Bevel and Miter Operations, Dust Collection

Bevel 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 36). Operations are performed in the same manner as ripping or crosscutting except the fence or miter gauge should be used on the right-hand side of the saw blade to provide added safety in avoiding a binding action between the saw blade and the table top. When beveling with the miter gauge, the workpiece must be held firmly to prevent creeping.

Figure 36

Crosscut – Crosscuts made at an angle to the edge of the workpiece are called miters (Figure 37). Set the miter gauge at the required angle, lock the miter gauge, and make the cut the same as a normal crosscut except the workpiece must be held extra firmly to prevent creeping.

Note: When making compound miters (with blade tilted) use the miter gauge in the right hand slot to provide more hand clearance and safety.

Have the blade extend only 1/8" above the top of the workpiece. Exposing the blade above this point can be hazardous.

Figure 37

Dado Cutting – Dadoing is cutting a wide groove into a workpiece or cutting a rabbet along the edge of a workpiece. A dado insert, shown in Figure 38, is necessary for this type of operation.

Do not use the standard table insert for dadoing operations.

Figure 38

The process of cutting 1/8" to 1/2" grooves in workpieces is accomplished by the use of a stacked dado blade set or an adjustable type blade mounted on the saw arbor. By using various combinations of the stacked dado blades, or properly setting the dial on an adjustable blade, an accurate width dado can be made. This is very useful for shelving, making joints, tenoning, etc. The guard, splitter, and anti-kickback pawls supplied with the saw should be used for all cutting operations where they can be used. When performing operations where the guard can not be used, as in some dadoing operations, alternative safety precautions should be taken. These include push sticks, feather boards, filler pieces, fixtures, jigs and any other appropriate device that can be utilized to keep operator's hands away from the blade. Upon completion of the operation requiring removal of the guard, the entire guard assembly must be placed back on the machine in its proper working order.

Never use a dado head in a tilted position. Never operate the saw without the blade guard, splitter and anti-kickback pawls for operations where they can be used.

Dust Collection

If your saw is equipped with a dust shroud, a dust collection or vacuum system (not included) should be used during operation. The port on the dust shroud can accommodate 2.5-inch or 4-inch hoses (Figure 39).

The dust shroud should be checked and cleaned often to remove dust and chips in order to prevent blockage from buildup.