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Blade Settings for a ShopMaster Table Saw

The Delta Machinery Company, maker of the ShopMaster table saw, had a humble beginning when Herbert Tautz started the company in his garage in 1919. Since the introduction of the “American Boy” scroll saw, the Delta line of woodworking products branched out to serve the needs of contractors and hobbyists alike. Knowing how to use the settings on the machinery can help you stay safe and efficiently complete a project.
  1. Starting the Blade

    • The most basic blade setting on a ShopMaster table saw is the “on” and “off” setting. To start and stop the blade, you must first locate the switch, which is under the switch shield, near the handwheel. To start the blade, tilt the switch shield up and flip the switch into the “on” position. To stop the blade, simply push the switch shield down. The Delta Machinery Company recommends locking the switch in the “off” position with a padlock when you are not using the table saw. This safety measure helps prevent accidental injuries and unauthorized use.

    Raising and Lowering the Blade

    • The handwheel at the front of the ShopMaster table saw allows you to raise and lower the blade, which is helpful for ripping wood. "Ripping" refers to cutting a wooden board lengthwise. To raise the blade, turn the handwheel counterclockwise. To lower the blade, turn the handwheel clockwise. After you set the blade to the desired height, you must have the “blade-tilting lock handle” in the locked position. You can find this handle above the handwheel.

    Tilting the Blade

    • The ShopMaster table saws give you the ability to set the blade at an angle. Some saw models come with the option to quickly set the blade at a 45- and 90-degree angle, which are positive stops. To adjust the angle of the saw blade, loosen the blade-tilting lock handle and crank the handwheel until it reaches the desired angle. Re-lock the blade-tilting lock handle before you begin cutting.

    Positive Stops

    • Instead of cranking the handwheel to set the blade at a 90- or 45-degree angle, use the positive stops the table saw is equipped with. Unplug the table saw, loosen the blade-tilting lock handle and raise the blade to the maximum height. Use a blade square to grasp the saw blade and move it into a 45- or 90-degree position. You may need to adjust the screws near the blade and the handwheel. Refer to your owner’s manual to verify the correct screws to tighten or loosen, as this may vary by model. Once the blade is in position, place the blade-tilting lock handle into the locked position.