Craftsman 315.22831 Basic Operation of the Table SAW, Causes of Kickback, Avoiding Kickback

BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW

A table saw can be used for straight-linecutting operations such as cross cutting, ripping,mitering, beveling, and compound cutting. It can make dado or moldingcuts with optional accessories.

The three-prong plug must be plugged into a match- ing outletthat is propeity installed and grounded according to all local codes and ordinances. Improper connectionof the equipment can result in electdc shock. Check with an electrician or service personnel if you are unsure about proper grounding, Do not modifythe plug; if it will not fit the outlet, have the correctoutlet installed by a qualified electrician. Refer to the Electrical page of this manual.

Note: This table sew is designed to cut wood and wood compositionproductsonly.

CAUSES OF KICKBACK

Kickbackcan occurwhen the blade stalls or binds, kickingthe workpiece back toward you with great force end speed, if your hands are near the sewblade, they may be jerked loose from the workpiece and may contactthe blade. Obviously, kickbackcan cause

serious injury, and it is well worth using precautionsto avoidthe risks.

Kickbackcan be caused by any action that pinches the blade in the wood, such as the following:

•Making a cut with incorrectblade depth

•Sawing intoknots or nails in the workpiece

•Twistingthe wood while making a cut

•Failingto supportwork

•Forcinga cut

•Cuttingwarped or wet lumber

•Using the wrong blade for the type of cut

•Not following correct operating procedures

•Misusingthe saw

•Fai{ingto use the ant'vkickbackpawls

•Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperlyset blade

AVOIDING KICKBACK

•Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to 1/4 in.

•Inspectthe work for knotsor nails before beginning

a cut. Knockout any loose knots with a hammer. Never saw into a loose knot or nail.

•Always use the rip fence when rip cuttingand the

miter gage when cross cutting.This helpsprevent twisting the wood in the cut.

•Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades. Never make cuts with dull blades.

•To avoid pinchingthe blade, supped the work properly before beginning a cut.

•When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never force cuts.

•Do not cut wet or warped lumber.

•Always hold your workpiecefirmlywith both hands or with pushsticks.Keep yourbody in a balanced positionto be ready to resist kickbackshouldit occur. Never stand directlyin line with the blade.

•Use the dghttype of blade for the cut being made.

CUTTING AIDS

See Figure 42.

Pushsticksare devices used for safely pushinga workpiece through the blade insteadof using your hands. They can be made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood to use in a specificproject. The stick must be narrewet than the workpiece, with a

90" notch in one end and shapingfor a grip on the other end.

A pushblock has a handle fastened by recessed screws from the underside, Use it on non-through

cuts.

_IL CAUTION: Be sure the screw is recessed to avoid damaging the saw or workpiece.

PUSHBLOCKS

PUSHSTICKS

Fig.42

Afeatherboard is used when it is not practical to use the miter gage, usually due to the size of the workpieca. The end is angled, with a number of short kerfs to give a friction hold on the workpiece. Use a

C-clamp to lock it in place on the table. Test that it could resist kickback.

,_ WARNING: Place the featherboard against the uncut portion of the workpiece,to avoid kickback.

33CRBFTSMRN"TABLESAY/$15.22_10