If you have just installed a blade on your cast-iron table saw, it’s time to check and possibly adjust the blade brake spacing. This is also the process to follow if you are experiencing problems powering up your saw and the LEDs on the control panel are flashing the brake cartridge position error.
At first, disconnect the power to the saw. Set the tilt of the saw to zero degrees. Elevate the blade to approximately one and a half inches above the tabletop. Remove the table insert and set it aside. Release the clamp handle to remove the blade guard or riving knife and set it aside as well.
Next, check the spacing between the blade and the brake. Most of the time, the brake and blade will be spaced closer together at the top point of the brake compared to the bottom point of the brake and you should always check the spacing at points.
Using the blade spacing adjustment gauge or u.s nickel, carefully place it flat against the top point of the brake while holding the gauge between brake and blade, rotate the blade a full revolution by hand.
The teeth of the blade should just skim the gauge or nickel when the blade is rotated while the exact distance between the blade and break is not critical. It is important to make sure that the blade teeth do not touch the brake pawl.
Warning: If the brake is positioned too far from the blade, the control panel will indicate the Brake Cartridge Position Error. But if the brake pawl is touching the blade, the safety system will activate.
If the blade and brake are positioned too closely, you need to increase the spacing between the blade and brake. To increase the spacing, locate the yellow brake positioning bolt at the top of the arbor block. Place the 8 millimeter hex key into the brake positioning bolt and turn it counterclockwise to increase the spacing.
If the brake is positioned too far from the blade and the spacing needs to be decreased, turn the hex key clockwise in the brake positioning bolt. Adjust as needed to set the correct spacing. Verify the distance at the top of the brake.
Then move the gauge or nickel to the bottom point of the brake. Make sure that its position flat against the brake pawl. Rotate the blade a full revolution by hand to verify that the blade and brake do not touch.
Once you have adjusted the brake spacing, replace the table insert. Restore power to the saw and turn it on. The saw should power up normally and the LEDs should display the system ready solid green status code.
Tools:
- Blade spacing gauge or US nickel
- 8MM hex key
Hopefully, the article helped you a lot to solve elevation travel limit issues for an industrial cabinet saw. You can check our best table saws 2020, it will definitely help you to find your next best table saws.