June 14, 2022
A table saw is made up of numerous components. Every single feature has contributed to the value of a table saw. One of them is the trunnion. The trunnions are noteworthy because they align the blade with the rip fence and miter slot machine. Shape the blade and motor into the bulk of the table and base of this saw because they help to absorb vibration.
What The Role Of The Trunnion Is In The Saw
A trunnion is a saw component that joins the blade to the arbor. There are two different types of trunnions. A “trunnion pin” is one type, while a “pinless trunnion” is the other.
The blade can move up and down in relation to the arbor with both types of trunnions. There are, however, distinctions between the two categories.
Trunnion pins are typically constructed of steel and secured to the arbor using screws. Pinless trunnions are typically composed of aluminum and secured to the saw arbor using bolts.
Why You Need A Trunnion On A Table Saw
Whether you have several of these vexing issues, you’ll need to have a trunnion on your table saw.
- If the blade is set at 90 degrees, your rip cuts may be burned.
- It’s possible that your wide crosscuts aren’t square.
- Your boards may get detached from the fence.
- Even with the blade set at 45 degrees, you may experience similar issues.
Trunnions Are The Solution
A table saw is a high-powered tool that can be used to cut wood. The two trunnions connected to the blade, in this case, enable it to tilt during cutting. Semicircular raised portions on the blades ride in grooves. These sections keep the blade from slanting too far. To fix this, remove the bolts that keep the brackets in place and enable them to slide back and forth. It corrects the problem by moving the brackets.
When a table saw blade is flat, it is precisely aligned, but when it is slanted, it is not. The rod-tie rods shift due to the vibrations and weight of the motor, leading them to become misaligned. Lifting the saw when it is in operation has the same effect. Trunnion brackets are affixed to the table saw’s underbelly. You can reposition the brackets that line the blade toward the miter slot by loosening them. This approach is simple to use; however, adjusting the bracket location takes time.
How To Align Trunnions To The Blade
Trunnions can be aligned to a blade in two ways. A trunnion pin is one solution. The set screw is the second option.
Trunnion Pin
Trunnion pins are used to secure the blade to the trunnion. A trunnion pin is a tiny metal rod that passes through the trunnion’s center hole. It enables the trunnion to revolve freely. Ensure no stiffness or friction around the joint when utilizing a trunnion pin. The trunnion pin will not enable the trunnion to move if there is stiffness or friction.
Lubricate your trunnion pin to prevent binding. The trunnion pin can be lubricated to reduce friction. The simplest approach to aligning trunnions is to use a trunnion pin. Trunnion pins are not suggested for blades that weigh more than 100 pounds. Choose a set screw instead for heavier blades.
Set Screw
The trunnion is attached to the blade with set screws. A set screw is a threaded fastener that links one blade section to another. Only use a set screw after aligning the trunnion with its slot.
Ensure the trunnion is properly aligned to the blade before tightening a set screw. The blade could be damaged if the trunnion is aligned incorrectly. Use a set screw to fasten the trunnion to its appropriate slot after it has been positioned. Make sure the set screw is snug against the trunnion before tightening it. The trunnion cannot move laterally because of this.
Remove any slack in the trunnion after tightening the set screw. Too much tightening of the set screw might end up causing the trunnion to bind.
Liam is a 37-year-old woodworker and interior designer who loves to make every furniture project an art piece. He is very experienced in furniture design and woodworking project planning.