Circular Saw Blade Not Parallel to Base? 3 Solutions!

So, you’re not able to make a straight cut when working with your circular saw. The blade continues to veer away. Then you noticed the saw blade and the base are not positioned parallelly.

Now you’re wondering why the circular saw blade not parallel to base?

An error in the alignment between the saw blade and the shoe can cause the saw blade to not be parallel to base. The blade can also be asymmetrical. You can fix it by taking off the base plate and then readjusting it all. Or you can trim the existing base. Also, you can drill out holes in the saw base.

Still confused? Well, don’t worry! Because here we’ve provided some easy solutions that you can follow. Plus, resolved all the queries you might have!

Keep reading to find out!

Reasons Why Circular Saw Blade Not Parallel to Base?

Whether dewalt circular saw is unusually flashing or the blade isn’t parallel to the base, there’re reasons. Now we’ll be showing the reasons why circular saw blade not aligned to the base.

• The circular saw might have been dropped. Or maybe damaged in any way.
• The edge of the base plate should be aligned to the jig. It perhaps is not analogous to the saw blade.
• There might be something stuck under the saw blade. And that is what’s causing the blade to be misaligned. 
• The blade is sharpened asymmetrically.

Go through these reasons carefully. And try to determine which one matches the issue of your circular saw blade. Only after you have determined it, jump to the next section for the solution part!

Check the Alignment

To determine the actual problem with alignment, you need to check it first. You have to measure both the front as well as the back of the saw blade. Then, measure the front and rear of the base as well.

Use a digital calliper for this, which is the best saw blade alignment tool. Using good quality digital calliper can give you a more specific result. 

Extend the blade to the extreme depth. Then measure the length starting from the edge of the base plate. Then reach to the face of the saw blade. 

Try to go as far forward as possible when gauging. After that, repeat the same process and measure as far as you can to the back.

To make the process effortless, use a marker to mark the tooth as you measure. Or you can use paint instead. Rotate the blade until the marked tooth is at the back of the saw. After that, measure the length from that marked tooth to the fence.

This procedure will help you assess the DeWalt circular saw shoe alignment.

Here’s a video on tuning the circular saw blade by Sask Hunting. This will give you an idea of how to align the circular saw blade properly.

In Doubt? Skim Through The Manual

Before you start fixing a saw blade that is out of alignment with the base. Always check the manual first. It will include some essential technical service advice. So you can find some vital information there.

This way you can also verify the misalignment. As you will be able to measure the rough distance. As in the distance between the edge of the saw shoe and the saw blade. It will ensure an incredible degree of job success as well as cutting accuracy.

You may also be interested in how to cut metal roofing with circular saw

3 Easy Solutions to Fix the Alignment Issue

So you’re done measuring the saw blade, checking the alignment and going through the manual. Now it is time for you to start the actual process and fix circular saw blade alignment.

There are several ways to fix this problem. Granted that one may be more effective than another. However, it totally varies on distinct cases.

Here we are providing a detailed snapshot of the solutions for you. Follow them to get the job done effortlessly!

Solution 1: Readjust It All

You are facing alignment issues with the saw blade and shoe. If that’s the case, then you need to first make it adjustable.

For that, you need to take off the base plate of the circular saw. 

Then drift the holes using a file. The file should be round so it can make the adjustment neater. Then the holes have to be elongated. Mainly it depends on your measurements. However, the standard expansion should be about 0.01. It’s mostly accurate for problems in milwaukee fuel circular saws and dewalt circular saws.

Then adjust those parallelly. Next, tighten those screws and allow them to sit until the locktite restores. 

Here you might still find the circular saw blade bending. To make it square, we recommend putting in your own base plate of hardboard.

Solution 2: Trim the Baseplate

Another way of solving this problem is trimming the existing baseplate. It will ensure that the current edge is kept parallel to the saw blade. 

You might consider making an external base. So that you can attach it to the foot of the existing base. Plus, you can bring it with a zero clearance slot. It should be conducted at the beginning of the saw blade. So the chipping can be minimized. 

But make sure to keep the clearance hole for the rest of your blade wide enough. It will enable your blade guard to perform suitably. 

You can make one for your saw using a 1/8 inches clear lexan. Using a double sided carpet tape, attach it to the base of the saw. If you can do that, the problem will be resolved. Also, you will be able to enjoy chip free cuts while working.

This solutions works great if you find your makita circular blade not parallel to base.

Solution 3: Drill Out Holes in Saw Shoe

Truth be told, adjusting most circular saws for parallelism is not that straightforward. However, it can be if you can adopt ways to bend that stamped steel shoe.

You need to drill out holes. It will confirm that you’ve made a circular saw base or shoe. Once you’re done doing that, you will get a certain amount of room for adjustment. 

Make use of wing nuts and washers. It will enable the blade to operate parallel to the all in one clamp. The clamp is usually placed on the baseplate.

Next, thrust a broad straightedge between the high blade and bridle of the baseplate. Tighten them down. You may also place a double sided tape in between. As in the baseplate and the base. It will assist to keep things from sliding out of the alignment.

How To Measure Circular Saw Blade

To measure a circular saw blade, follow these steps:

• Determine the diameter: Measure the length between the tips of two teeth on opposite sides of the blade. This identifies the blade’s size, typically ranging from 6-1/2 inches to 12 inches, although sizes from 3-3/8″ to 16″ are available.

• Use a measuring tape: Start measuring from the edge of one tooth and extend the tape to the edge of a flat surface. This provides an accurate measurement of the blade’s diameter.

• Consider the blade’s reach: The blade’s reach is limited to the space between the teeth known as the gullet. The reach may vary depending on the type of saw.

By following these steps, you can measure the diameter of a circular saw blade accurately. Take into account the blade’s reach and select the appropriate size for your specific cutting needs.

How To Straighten A Circular Saw Blade

To straighten a circular saw blade, follow these steps:

• Identify the bend: Hold the blade up to light and locate any visible bends or warps.

• Use a vice: Firmly clamp the blade in a vice, ensuring a secure grip without excessive force that could damage the blade.

• Use a hammer: Gently tap the blade at the point of the bend, working slowly and carefully. Gradually straighten the blade by tapping it in small increments.

• Check for balance: After straightening, hang the blade from a nail or screw and observe if it hangs straight. If not, remove a small amount of material from one side to achieve balance.

Note that not all blades can be straightened, and attempting to straighten severely bent blades is unsafe. If uncertain, it is recommended to replace the blade with a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Wrapping Up

Hope we have cleared all your questions of circular saw blade not parallel to base?

Now you know all the solutions! However, we bet you don’t want to go through all the hassle. So just check the alignment properly when buying the saw and avoid dropping it. This way the issue of alignment can be avoided. 

That’s all for now. Have a good day!