Hey Rick
I don't have a Unisaw, but my Freud blades fit pretty tight, which I think is a good thing as that should result in minimum run out. BTW - the blade (i.e. cheap) that came with the saw fits "sloppily."

I tried to find what is the usual and customary tolerance for arbor and saw blade hole diameters without success, so I don't know if your measurement of +0.0006 is excessive or not.

Regarding filing down the arbor - I certainly would not touch it with a file, but maybe a light touch with some emery cloth (or 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper)? I don't think it would hurt the threads. Again, the threads on my saw's arbor are already flat (by design.)

 

I would not use a file. A piece of emory cloth, a strip about 2 feet long or so. Wrap around bottom of shaft and then you can pull on cloth like your polishing your shoes from above the table. Does anybody polish shoes anymore? Do you trust your calipers? If you can use a 1" micrometer or borrow one. I wouldn't think it would take a lot to get the burrs and sharp edges off the arbor. When I've had problems getting blades on it seemed if I was extra careful to keep the blade square to the arbor they went on a lot better. It probably took me longer to type this than it will for you to fix it. Steve

 

saw blades are supposed to fit tight to the arbor. With use, they should get looser and looser over time.

maybe a dry lubricant on both. I surely wouldnt file anything down.

If your really brave…...........take everything off the shaft, turn the saw on and slid a fine, cloth backed piece of 180 grit sandpaper on it, much like sanding on a lathe and keep the sandpaper away from the shaft threads (there should be a spot on the shaft with no threads)..............a little bit at a time

test

repeat

test

repeat

 

I wouldn't touch the shaft or even put my hand in the saw while it was running if you offered to give me the unisaw for free. Ask yourself if the reward is worth the risk? You can polish the shaft with elbow grease with NO risk.

 

I have a '01 Unisaw and the blades go on tightly, with a little wiggle. They are supposed to be snug…you don't want any play. I would not recommend sanding of any kind on the arbor shaft. As Steve pointed out, once you work the blade gently over the first few threads and it gets perpendicular to the shaft it goes on pretty easily from there.

 

I dont think I would file anything either. I like Roman's idea about trying a dry lubricant first and see if that helps. I would be concerned that if you try to reduce the arbor diameter that the nut would become loose or sloppy.

 

Thanks guys: I'll pass along the info I got here tonight to my neighbor. Yea-I wouldn't use a file either. That's why I didn't. And I know the blades are supposed to fit snug. I also have an X5 Uni, but the arbor is ok on mine. I have no problem getting my blades on.But I think polishing the arbor with some emory cloth will do the trick-- hopefully. But after looking at his, then looking at mine, I think the threads on his arbor are a little flatter. But I think it just needs to be "broke in" with use. We'll check it tomorrow, and see what we can come up with.
stevemc: I wish I still had my set of micrometers, but all I have is the calipers. If I had a 0-1 outside mic, I'd trust it a lot more. So-we'll try the polish game.

 

Update: Last night I went out to the shop to take a look at the arbor on my saw to compare with the neighbors. His threads still look a little flatter and wider than mine, but the nut goes on smooth on his. I then looked at my old Craftsman saw, and the arbor on that thing is a touch longer, and the threads are sharper and tighter. Big difference in workmanship. My old C.s. is an '84 model.. Going back in a while, and taking some emory cloth to try that. We'll see what happens…................. keep on keeping on !!!

 

Am I the only one to vote that he call whatever seller he used and have them either send a technician or pick the saw up, make repairs and re-deliver?

 

That would have been my suggestion, call Delta (direct, not DeWalt's ServiceNet) and ask them. I'd leave it as long as you can get the blade on, it might loosen up with use. Sure wouldn't file it. Worst case, ask for a replacement arbor under warranty.

 

I agree if this is new I wouldn't touch it, get the factory to deal with it or at least let them suggest a remedy, that way noone can come along later and suggest that you voided the warranty.

 

Morning guys: I went back up to the neighbors and took some emory cloth, and we buffed the arbor to see what happens. The blades did fit a little better, but like you guys said, I suggested he call Delta and ask some questions. I know(like mine), he has a 5 year warranty on the saw. I think I'll let him handle it from here…....

 

Hi Rick,

Maybe I am beating the dead horse here but here is my 2 cents. I have the same delta saw also. The only "standard" blade that I have used with it is the one that came with it (i.e. the Delta blade). I have found that blade is actually pretty good. In any case, the Delta blade fits jst fine. My Frued dado blade(s) however fit very tight and I have to "wiggle" them on. I have not tried any other blades yet but will have to keep an eye on this.

 

Greetings danr:
The same here. I have an 09 X5 Uni, and like you, the standard Delta blade fits good. But my WWII baldes are tight, along with my Freud and CMT's. And like you, my Freud dado set is tight. Oh well-go figure. I think when you try other blades, you'll find they are tight, also. Keep on keeping on…................