Workpiece
Inspection
Some workpieces are not safe to cut on this machine or may need to be modified before they can be safely cut. Before cutting, inspect all workpieces for the following:
•Material Type: This machine is intended for cutting natural and
•Foreign Objects: Nails, staples, dirt, rocks and other foreign objects are often embed- ded in wood. While cutting, these objects can become dislodged and hit the operator, cause kickback, or break the blade, which might then fly apart. Always visually inspect your workpiece for these items. If they can’t be removed, DO NOT cut the workpiece.
•Large/Loose Knots: Loose knots can become dislodged during the cutting opera- tion. Large knots can cause kickback and machine damage. Choose workpieces that do not have large/loose knots or plan ahead to avoid cutting through them.
•Wet or “Green” Stock: Cutting wood with a moisture content over 20% causes unneces- sary wear on the blades, increases the risk of kickback, and yields poor results.
•Excessive Warping: Workpieces with exces- sive cupping, bowing, or twisting are danger- ous to cut because they are unstable and may move unpredictably when being cut.
•Minor Warping: Slightly cupped workpieces can be safely supported with cupped side facing the table or fence; however, work- pieces supported on the bowed side will rock during the cut, which could cause kickback.
Non-Through &
Through Cuts
Non-Through Cuts
A
Figure 35. Example of a non-through cut.
Examples of non-through cuts include dadoes and rabbets. Non-through cuts have a higher risk of injury from kickback because the blade guard must be removed. However, the riving knife MUST be installed because it still provides some protec- tion. When making non-through cuts with a dado blade, do not attempt to cut the full depth in one pass. Instead, take multiple light passes to reduce the load on the blade. A dado blade smaller than 10" will require removal of the riving knife, because the riving knife will be higher than the blade.
Through Cuts
A through cut is a sawing operation in which the workpiece is completely sawn through, as shown in the Figure below. Examples of through cuts are rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts, and beveled cuts. The blade guard assembly MUST be used when performing through cuts.
