Q:

How do I know when a tablesaw blade needs sharpening? And is it really better to sharpen a tablesaw blade, or should I just buy a new one?

Frank del Greco, Novelty, OH

A:

You can’t spot a dull blade just by looking at it, but you’ll feel it when you use one. A dull blade makes it tough to feed stock at a steady rate, and often bogs down the motor. Rely on feel, instead of visual cues like burnt stock or rough cuts, which could mean a dull blade, a dirty blade, damaged teeth, a poorly adjusted saw, or a feed speed that’s too fast. And before declaring dullness, try scrubbing the blade with a pitch cleaner. A blade that is cleaned regularly will also last longer. If you have a high-quality blade, it will have plenty of carbide for resharpening, and will be worth the $20 or $30 to do so. If the blade is cheap, just replace it.

You can’t spot dullness. A dirty blade may not need sharpening. Try removing the pitch and built-up residue with blade and bit cleaner before cutting with it. Also check that the fence is parallel to the blade

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Silicone Sharpening Stone Tray

At 6 in. wide, with plenty of length for standard waterstones, they have grippy dimples that keep the stones stable and level, plus wide channels all around to catch the water. They also lock together, side by side, so I can have all of my stones available at the same time.

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Wen Diamond Grinding Wheel

Diamond grinding wheel is perfect for flattening grinding wheels before honing chisels and plane blades

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