Replacing the blade on a DeWalt miter saw is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure that your saw is always cutting accurately and efficiently.
Before you begin, make sure that your saw is unplugged and the blade is completely stopped. Then, locate the blade guard and lift it up to expose the blade. Once the blade is exposed, you can use a wrench to loosen the bolt that holds it in place. Be careful not to drop the bolt, as it is small and can easily be lost. Finally, remove the blade from the saw and replace it with a new one.
Once the new blade is in place, tighten the bolt that holds it in place using a wrench. Be sure to tighten the bolt securely, but do not overtighten it, as this can damage the saw. Finally, lower the blade guard and plug in the saw. Your saw is now ready to use with the new blade.
Disconnecting the Miter Saw
Before you begin any maintenance or repair work on your DeWalt miter saw, it’s crucial to disconnect it from the power source. This ensures your safety and prevents any accidental startup.
- Turn off the power switch: Locate the power switch on the saw and turn it to the “Off” position.
- Unplug the power cord: Once the switch is off, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Grip the plug, not the cord, to disconnect it safely.
- Check for residual power: After unplugging the saw, press and hold the trigger switch for a few seconds to release any residual electricity in the saw’s capacitor. This step is an added precaution to ensure that the saw is completely de-energized.
By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that your DeWalt miter saw is safely disconnected before you proceed with any further work. Always remember to prioritize safety when working with power tools.
Observe Proper Safety Precautions
When working with power tools, safety should always be your top priority. Remember the following precautions:
| Safety Precaution | Description |
|---|---|
| Wear appropriate safety gear | Protect yourself with safety glasses, earplugs, and work gloves. |
| Use sharp blades | Dull blades can cause kickback and injury. |
| Secure your workpiece | Ensure that your workpiece is firmly clamped or secured before cutting. |
| Never reach around the blade | Keep your hands well away from the blade’s path. |
| Maintain a clean work area | Clear away sawdust and debris to prevent accidents. |
Removing the Blade Guard
To remove the blade guard, you will need to remove the two screws that hold it in place. The screws are located on the top of the blade guard, and they can be removed using a Phillips head screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the blade guard by lifting it up and away from the saw.
Once you have removed the blade guard, you can access the hex nut that holds the blade in place.
The hex nut is located on the inside of the saw, and it can be unscrewed using a hex key or an Allen wrench.
Tilt the Saw Head Back
Before you start working on the blade, it’s important to tilt the saw head back. This will give you more room to work and will help you avoid getting injured. To tilt the saw head back, loosen the knob that locks it in place. Then, lift the saw head up and back until it is in the fully tilted position.
Secure the Saw Blade
Once the saw head is tilted back, you can use a wrench to secure the saw blade. Place the wrench on the flat part of the saw blade, and then tighten the nut until it is secure. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this could damage the saw blade.
Tighten the Knob
Once the saw blade is secure, you can tighten the knob that locks the saw head in place. This will keep the saw head from moving while you are using it.
Installing the New Blade
Once you have the correct blade, it’s time to install it. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and proper installation:
1. Unplug the Miter Saw
Always unplug the miter saw before performing any maintenance or blade changes to prevent accidental startup.
2. Loosen the Arbor Lock
Locate the arbor lock, usually a lever or knob on the side of the saw. Loosen it by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the Blade Washer
Remove the blade washer from the arbor. It may be held in place by a snap ring or washer.
4. Remove the Old Blade
Carefully lift the old blade off the arbor. Use caution as the blade may be sharp.
5. Clean the Arbor and Components
Use a clean cloth or compressed air to remove any sawdust or debris from the arbor, arbor lock, and blade washer. This will prevent the new blade from vibrating or slipping during operation.
Debris Removal Area |
Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Arbor | Use a clean cloth or compressed air to remove sawdust |
| Arbor Lock | Wipe down with a clean cloth |
| Blade Washer | Use a wire brush or compressed air to remove any buildup |
Tightening the Blade Nut
Securing the blade nut is crucial for maintaining blade stability and safe operation. Follow these detailed steps to ensure proper tightening:
- Locate the blade nut: It is typically a large nut located on the arbor, the part of the saw that mounts the blade.
- Insert an Allen wrench: Select an Allen wrench that fits snugly into the hole on the blade nut.
- Hold the blade: Use one hand to hold the blade steady to prevent it from rotating.
- Tighten the nut: Insert the Allen wrench and turn it clockwise to tighten the blade nut securely.
- Use a torque wrench (optional): For optimal precision, you can use a torque wrench to apply the correct amount of force. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended torque value.
- Check tightness: Double-check the tightness of the blade nut by gently pulling on the blade. It should not move or wobble excessively.
- Reconnect the Blade Guard: Align the blade guard with its mounting points on the saw. Secure it into place using the bolts or screws provided, ensuring it is positioned correctly to cover the blade adequately.
- Reinstall the Blade Flange: Place the blade flange back onto the arbor, aligning it with the keyway.
- Tighten the Blade Flange Bolts: Using the wrench, tighten the bolts securing the blade flange onto the arbor, applying sufficient force to ensure the blade is securely held in place.
- Reattach the Upper Blade Guard: Position the upper blade guard over the blade and secure it using the bolts or screws, ensuring it covers the blade’s top portion.
- Reconnect the Handle: Align the handle with its mounting location on the saw. Secure it using the bolts or screws, ensuring it is positioned comfortably for use.
- Check for Secure Connections: Inspect all bolts and screws to ensure they are fully tightened. Loose connections can compromise the saw’s safety and proper operation.
- Reconnect Power Source: Plug the saw back into the power outlet or reconnect the battery if using a cordless model.
- Safety Check: Before operating the saw, always perform a test run by running the saw at idle speed for a few seconds. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate issues. If any abnormalities are detected, power down the saw and investigate the problem immediately.
- Unplug the saw from the power outlet before performing any maintenance.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves when changing the blade.
- Make sure the saw is on a stable surface before changing the blade.
- Use the correct size and type of blade for your saw.
- Tighten the blade with the correct torque.
- Test the saw on a piece of scrap wood before making any cuts.
- Keep your hands away from the blade when the saw is running.
- Do not use the saw if the blade is damaged or cracked.
- Follow all instructions in the saw’s user manual.
- If you are not comfortable changing the blade, take the saw to a qualified technician.
- The blade is sharp and can cause serious injury.
- The saw can generate a lot of noise and dust.
- The saw can produce sparks.
- Unplug the saw from the power source. This is a critical safety precaution that should always be taken before performing any maintenance on your saw.
- Locate the blade guard release lever. This lever is typically located near the front of the saw, on the side of the blade guard. Pull the lever to release the blade guard.
- Raise the blade guard. Once the blade guard is released, you can raise it to access the blade.
- Use a wrench to loosen the blade bolt. The blade bolt is located in the center of the blade. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Remove the blade. Once the blade bolt is loosened, you can remove the blade from the saw.
- Install the new blade. Place the new blade on the saw, making sure that the teeth are facing the correct direction. Tighten the blade bolt by turning it clockwise.
- Lower the blade guard. Once the blade is installed, you can lower the blade guard.
- Plug the saw back into the power source. Your saw is now ready to use.
Tip: For safety, always unplug the saw before performing any blade maintenance.
Reattaching the Blade Guard
Now that the blade has been changed, it’s time to reattach the blade guard. This is an important safety feature, so be sure to do it properly.
1. Align the blade guard with the mounting holes on the saw.
2. Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them securely.
3. Make sure that the blade guard is properly aligned and that it does not interfere with the blade.
4. Test the saw by making a few cuts. The blade guard should move freely and should not touch the blade.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for reattaching the blade guard:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Align the blade guard with the mounting holes on the saw. |
| 2 | Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them securely. |
| 3 | Make sure that the blade guard is properly aligned and that it does not interfere with the blade. |
| 4 | Test the saw by making a few cuts. The blade guard should move freely and should not touch the blade. |
Reconnecting the Miter Saw
Before reconnecting the saw, ensure all power sources are disconnected. Once verified, follow these detailed steps to reconnect the miter saw:
Safety Precautions
When working with power tools, it is important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from injury. Follow these safety precautions when changing the blade on your DeWalt miter saw:
In addition to these safety precautions, it is important to be aware of the following:
By following these safety precautions, you can help to prevent injury and ensure that your miter saw operates safely.
How to Change Blade on Dewalt Miter Saw
Replacing the blade on a DeWalt miter saw is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your saw is operating safely and efficiently.
People Also Ask About How To Change Blade On Dewalt Miter Saw
How often should I change the blade on my DeWalt miter saw?
The frequency with which you need to change the blade on your DeWalt miter saw will depend on the type of material you are cutting and the frequency of use. As a general rule of thumb, you should change the blade when it becomes dull or damaged.
What size blade do I need for my DeWalt miter saw?
The size of the blade you need for your DeWalt miter saw will depend on the model of saw you have. Most DeWalt miter saws use a 10-inch blade, but some models can accommodate larger or smaller blades.
Can I use any blade in my DeWalt miter saw?
No, you cannot use any blade in your DeWalt miter saw. The blade must be compatible with the saw’s arbor size and blade diameter. Using an incompatible blade can damage the saw or cause injury.
How do I choose the right blade for my DeWalt miter saw?
When choosing a blade for your DeWalt miter saw, you need to consider the type of material you will be cutting and the desired finish. For general purpose cutting, a combination blade is a good choice. For finer cuts, such as those required for molding or trim work, a finish blade is a better option.
