Craftsman 315.22839 owner manual Avoiding Kickback, PUSHSTICK8

BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW

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

The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded accord- ing to all local codes and ordinances. Improper connection of the equipment can result in electric shock. Check with an electrician or service personnel if you are unsure about proper grounding. Do not modify the plug; if it will not fit the outlet, have the correct outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Refer to the Electrical page of this manual.

Note: This table saw is designed to cut wood and wood composition products only.

CAUSES OF KICKBACK

Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kicking the workpiece back toward you with great force and speed, tf your hands are near the sawblade, they may be jerked loose from the workpiece and may contact the blade. Obviously, kickback can cause serious injury, and it is well worth using precautions to avoid the risks.

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

•Making a cut with incorrect blade depth

•Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece

•Twisting the wood while making a cut

•Failing to support work

•Forcing a cut

•Cutting warped or wet lumber

•Using the wrong blade for the type of cut

•Not following correct operating procedures

•Misusing the saw

•Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls

•Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set 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.

•Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning

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

•Always use the rip fence when rip cutting and the miter gage when cross cutting. This helps prevent twisting the wood in the cut.

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

•To avoid pinching the blade, support 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 workpiece firmly with both hands or with pushsticks. Keep your body in a balanced position to be ready to resist kickback should it occur. Never stand directly in line with the blade.

•Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.

CUTTING AIDS

See Figure 45.

Pushsticks are devices used for safely pushing a workpiece through the blade instead of using your hands. They can be made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood to use in a specific project. The stick must be narrower than the workpiece, with a 90½ notch in one end and shaping for a grip on the other end.

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

,_ CAUTION: Be sure the screw is recessed to

o

avoid damaging the saw or workpiece.

PUSHSTICK8

PUSHBLOCK8

Fig.45

A featherboard is a device used to help control the workpiece by guiding it securely against the table or fence. Featherboards are especially useful when ripping small workpieces and for completing non- through cuts. The end is angled, with a number of short kerfs to give a friction hold on the workpiece.

Lock it in place on the table with a C-clamp. Test that it could resist kickback.

A WARNING: Place the featherboard against the uncut portion of the workpiece, to avoid kickback that could cause serious personal injury.

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