Basic Tablesaw use

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#A6CAF0" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="15500760eezzsc.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Basic Tablesaw Use and Safety</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#006633" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF3300" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#CC0033" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Home"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>About the WoodMangler</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques.</U></A><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U> </U></A>  |   <B>Basic Tablesaw use</B>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Turnin on the Lathe!"><U>Turnin on the Lathe!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ryobi AP1300 Planer"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ryobi AP1300 Planer"><U>Ryobi AP1300 Planer</U></A>   |  <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tame Those Band Clamps!"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tame Those Band Clamps!"><U>Tame Those Band Clamps!</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#A6CAF0" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Home"><U>Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>About the WoodMangler</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Compare Benchtop Bandsaws"><U>Compare Benchtop Bandsaws</U></A></div> <div> Basic Tablesaw Use</div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Turnin on the Lathe!"><U>Turnin on the Lathe!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ryobi AP1300 Planer"><U>Ryobi AP1300 Planer</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tame Those Band Clamps!"><U>Tame Those Band Clamps!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gallery of Work"><U>Gallery of Work</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Basic Tablesaw Safety</div> <div> One thing to keep in mind when ripping on the tablesaw is to always be in <B>control of the piece between the fence and blade</B>. Force is applied towards the fence and down on the table at the same time, and the piece being cut is advanced through and completely beyond the blade in one smooth motion. Both the OFFCUT and the piece that was cut are not touched after the cut until the saw has been shut off and the blade has completely stopped.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="07a00380.jpg" border=0 width="512" height="312" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The illustration below is one of the most common errors new tablesaw users make. In this illustration when the piece being cut is completely severed it will be uncontrolled and will most likely be shot back at the operator... known as "kickback"... and is a very hazardous occurance.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Kickback while crosscutting</U></B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="07d00e60.jpg" border=0 width="512" height="230" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Kickback while ripping</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Situations that can cause kickback during ripping operations are:</div> <bR> <div> (1) The piece being cut will move away from the fence, catch the rear of the blade... which will lift and throw the piece towards the operator....</div> <div> (2) The Kerf (the slot the blade makes in the wood) will close due to internal stresses in the wood being relieved as it's cut and pinch the blade which results in the piece being lifted and thrown.</div> <bR> <div> To prevent this, a Splitter is used. The Splitter prevents the Kerf from closing, and also prevents the piece being cut from "rotating" away from the fence and catching the rear of the blade.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="08f5ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> This splitter is simply a piece of Oak glued into the kerf made in a Zero Clearance Throat Plate, with the leading edge filed into a blade shape, and then it's sanded to "fine tune" the fit so that, when a piece is ripped, there is a very slight amount of friction between the piece and the splitter.</div> <div> These are very easy to make, cost nothing, and can make the difference between a dangerous kickback and a safe ripping operation.</div> <div> When ripping small strips or other pieces that are difficult to safely control with just my hands, I also use Featherboards. </div> <div> Here is my saw set up for cutting thin Oak strips....</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="0915ee80.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="232" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Table Saw General Safety</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Wear safety glasses or a face shield at all times while using the saw. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If the cutting operation is dusty, wear a dust mask. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do not wear gloves while operating a table saw. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Avoid long sleeves, ties, dangling jewelry or any other loose fitting clothing while operating a table saw. The clothing could get caught in the blade. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Wear non-slip footwear. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Use a push stick to cut stock that is 3" or less in width. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Position your body so that it is NOT in line with the blade. This is to avoid being injured by flying sawdust, woodchips or the work. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The height of the blade should be set just slightly higher than the stock being cut.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Always stand firmly on the floor and avoid any awkward operations. This is to avoid falling into the blade by slipping or losing your balance. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pay attention to the work being performed. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do not reach behind or over the blade unless it has stopped turning. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do not leave the saw until the blade has come to a complete stop. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Always disconnect the power prior to changing the blade or performing any other maintenance operation. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Make sure that the blade has stopped turning before you adjust the table saw. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Make sure that the blade is free before you turn on the power. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Make sure the tabletop is smooth and polished. An unclean or rough table requires you to use more force to push the stock through the blade. The more force that you are required to use the more chance that you may slip or lose your balance. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Maintain the rip fence parallel to the blade so the stock will not bind on the blade and be thrown. </div> <bR> <div> Here's a "Quick Check" that'll show you how <U>your</U> set up is at a glance:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="095006e0.jpg" border=0 width="512" height="366" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Place a straight edge between the fence and blade, and move the fence within 1/32" of the straight edge. Now, LOOK at the gap and see if it looks exactly the same along the entire length of the straight edge. A LONG straight edge works better than a short one in this test....</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Table Saw General Safety Cont:</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Check the throat plate to ensure that it fits exactly and has a slot just slightly larger that the blade. Never operate a table saw with the throat plate removed. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do not make free-hand cuts on the table saw. The stock must be guided through the blade either by the rip fence or the mitre gauge. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Keep the blades' guards, splitters and antikickback devices in place and operating properly. The splitter must be in alignment with the blade and the antikickback device must be in place and operating properly. Their action must be checked before cutting. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Only seasoned, dry, flat wood should be cut. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Work should be released only when it has gone past the blade. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Whenever the stock is lifted or tilted above the surface of the table, the saw can shake the stock, causing you to lose your grip. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Losing your grip on a piece means that your hand can slip toward the saw blade or the work can be forcefully kicked back towards you. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Check that the stock has no nails, knots screw, stones etc. in it prior to cutting into the wood. These items can become projectiles and cause injury.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>