Workpiece
Inspection
Some workpieces are not safe to cut or may require modification before they can be made safe to cut.
Before cutting, get in the habit of inspecting all workpieces for the following:
•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, they can cause kickback, and they can break or chip 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 knives/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 often unpredictable when being cut. DO NOT use workpieces with these characteristics!
•Minor Warping: Workpieces with slight cup- ping can be safely supported if the cupped side is facing the table or the fence. On the contrary, a workpiece supported on the bowed side will rock during a cut and cause kickback or severe injury.
Non-Through and
Through Cuts
Non-Through Cuts
A
Through Cuts
A through cut is a sawing operation in which the workpiece is completely sawn through. Ripping, crosscutting, miter cuts, and angled cuts are all through cutting operations. The blade guard and riving knife must be installed during through cuts.
Read, understand, and follow instructions and safety precautions for each type of cut to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety precautions and instructions for each type of cut are located on the following pages:
1.Ripping: Page 17
2.Crosscutting: Page 18
3.45° Miter Cuts: Page 18
4.Blade Tilt/Bevel Cuts: Page 19
