April 19, 2023

Table Saw: Why does my table saw make bad angle cuts?

If angle-cut work pieces don't fit together, you may need to adjust blade alignment, the bevel positive stops or the bevel pointer. If the angle cuts have ragged, torn, splintered or burnt edges, you may need to replace the saw blade.

The blade must be parallel to the miter gauge groove to achieve clean angle cuts. Check blade alignment using a combination square and adjust the blade to parallel with the miter gauge groove if blade alignment is off.

Next, check the 90-degree and 45-degree bevel positive stops and adjust those stops if necessary so blade angle is accurate.

Check the accuracy of the bevel pointer and adjust the pointer to accurate indicate blade angle.

The saw blade must be clean and sharp to make clean angle cuts. Check the condition of the saw blade for damage or residue. Clean gum or pitch residue off the blade using turpentine and steel wool. Replace the blade if it's worn or damaged.

table saw

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TABLE SAW PROBLEM

JC-TSAW-Adjust-the-table-saw-blade

Adjust the table saw blade

The table saw blade won't make perfect cuts if it's not parallel with the miter gauge groove. Check the blade alignment using a combination square and adjust the blade to parallel with the miter gauge groove.

Adjust the table saw blade

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-TSAW-Adjust-Table-Saw-Blade-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to adjust a table saw blade

If your table saw isn't cutting straight or true, the blade alignment may be off. This step-by-step repair guide and video show how to adjust a table saw blade in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
JC-TSAW-Adjust-the-table-saw-positive-stops

Adjust the table saw positive stops

The table saw has positive stops that quickly position the saw blade at 90-degree and 45-degree angles to the table. Use a combination square to check and adjust the angle stops for accurate cuts.

Adjust the table saw positive stops

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-TSAW-Adjust-Table-Saw-Blade-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to adjust a table saw blade

If your table saw isn't cutting straight or true, the blade alignment may be off. This step-by-step repair guide and video show how to adjust a table saw blade in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
JC-TSAW-Replace-the-table-saw-blade

Replace the table saw blade

The table saw blade becomes dull with use. Cutting hard wood or metal dulls the blade faster. The blade is dull when you must apply significantly more than normal force to push the piece you're cutting through the blade.

Table saw blade

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-TSAW-Replace-Table-Saw-Blade-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to replace a table saw blade

When a table saw blade isn't making the cut, the blade may be worn. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a table saw blade in just 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less

Symptoms for table saws

Choose a symptom to see related table saw repairs.

Main causes: lack of power, broken on/off switch, bad motor overload, broken power cord, bad drive motor...

Main causes: dirty saw blade, dull or damaged saw blade, blade alignment needs adjustment...

Main causes: saw dust build up, blade elevating and tilting mechanisms need lubrication...

Main causes: worn motor brushes, faulty drive motor, using an improper extension cord...

Main causes: blade alignment needs adjustment, worn blade, bevel positive stops need adjustments, bevel pointer needs ad...

Main causes: worn motor brushes, bad drive motor, faulty overload switch, using an improper extension cord, binding saw ...

Repair guides for table saws

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your table saw.

How to replace a table saw drive motor

How to replace a table saw drive motor

You can replace a table saw drive motor that is weak or won't run. Here’s how....

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to adjust a table saw blade

How to adjust a table saw blade

If the table saw isn’t cutting parallel to the miter gauge groove, adjust the cutting blade following the instructions i...

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace a table saw motor brush set

How to replace a table saw motor brush set

Worn motor brushes can make the table saw motor run weak. Here’s how to replace them. ...

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less

Articles and videos for table saws

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your table saw.

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How to use a table saw safely

How to use a table saw safely

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