Figure 37
11.5Crosscutting
Crosscutting is where the workpiece is fed cross grain into the saw blade using the miter gauge to support and position the workpiece (Figure 38).
Figure 38
Crosscutting should never be done freehand nor should the fence be used as an end stop unless an auxiliary block (E, Figure 39) is clamped to the front of the blade area such that the cutoff piece comes free of the block before cutting begins.
Figure 39
Length stops should not be used on the free end of the workpiece in the cutoff area.
Do not crosscut workpieces shorter than 6". Before starting a cut, be sure the miter gauge is securely clamped at the desired angle. Hold the workpiece firmly against the table and back against the miter gauge. Always use the saw guard and riving knife and make sure the riving knife is properly aligned.
For 90 degree crosscutting, most operators prefer to use the
When using the miter gauge, the workpiece must be held firmly and advanced smoothly at a slow rate. If the workpiece is not held firmly, it can vibrate causing it to bind on the blade and dull the saw teeth.
Figure 40
To augment the effectiveness of the miter gauge in crosscutting, some users mount an auxiliary wooden extension face (F, Figure 40) with a glued- on strip of sandpaper (G) to the miter gauge.
Provide auxiliary support for any workpiece extending beyond the table top with a tendency to sag and lift up off the table.
Have the blade extend about 1/8" above the top of the workpiece. Exposing the blade above this point can be hazardous.
11.6Bevel and miter operations
Bevel cut – A bevel cut is a special type of operation where the saw blade is tilted at an angle less than 90 degrees to the table top (Figure 41). Operations are performed in the same manner as ripping or crosscutting, except the fence or miter gauge should be used on the
24