Dado Operations, Optional dado blade system

Dado Operations

In addition to its ability to rip and crosscut lumber, the table saw is also an invaluable tool for creat- ing a variety of dadoes. These non-through cuts can be created with a regular saw blade or with specially-designed dado blade as shown in

Figure 38.

Figure 38. Optional dado blade system.

Never allow hands or arms to be above or behind the saw blade. Should kickback occur, your hands and arms can be pulled into the saw blade. Serious injury will result.

Never perform a through cut operation with a dado blade. A dado blade was designed to make non-through cuts only. Failure to fol- low these directions could result in serious injury.

Dado operations present very real hazards requiring proper procedures to avoid seri- ous injury. The chance of kickback is always greater when dado blades are used so extra precautions must be used. Any movement of the stock away from the fence will cause kickback. Be certain that stock is flat and straight. Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious personal injury.

G5959/G9957 12" Table Saw

Always use push sticks, featherboards, push paddles and other safety accessories whenever possible to increase safety and control during operations which require the blade guard and splitter to be removed from the saw. ALWAYS replace the blade guard after dadoing is complete.

Proper dado operations will differ depending on the blade system you choose. Consult the instructions included with your dado blades for directions regarding attachment and adjustment. To use a dado blade:

1.Ensure that the saw is switched off and dis- connected from its power source.

2.Remove the table insert, splitter guard, regu- lar saw blade, and 1" arbor. Install the long 5Ú8" dado arbor.

3.Attach and adjust the dado blade system as recommended in the dado blade instruc- tions.

4.Install the dado table insert.

5.Raise the blade system up to the desired depth of the dado. Make sure the dado blade will not cut through the work piece.

6.If dadoing along the length of your work- piece, adjust the distance between the fence and the inside edge of the blade to suit your needs. When cutting across the wood grain, use the miter gauge as a guide while dado- ing. Remember: never use the fence as a stop in conjunction with your miter gauge.

7.Reconnect the saw to the power source.

8.Using a scrap as a test piece, switch on the saw and take a pass over the dado blade.

9.If the cut is satisfactory, repeat with your fin- ish stock.

10.Reinstall the blade guard.

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