Table Saw Safety

Today’s Objectives

I Can:

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• Identify the parts of the table saw.
• Make the proper preoperative adjustments on the table saw.
• Safely rip and crosscut a board on the table saw.

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Table Saw Parts

Table Saw Safety

• Remove or fasten loose articles of clothing such as long sleeves, coats, neck ties, etc.

• Gloves should not be worn when operating a table saw.

• Remove rings, bracelets and other jewelry which have the potential for getting caught on the table saw or material.

• Wear industrial quality eye and ear protection while using the table saw.

Table Saw Safety

• Keep the saw table and floor free of tools, wood stock scraps, sawdust, oil and grease.

• Stand to one side of the saw blade when cutting; do not allow others to stand in direct line with the saw blade while the saw is operating.

• Make certain the saw guard, splitter (if available with the guard), anti-kickback device and push stick are used for all possible sawing operations.

Table Saw Safety

• Never reach over the saw blade to remove or hold down a piece of stock.

• Wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before leaving the table saw work area.

• Devote your undivided attention to the work being performed on the table saw. Do not talk to others or be engaged in “horseplay” while using the table saw.

Table Saw Safety

• Avoid awkward work positions which may result in slips and contact with the saw blade.

• Support long and wide stock when sawing. Always use a helper to off-bear when cutting large stock.

• Never raise the saw blade more than ¼ inch above the material being cut. Lower the blade below the table top before leaving the saw work area.

Table Saw Safety

• Round stock should not be ripped on a table saw unless a suitable jig is used.

• When making bevel cuts, always keep hands and stock to the right of the saw blade.

• Never remove small scraps from the saw until the blade has come to a complete stop. Use a push stick to remove all scrap from the saw blade.

Check your knowledge!

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1. Never raise the saw blade more than ____ inch above the material being cut.

1/4 of an inch

2. ____ _____ should not be ripped on a table saw unless a suitable jig is used.

Round Stock

3. Where should you stand when operating the table saw?

Stand to one side

Table Saw Operating Procedures

• Always use the saw guard, splitter (if equipped), and anti-kickback device. If a splitter is available, make sure it is aligned with the blade before being used.

Ripping

• Before making cuts, align and lock the rip fence in position. When possible position the rip fence to the right of the saw blade.

Table Saw Operating Procedures

• Set the rip fence for desired width of cut using the scale on the front rail or, for more accurate cuts, measure the distance between the blade teeth and the fence.

• Use the left hand to hold the board against the fence and table. Use the right hand to push the material through the saw. When the stock is less than 6 inches in width, use a pushstick to push the trailing end through the saw.

Ripping

Table Saw Operating Procedures

• Always push the workpiece completely past the blade at the end of a cut to reduce the possibility of kickback.

• Never allow the hands to come closer than 12 inches to the saw blade. Position the right hand so it is NOT in direct line with the saw blade.

Ripping

Table Saw Operating Procedures

Ripping

• When ripping long boards use a support at the front of the table or an off-bearer to support the cut stock as it comes through the saw. The off-bearer never pulls the stock, he/she only supports and move with the stock as it comes through the saw.

• Never rip a board that is less than 12 inches in length.

Table Saw Operating Procedures

Ripping

• If the lumber is warped, turn the curved side down when ripping.

Check your knowledge!

1. When ripping, always push the workpiece _______ ________ the saw blade to avoid ___________.

Completely past / kick back

2. Always position your hands so that...

They are not in direct line with the saw blade.

3. Never rip a board _____ inches or less in length.

12

Table Saw Operating Procedures

Crosscutting

• Always use the miter gauge or panel cutter when crosscutting.

• Most workers prefer to use the left table slot for the miter gauge when crosscutting.

• Hold the stock against the miter gauge with the left hand and use the right hand to advance the miter gauge and material through the cut.

Table Saw Operating Procedures

Crosscutting

• Use the right table slot for making bevel or chamfer cuts. The right table slot is used for this operation so the blade will tilt away from the operator’s hands and the miter gauge.

• Always hold the material firmly against the miter head to prevent vibration and binding when the cut is made.

Check your knowledge!

1. Use a ______ _______ or _______ _______ when crosscutting on the table saw.

Mitre gauge / panel cutter

2. Most woodworkers use the _____ ______ ______ for the miter gauge when crosscutting.

Left table slot

Table Saw Operating Procedures

Bevel and Miter Cutting

• When beveling or making compound miter cuts always use the fence or the miter head on the opposite side from which the blade is tilted. This will maximize the distance the hands will be from the blade and help avoid binding between the saw blade and the table top.

Table Saw Operating Procedures

Dadoing

• Use a table insert which fits the dado cut being made. Several wood table inserts, with varying slot widths, should be made and kept on hand for use with the dado blades.

• Hold down blocks should be used for holding down stock while making groove cuts with the dado head.

Table Saw Operating Procedures

Dadoing

• Use of an auxiliary board mounted on the rip fence is recommended of cutting groove joints with the dado head.

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