How to Replace the Throat Plate on a DeWALT Table Saw

The throat plate is a removable piece of the saw table that allows you access to the blade. The throat plate is made of aluminum and includes leveling screws and a lock-knob. Common issues with the throat plate are damage caused by dropping it, or from a bad kickback. A broken lock-knob is also common. Replacing the throat plate is simple to do, but properly adjusting it can be a little more difficult. This article will describe the adjustment process as well.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE THROAT PLATE   1. Remove the guard.

a. Disengage the guard lever.

b. Rotate and lift the guard assembly away from the saw.

  2. Remove the throat plate.

a. Rotate the lock knob on the throat plate to the unlocked position.

b. Lift the throat plate away from the saw.

  INSTALLING THE NEW THROAT PLATE

  3. Install the throat plate.

a. Install the new throat plate onto the saw table.

b. Make sure the lock knob is set in the "unlocked" position.

c. Position the throat plate beneath the kick-back fingers.

  ADJUSTING THE THROAT PLATE

  4. Adjust the throat plate.

a. Loosen the adjustment screws on the throat plate.

b. Place a combination square (or a straight-edge) across both the throat plate and the table.

c. Adjust the screws (as necessary) to bring the throat plate and the table into exact alignment.

d. Engage the lock-knob to secure the throat plate.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  5. Reinstall the guard.

a. Install the guard onto the saw.

b. Engage the guard lever to secure the guard in place.