BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW
A table saw can be usedfor straight-linecutting
operationssuch as cross cutting,ripping,mitering,
beveling,and compound cutting. Itcan make dado or
moldingcutswith optionalaccessories.
The three-prongplug must be pluggedinto a match-
ingoutletthat ispropeity installed and grounded
accordingto all localcodes and ordinances.Improper
connectionofthe equipmentcan result in electdc
shock.Check with an electrician or service personnel
ifyou are unsureabout proper grounding, Donot
modifythe plug;if it will notfit the outlet, have the
correctoutletinstalled by aqualifiedelectrician. Refer
tothe Electricalpage of this manual.
Note: Thistable sew is designedto cut woodand
woodcompositionproductsonly.
CAUSES OF KICKBACK
Kickbackcan occurwhen the blade stallsor binds,
kickingtheworkpiece back toward you with great
forceend speed, if your hands are near the sewblade,
theymay be jerked loose fromthe workpieceand may
contactthe blade. Obviously, kickbackcan cause
seriousinjury, and it iswell worth using precautionsto
avoidthe risks.
Kickbackcan be caused by any action that pinches
theblade in the wood, such as thefollowing:
•Makinga cut with incorrectblade depth
•Sawingintoknots or nails in the workpiece
•Twistingthe woodwhile makingacut
•Failingtosupport work
•Forcinga cut
•Cuttingwarpedor wetlumber
•Usingthe wrongblade for the type of cut
•Notfollowing correct operating procedures
•Misusingthesaw
•Fai{ingtouse the ant'vkickback pawls
• Cuttingwith adull, gummed-up, orimproperlyset
blade
AVOIDING KICKBACK
•Always use the correct blade depth setting. The
top of the blade teeth should clear the workpiece
by1/8 in. to 1/4 in.
•Inspectthe work for knotsor nails before beginning
a cut.Knockout any looseknots witha hammer.
Never sawinto a loose knot or nail.
• Alwaysuse the rip fence when rip cuttingand the
mitergage when cross cutting.This helpsprevent
twisting the wood in the cut.
• Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades.
Never makecuts with dull blades.
•To avoidpinchingthe blade,supped the work
properlybeforebeginning acut.
•When making a cut, use steady, evenpressure.
Never force cuts.
•Do notcut wetor warped lumber.
• Always hold yourworkpiecefirmlywith bothhands
orwith pushsticks.Keep yourbody in a balanced
positionto be readyto resistkickbackshould it
occur.Never stand directlyin line with theblade.
•Usethe dghttype of bladefor the cut beingmade.
CUTTING AIDS
See Figure42.
Pushsticksare devices used for safelypushinga
workpiecethroughthe blade insteadof using your
hands.They can be made in various sizes and
shapes from scrapwood to use in a specificproject.
The stickmust be narrewetthan the workpiece, witha
90" notchin one end and shapingfor a grip on the
otherend.
A pushblockhas a handlefastened by recessed
screwsfrom the underside, Use it on non-through
cuts.
_IL CAUTION: Be surethe screwis recessedto
avoiddamaging the saw or workpiece.
PUSHBLOCKS
PUSHSTICKS
Fig.42
Afeatherboardis used when itis not practicalto use
themiter gage, usuallydue to the size ofthe
workpieca.The end is angled, withanumber of short
kerfsto give a friction hold on the workpiece. Use a
C-clamp to lockit inplace on the table. Test that it
could resist kickback.
,_ WARNING: Placethe featherboardagainst the
uncut portionof the workpiece,to avoid kickback.
33 CRBFTSMRN"TABLESAY/$15.22_10