Table Saw

How To

Video / Tutorial

Instruction

  1. What it does best:
    • Makes clean and straight cuts in properly chosen and prepared material
  2. Allowed Materials:
    • All materials eligible for cutting on the table saw must have at least one flat face and one straight edge (ideally also the longest edge). Allowed materials include plywood, solid wood, MDF, foam, and plexiglass (excluding mirrored plexi). Other materials are possible, check with TA’s or supervisor for approval.
    • *Because of the Sawstop safety feature there are other limitations which may apply to otherwise allowed materials. Anything that could conduct an electrical charge is not permissible to cut. This can include wet material, mirrored surfaces, any kind of metal, and some painted surfaces. If you are unsure if your material qualifies you must check with a shop TA or supervisor.
  3. Basic use:
    • Material must have 1 flat face and 1 straight edge to be eligible to be cut. That straight edge should be the longest edge, and is the reference edge used to control the stock when cutting. Cuts are always made with the material moving through the blade in plane with its rotation.
    • For rip cuts (cutting along the longest edge) the fence is used to control the stock
    • For cross cuts (cutting across the longest edge) a sled or miter gauge is used to control the stock
    • When making a rip cut always maintain complete control of the material that is between the fence and the blade until it has been pushed clear of the blade
    • For cross cuts, always make sure your offcut cannot end up wedged tightly between the fence and the blade
  4. Safety Reminders:
    • Dust Collection will power on automatically when the saw is turned on and remain on for a few seconds when the saw is powered off
    • Always make sure nothing is in contact with the blade before powering on the table saw.
    • Never use the table saw without the throat plate installed.
    • Never use the table saw (except for dado cuts) without the riving knife installed.
    • Aside from the operator, no one should be standing behind and inline with the blade while it is in operation.
    • Never make freehand cuts on the table saw.
    • Never cut warped, twisted, or wet wood on the table saw.
    • Never use the rip fence and any cross cut accessory at the same time.
  5. Finishing:
    • Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop. Reset the blade to 90 degrees if angled.
    • Remove the workpiece and any offcuts from the table.
    • Clean the saw and remove any debris from the table and surrounding area.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Eye Protection: Safety glasses
  • Ear Protection: None required
  • Respiratory Protection: None required
  • Body Coverings: None required, and gloves are never allowed when using power tools

Engineering Controls

  • SawStop technology to limit injury from improper use
  • Dust collection system
  • Riving knife