Lubricating Table Saw & Its Parts: Steps & Best Lubricants!

Every machine needs lubrication for it to work effectively. But when it comes to lubricating a table saw, you can’t just lubricate it with any regular lubricant. So, let’s address the major question most woodworkers ask, “should I lubricate my table saw?”

Lubricating a table saw ensures optimal performance and rust protection. It is recommended to use dry and silicone-free lubricants and waxes for the surface, WD-40 and rust remover for blades, and Kroil for other parts (nut, bolts & trunnion).

Without further ado, let’s dive in to know more.

Lubricating a Table Saw is Necessary

Whenever you think of a table saw, what springs to mind? A sharp blade? The smooth table surface? 

For us, it’s the symphony of its various components working seamlessly together. And that symphony is orchestrated with the subtle yet vital act of lubrication. 

Much like how you’d care for a prized vehicle, treating your table saw to a regular ‘spa day’ keeps it running and soaring. The smooth sound of a well-lubricated saw slicing effortlessly through the wood is music to our ears.

Parts of Table Saw Require Lubrication To Perform

For many, a table saw is simply about its blade and surface. But peel back the layers, and there’s a world waiting to be discovered. From the nuts and bolts to the gears and fence slides, every part has a role to play. And each of these actors, regardless of their size, needs tender loving care.

You’ve probably heard fellow woodworkers discuss the menace of rust, especially with cast iron surfaces. It’s the silent foe, creeping in due to temperature changes or high humidity. Your first line of defense? Regular lubrication.

There are certain issues that may arise if you ignore the lubrication of your table saws. The most common issues are:

• Table Saw Blade Stuck & Won’t Turn? 7 Fixes & Blade Tightening Guide
• Table Saw Blade Won’t Go Up & Down? Reasons & Fixes

So, let’s find out which type of lubrication is suitable for which part of the table saw.

Lubricating Table Saw Blade To Increase Performance

Ah, the blade! It’s the shining knight of your table saw. But with great power comes great responsibility. Over our journey in woodworking, we’ve witnessed blades go from gleaming marvels to grimy, sawdust-coated burdens.

The result? Compromised cut quality and a blade that wears out far too quickly.

And let’s be real: nobody wants to splurge on new blades every few months. A disciplined cleaning regimen and occasional lubrication have saved us a lot of money and ensured consistently clean cuts.

WD-40 & Resin Remover is Best For Saw Blades

To prevent the blades from rusting, we usually use the following:

WD-40 –  This popular multi-purpose product is often used as a lubricant and rust-preventative.We love it because it removes sticky substances from the blade, which can help keep the blade running smoothly.

Rust and Resin Remover – This specialized product is designed to remove pitch and resin buildup from saw blades. Accumulated pitch and resin can hinder the blade’s performance, making it essential to clean and lubricate the blade periodically. Using this remover can help maintain the blade’s sharpness and efficiency.

Should I Oil My Table Saw Blade?

Oiling the table saw blade can protect against rust. However, It’s not recommended. Also, moderation is crucial as excessive oil can attract sawdust and resin, hampering performance. The primary goal is rust prevention and to keep oxygen away from the blade’s metal to prevent rusting. 

To oil or not to oil? We’ve been part of countless debates on this. While oiling does shield against rust, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The blades today, made from high-speed steel or carbide, don’t really yearn for oil. That’s why we go for WD-40 and Resin remover, as discussed earlier.  

Pour too much, and you’ll find sawdust and resin creating a gooey barrier, hampering performance. So, while we advocate oiling, it’s essential to remember – moderation is key.

Should I Wax my Table Saw Blade?

Now, here’s a tip you’ll thank us for Never wax the blade. We’ve seen some of our comrades learn this the hard way. Yeah, you can use it once in a while (in small quantity), but for frequent use, we won’t use it, nor would we recommend it. 

However, wax finds its home on the table saw’s surface (we’ll discuss it in detail later in the article). 

Lubricating Table Saw Surface Is Necessary

Picture this: A rough piece of wood screeching across a dry table saw surface. The high-pitched friction, the unpredictability of movement, and the heightened chance of errors. It gives you the jitters, right? 

We’ve been there. And that’s why we can’t emphasize enough the value of a well-lubricated surface. Our projects, whether they were masterpieces or learning experiences, always hinged on how well we treated our table saw’s surface.

Silicone-free oils and Wax are the Best For Surfaces

Dry & Silicone Free Oils –  Ideal for reducing friction without creating a mess. Graphite or Teflon-based sprays are among the top choices since they dry quickly and don’t attract as much sawdust or resin.

We sometimes use the WD-40 Multi-Use product line because it’s silicone-free, but we won’t recommend it for regular use because it destroys your surface. We don’t know the chemistry, but It has something to do with chemicals used in WD-40.

You can learn more in detail here: Can WD-40 Be Used On a Table Saw Top as a Lubricant? 

Paste & Carnauba Wax – This is always our first choice for lubricating table saw surfaces. Paste Wax not only reduces sliding friction but also provides rust protection. Plus, they’re also silicone-free.

Can I Use Car Wax on My Table Saw Surface?

Car wax can be used on a table saw surface as long as it’s silicone-free. It provides a smooth surface, enhancing workpiece movement. Ensure to buff it off after application.

How often have you pondered using car wax on your table saw surface? From our end, we’ve encountered this question more times than we can count. And the verdict? It’s a thumbs up from us! 

But, this is crucial: ensure it’s devoid of silicone (it can cause finishing problems; we’ve explained this in detail later in this article). 

Over the years, car wax has been our makeshift savior, especially when specialized products were nowhere in sight. Simply smear a slender layer, wait for it to haze, then buff it off. The results are for you to experience.

Lubricating Other Parts of Table Saw (Nut & Bolts)

For lubricating parts beyond the blade and surface, penetrating oils like WD-40 and Kroil oil are recommended because they can reach tight spaces and offer superior rust protection.

It’s the smaller parts that often make the most significant difference. Trunnions, gears, miter gauge slots, and even the humble bolts play their symphony in the background.

They may not be immediately visible, but their smooth functioning determines whether we end our day with a smile or a frown.

What Kind of Oil Do You Use in Table Saw Parts?

When we dive deeper into lubrication beyond the blade and surface, penetrating oils have been our trusted allies. Their prowess in reaching the nooks and crannies and offering unmatched rust protection is non-negotiable. 

In our workshop, you’ll often find stalwarts like WD-40 and Kroil penetrating oil guarding our table saw’s sanctity.

Our Suggestions For Lubricating Table Saw & Its Parts

Sawdust Concern – While we love sawdust as a testament to our hard work, it can be a pain when mixed with lubricants. Opt for those that shun sawdust.

Silicone Warning – Many professionals warned against using lubricants or waxes containing silicone. Silicone can migrate into the woodworking project. This can pose problems during finishing, such as fisheye, as silicone residues can prevent stains and clear coats from adhering to the material. 

Frequency of Lubrication – The question isn’t just ‘to lubricate or not?’ but ‘how often?’ And the answer? It’s not set in stone. It depends on your table saw usage. For some, a light application might last a week, while more frequent care might be in order for professional woodworkers.

Using tools after lubricant dries: Some of the lubricants work more efficiently after they get dry because that is when they can provide optimal performances. 

Cleaning First – Cleaning old dried grease and sawdust before applying new lubrication will help lubricate the surface more precisely. 

Environment- It is important to maintain and control the environment (temperature and humidity) in the workshop you are working in to prevent rust and ensure optimal tool performance of your table saw and the woodworking results you are going for. 

Check your Blade More Often – Lubrication isn’t a one-time act. For your blade to serve you well, inspect it regularly for signs of wear, tear, or damage. Storing blades in a dry place using blade holders or pegboards ensures they remain in prime condition when unused.

How We Lubricate The Table Saw Blade?

If we talk about lubricating table saw surfaces, nuts, and bolts, the process is straightforward. Simply put lubricant on the surface moderately and spread it. For the other parts, make sure you don’t immerse them in oil. Just lubricate them as needed. 

The main problem most woodworkers and hobbyists face is when they lubricate the blade. So, we’re here to save the day.

If you’ve been with us so far, you’d realize lubricating your table saw is both an art and a science. And the centerpiece of this act? The blade. So, how do we ensure it gets the VIP treatment it deserves?

1. Gather Tools to Remove the Blade

Every task, however routine, should maintain safety. Always unplug the table saw. Once safe, get your tools and remove the blade guard and throat plate. With these out of the way, loosen the arbor nut. Now, gently free the blade from its arbor.

2. Cleaning Old Lubricants & Dirt From the Blade

For cleaning a mixture of old lubricants and rust from the blade, a mix of water and household ammonia (or a commercial cleaner if you have one) is your weapon of choice. Dip the blade for 10-15 minutes. Post its soak, take a soft brush, and gently scrub away the pitch, resin, and any other unwelcome guests. Rinse the blade thoroughly and ensure it’s completely dry.  

3. Clean and Lubricate the Blade

Use the Lubricating methods stated above in the blade lubrication section. After lubricating, ensure your blade is completely dry. We usually let the lubricant sink in the blade for some time and then rub the blade with a piece of cloth until the cloth gets all of the lubricant out. Of course, you don’t want the oily stains on your workpiece.

4. Reinstall the Blade Again

Once satisfied, it’s time to put the blade back where it belongs. Mount it onto the arbor, tighten the nut, and bring the throat plate and blade guard back to their respective places.

Also, we’ve attached a video of one of our fellow woodworkers on how you can clean your saw blades. This video will help you in your woodworking journey.

Don’t miss the chance to keep your circular saw in top condition! Dive into our must-read guide on circular saw lubrication and maintenance.

Here’s the table for suitable lubricants for each part of a table saw:
Here’s a table based on the content provided:

Table Saw Part	Suitable Lubricant
Blade	WD-40 (for rust prevention). Rust and Resin Remover (for pitch and resin buildup).
Surface	Dry and silicone-free Oils (like Graphite or Teflon-based sprays). Paste & Carnauba Wax (for reduced friction and rust protection) Car Wax (Occasionally, ensure it’s buffed off after application)
Other Parts (nuts, bolts, trunnions, gears, etc.)	WD-40 & Kroil (Penetrating oil) (Penetrating oil)

You may find it interesting and informative: Can You Lubricate a Hand Saw?

Final Words from Wood Work Insights

To our fellow woodworkers, we say this: Treat your tools with the love and care they deserve. In doing so, you’re not just maintaining them but honoring your craft. 

With every well-maintained glide of the saw, with every perfect cut, you’re laying down a legacy, one project at a time. Here’s to many more years of crafting excellence!