It is essential to replace and check the arbor bearings regularly in order to maintain a smooth running table saw. These bearings help to support the blade and keep it properly aligned.
Over time, however, they can become worn down, causing the blade to wobble or become misaligned. This can cause serious damage to your saw and result in dangerous kickback. Fortunately, replacing the arbor bearings is a relatively simple process that only requires a few tools.
This blog post will explain how you can do this. Follow this guide, and youll be able to get back to work in no time. Its a quick and easy process that anyone can do.
Step By Step
Here are some steps to replace your table saw arbor bearings step by step with the secure method.
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Gather all the tools and materials necessary to begin.
- A table saw arbor press or vise
- Lubricant (3in1 motor tool oil works great)
- Screwdriver (flathead and Philips head)
- Magnetic pick-up tool
Step 2: Take Out The Blade
Begin by taking off the saw blade. To do this, use the magnetic pick up tool. You can also use a pair or metal tongs if you don’t have one of these tools. Make sure the tool you choose is magnetic enough to grab your blade.
Step 3: Take Out The Arbor Nut
Now that your saw blade is gone, remove the two screws holding down the motor cover with your screwdriver or flathead screwdriver. These are usually on either side of your table saw controls panel box. Once your screws are removed, take off the motor cover and set it aside for now so its not in the way when youre working on replacing your bearings.
Step 4: Discard Bearings From Your Housing
Once youve removed your motor cover and set it aside, youll see the arbor nut. This holds the bearings in place.
The easiest way to loosen this nut is with a table saw arbor press or vise (like the one we mentioned earlier). If you dont have that, then give your saws arbor a few gentle taps with a rubber mallet until the bearing slides off.
Step 5: Remove Old Bearing
Your arbor will now be empty, so now its time to remove your old bearing from its housing. Take a flathead screwdriver, or any other thin metal tool and gently remove the bearing and all its components, including washers and spacers.
Step 6: Clean Your Old Bearing
Once you have taken out your old bearing, it is time to clean it. Because bearings are small and difficult to work with, you might find it easier just to bring it into a machine shop for cleaning. You can also use a metal cleaner to clean the bearings. Afterward, you can use compressed air to blow off any remaining debris until the surface is completely smooth again.
Step 7: Place New Bearing In The Housing
Once your old bearing has been cleaned properly, place the new one inside its housing so everything lines up nice and neat again. The washers should be on the opposite side of the inner rings, just above the place where the backing plate (the thicker metal that holds everything in place) will be.
Step 8: Replace Arbor Nut
After that, put your old bearing back on the arbor by replacing the original nut. Tighten it down with your vise or table saw arbor press, making sure to tighten it with firm pressure, but not too much! Just enough to make sure the bearings are secure once more.
Step 9: Reinstall Your Motor Cover
Finally, reattach your motor cover using your two screws and screwdriver/flathead screwdriver. Next, wipe any excess lubricant that you used to replace bearings off the motor cover with paper towels or a towel. You can then use compressed air to blow away any remaining debris before placing the blade back on top of where your new bearing will go.
Step 10: Reinstall Your Blade
Once you’re done, simply place your saw blade back on the top of your new bearing and you are good to go! Now you should be able to cut wood or metal again with your newly refurbished tablesaw.
Video Guide on How to Replace a Table Saw Arbor Bearings
FAQs
What Happens If I Don’t Have The Right Bearings?
You may need to replace the arbor bearings on your table saw if you are unable to find them.
Are There Any Tools That Can Replace Bearings?
Yes. But make sure that whatever tool you use is magnetic enough to pick up your blade first (like a magnetic pick-up tool or metal tongs).
Are There Multiple Types Of Bearings On My Table Saw Arbor’s Tablesaw?
No. There are two types of bearings that table saws use: ceramic and steel. Steel is more affordable, but it’s not as high quality. Ceramic is more expensive but has a better quality. You will have to choose which one is best for you.
How Do I Remove Bearings That Are Frozen Or Stuck?
If your bearings are somehow frozen to the arbor then you will need to give it a couple of taps with a rubber mallet so the inner race comes loose from the outer race.
Conclusion
This article will show you how to replace the bearings of a tablesaw arbor. I was frustrated by projects being cut halfway through as it took me so much time to locate the parts for my table saw. To avoid this problem, I decided to change my own bearings so that I may work on my tasks without being disrupted by an old, rusted machine anymore. An arbor press was not enough for this replacement. I needed a vise and a table. This will hopefully be helpful to those who have problems with their table saws.
