How to keep your chop saw up and running. Chop saw is really a handy power tool to have in your workshop. Just like any power tool, the steel shop saw is designed to cut back on the time and effort it takes for you to cut woods or steel stock so you can finish your projects quickly and devote the time you save to other important tasks.
However, your chop saw will only work as well as you maintain it. In other words, you have to keep it in tip-top shape all the time. Power tools such as the miter or chop saw aren’t cheap, and you’re only going to end up wasting your money if you don’t take good care of it.
What must you do to keep your chop saw up and running at all time? Here are three basic tips that will help you out.
Keep your chop saw clean and free from debris
The first step to proper ownership of a chop saw is to keep it free from debris as soon as you’re done using it. The sawdust and little bits of wood left behind by the wood stock you worked on can contribute to the rusting of the blade and other metal parts of the saw. They can also get caught in the small crevices in between the saw’s components and prevent the saw from functioning smoothly next time you use it. To get rid of the sawdust and other debris stuck in your saw, blow them off using compressed air or a blower. You can also suck the dust and debris out with a vacuum cleaner.
You would also want to give your saw a more thorough cleaning on a regular basis. Wipe the dust off your saw with a clean and dry dust rag. Clean the blade with a specialty blade brush or you can use an ordinary wire brush with soft bristles and bathroom detergent, paying close attention to the teeth. Make sure you wipe the blade dry after you’ve cleaned it to prevent it from rusting. Remember to pay attention to the fences and table of your saw as well. They need some cleaning too. The best way to clean these parts is by buffing them with a clean scrubbing pad. If you really want them to gleam, you can be more aggressive in your buffing by using cleaning oil and maybe an electric polisher. Your saw will look shiny and new after you’re done.
Keep your chop saw lubricated
Aside from keeping your saw clean, you should also keep the gears that make it work well lubricated. If you keep your saw oiled, it will run smoothly and you will get to work on your projects quickly and efficiently. The oil will also get rid of whatever dust and debris that you overlooked and got stuck in the gears.
Always check your chop saw’s component for damage
All power tools are vulnerable to wearing and tearing. It doesn’t matter whether they’re cheap or expensive, rarely used or seeing a lot of action or even when they’re properly cared for. You’re using the tool and it still gets exposed to air and dust, so the usage and exposure are bound to take their toll on the machine.
This makes it very important for you to check your saw regularly for damage. Every few weeks or so, make it a point to look over your saw and inspect it for chipping, cracks and other forms of breakage. Don’t forget to have a look-see at your saw’s kerf board, power cord and brushes. If you see any part with some chipping, cracking or any sort of damage, repair them if they’re still small. Don’t hesitate to replace these parts if they’ve incurred any serious damage.
It’s essential that you pay attention to the wearing and tearing of your saw. As mentioned earlier, the saw isn’t a cheap tool. By checking your saw regularly, you’re simply protecting your investment.
Another huge reason why you should pay attention to the condition of your chop saw is to prevent accidents and injuries from happening while you’re using it. If your saw isn’t in tip-top shape and you ignore it, you’re increasing the risk of getting into an accident in your workshop. The saw could malfunction and you may seriously hurt yourself.
Other tips for maintaining your chop saw
Aside from the three tips mentioned above, you should try getting your saw tuned up every once in a while. This ensures that the miter and bevel scales are properly calibrated and all the other parts working properly. Lastly, always keep the owner’s manual that came with your chop saw handy. Stick to the uses your saw is designed for. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual.Your saw is a handy and valuable tool to have in your workshop. It certainly makes your project a lot easier to work on and quicker to complete. To get the most out of your investment and to enjoy your cutting tool for many years to come, you really have to make the effort to keep it in tip-top shape.
Getting a new chop saw? Visit Sawblade.com, the no. 1 online distributor of quality cutting tools, saw blades and aftermarket band saw parts. Call us now at (800) 754-6920.
Contributed by:
June Surigao
(Sawblade.com Inside Sales)
