Can You Use A 7 1/4 Blade On A 10 Table Saw?
Many woodworkers have a common question of whether they can use a smaller diameter blade on the table saw. The majority Carpenter asks can I use a 7 1/4 blade on a 10 table saw. Read the article to remove your confusion about using a small diameter blade, especially 7 1/4.
Can you use a 7 1/4 blade on a 10 table saw?
Yes, you can use a 7 1/4 blade on a table saw. You can use smaller than 7 1/4 if you need. It is also beneficial to use a 7 1/4 inches blade. The only difference is the smaller blade is a bit thinner, so the cutting depth is lower than the traditional blade.
Generally, a table saw comes with a 10-inch blade. It is a traditional measurement that most woodworkers use. As a 10 inch saw blade is used primarily & popular, some people think it is not possible to choose smaller than 10 inches.
How to change the 10 Inch Table Saw blade?
Earlier, we mentioned that table saw generally comes with a 10-inch blade. So you need to change the blade if you want to use a 7 1/4 inch blade. So let’s learn how to change your saw’s blade within a few steps.
1. Detach the connection
A table saw is a powerful tool that may bring danger if you don’t follow precautions. That is why you should switch off the table saw connection before starting the primary process. Also, detach your saw connection from the plug.
2. Take out the throat plate & blade guard
Now take out the throat plate & blade guard from the table saw. Different model’s throat plates & guards are attached in different ways. So the removal process is also different. You need to follow the user manual to remove the throat plate & guard accurately.
3. Enhance the saw blade
As you already remove the throat plate & blade guard, you can easily enhance your saw blade to its maximum height. It is the easiest approach to take out the blade for replacing it with a new one.
4. Remove Nut
The table saw blade is attached with a nut by an arbor. The precondition is to remove or loosen the nuts to remove the blade.
You can use wrenches to loosen the arbor nuts. When you are using a wrench to loosen the arbor nut from one side, the other side needs to be held with an extra wrench.
After you lose the nuts with wrenches, now take out the nuts with your hand. You can easily unscrew it with your fingers. After removing arbor nuts, also remove the washer.
5. Remove old blade & replace with a new one
As you already removed the arbor nut & washer, now the blade will quickly come out from the saw. Remove the old blade & put a new blade in the saw. When you are placing a new blade, make sure whether you place it appropriately. So that the teeth are pointing onto you.
6. Replace the washer & arbor but
After replacing the new blade now, it’s time to replace the washer & arbor nut. Place washer & arbor nuts in the same position from where you removed them. Tighten the nut by following the same process you lose it. So use a wrench & repeat the same approach to tighten the arbor nut.
7. Replace the throat plate & blade guard
Finally, replace the throat plate & place the guard in its position to fix your new blade.
Your new blade is now ready to use. Let’s start your woodworking job without any worries.
Why is a 7 1/4 inch blade a good pick?
Well, now you may have the question of why you should use a smaller blade than the traditional one. Using a smaller blade brings the below benefits.
- A smaller blade like 7 1/4 inches is provided at a similar speed to a 10-inch blade. As a result, you can derive thinner cutting pieces.
- Identical cuts need smaller blades as cutting edges move slower in the small blade.
- It is safer than a large blade.
- Make cleans cuts.
- Decreases waste by producing less sawdust.
- Increases table saw’s lifespan.
- Reduce noise.
- The best thing is it reduces the chances of kickbacks that prevent severe injury.
You can derive any extra benefits by using a 10-inch blade. Instead, it increases the chance of kickbacks & injuries. But a 7 1/4 inches blade is an almost similar size blade that reduces injury chances & makes your cutting safe.
That is why a 7 1/4 inch blade on the saw is highly recommended for professional use. The beginners should start with a 7 1/4 inch blade to avoid accidents.
Final Thought
As 7 1/4 inches blades have so many benefits over 10 inches saw blades, it is a common query that you can use a 7 1/4 blade on a 10 table saw. We try to remove your confusion about saw blade sizes & discuss the easiest way to remove your traditional saw blade.
Changing a table saw blade is effortless. Besides, you need to change the saw blade for different types of cutting or other reasons. It is totally fine to change your saw blade.
The controversy about saw blades arises because most of the brand provides 10-inch blades. But it does not mean you can’t use something smaller than it. You have the freedom to choose any size of the blade without crossing the maximum saw blade size.
