. Otherwise, you’ll face a lot of unwanted vibrations in your saw.
This is all the information you need to replace the blade on your Delta miter saw. Now let’s take a look at some important tips.
Important Tips to Keep in Mind
Following are some handy tips that you need to be aware of if you wish to change a saw blade. These tips can be used for any type of saw.
- Always use an insulated surface. It is quite easy to damage your saw with static current. An insulated surface will diffuse any lingering current in the saw.
- Wear protective gloves. Even a blunt blade can inflict cuts if you don’t have gloves on. Make sure to use specialized hardened gloves to keep your hands safe.
- Keep your blade guard on at all times when it is not in use. This will keep your blade safe from dust and rust. Hence, directly increasing the overall life of the blade.
- Make sure that every screw is in its specific location. Sometimes, a screw will fit in another location but it can be troublesome when the saw blade is in motion.
Note: It’s better to have all the tools you need beforehand.
Now, let’s check out some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have gathered some commonly asked questions from around the web.
How do I know that my saw blade is blunt?
There are two ways to check if your saw blade is blunt. If you feel a lot of vibrations or if your cuts have splinters then the saw blade is definitely blunt. You can also test with a piece of paper. If the blade can’t cut through it easily, it is time to change it.
What’s the best way to keep my blade safe?
You can increase the longevity of your saw blade by a basic method. Simply clean your blade after every cut and keep it covered with the blade guard. In most cases, the blade is damaged by dust and rust. The guard will keep your blade safe from both external factors.
Should I lock the saw spindle?
It is essential to lock the saw hand before you remove the blade. This will keep the saw stationary for your own convenience. Moreover, it will provide enough space for you to safely remove and install the blade.
Wrapping Things Up…
This brings us to the end of our post on how to change the blade on a Delta miter saw. We hope that this article proves to be beneficial for you.
Saw blades require replacements from time to time. You can do it by yourself by following the right steps. Besides that, this sort of information can save you a lot of costs in the long run.
Do let us know how frequently do you change your saw blade.
Get more information about how to change blades on miter saw on our website.