Certain types of tools you use in your shop are likely to get more abuse than others. Of all the tools that see a lot of wear and tear, the circular saw tends to be the one in the shop that looks the roughest. It gets used a lot, tends to get dropped frequently and cuts through a lot of different materials, and through all of this probably doesn’t get quite as much TLC as it needs to stay in great condition.
So, does a power saw need maintenance? Yes! You probably have other tasks around your shop in Monroe, LA that take up more of your attention, but you shouldn’t let preventative maintenance fall completely by the wayside. By taking the time to maintain your power saw, you can ensure it will remain effective for a much longer period of time.
Here are some things you should know about when to maintain power saws and what to do:
- Stay safe: Any time you’re working with power tools, especially cutting tools, it’s crucial you do so as safely as possible. Part of operating a saw safely is making sure the blades are sharp enough to easily cut through the materials you’re working with. If the saw seems to be taking large chomps through materials, or if you notice smoke while cutting, it’s probably time for a new blade. Dull blades don’t cut as cleanly, have a harder time staying on track and will put more wear on the motor, shortening the lifespan of the saw. One of the most important saw maintenance steps you can follow is to replace the blade when it gets dull.
- Lubrication: Every now and then you should check your saw’s oil level. The manufacturer’s guide for the saw will have information about the specific kind of oil you should use to lubricate it—always use the manufacturer-recommended oil to avoid voiding the warranty. Lubricated saws work better and safer. If the saw doesn’t have enough oil, it will start to damage the gearing and the motor, shortening its lifespan.
- Check the cord: If you’re using a corded saw, you should regularly check the condition of the cord. If you see any nicks or cuts, take a closer look. If they’re very small, you might be able to get away with using some electrical tape to patch them up, but if you can see bare wire, you’ll need to replace the cord. Do this as soon as possible so you can avoid shocking yourself. Never use a tool that has bare wires until you can replace the wire.
- Maintain the shoe: The shoe is the plate on the saw, the part that sits directly on the material to be cut. Occasionally some materials can get snagged on the shoe and bind to it. You should be able to use a bit of rough sandpaper to get it back down to where it should be. In addition, you should check for proper shoe alignment. When in the zero-degree position, the shoe should be at 90 degrees in relation to where the blade sits.
These are just a few things you should know about how and when to maintain a power saw in Monroe, LA. Contact Ram Rent-All, Inc. today for more tips.