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Bevel and Miter Operations Bevel Cut – A bevel cut is a special type of
operation where the saw blade is tilted at an
angle less than 90 degrees to the table top
(Figure 36). Operations are performed in the
same manner as ripping or crosscutting except
the fence or miter gauge should be used on the
right-hand side of the saw blade to provide
added safety in avoiding a binding action
between the saw blade and the table top. When
beveling with the miter gauge, the workpiece
must be held firmly to prevent creeping.
Figure 36
Crosscut – Crosscuts made at an angle to the
edge of the workpiece are called miters
(Figure 37). Set the miter gauge at the required
angle, lock the miter gauge, and make the cut
the same as a normal crosscut except the
workpiece must be held extra firmly to prevent
creeping.
Note: When making compound miters (with
blade tilted) use the miter gauge in the right
hand slot to provide more hand clearance and
safety.
Have the blade extend only 1/8" above the top of
the workpiece. Exposing the blade above this
point can be hazardous.
Figure 37
Dado Cutting – Dadoing is cutting a wide
groove into a workpiece or cutting a rabbet
along the edge of a workpiece. A dado insert,
shown in Figure 38, is necessary for this type of
operation.
Do not use the standard table
insert for dadoing operations.
Figure 38
The process of cutting 1/8" to 1/2" grooves in
workpieces is accomplished by the use of a
stacked dado blade set or an adjustable type
blade mounted on the saw arbor. By using
various combinations of the stacked dado
blades, or properly setting the dial on an
adjustable blade, an accurate width dado can be
made. This is very useful for shelving, making
joints, tenoning, etc. The guard, splitter, and
anti-kickback pawls supplied with the saw
should be used for all cutting operations where
they can be used. When performing operations
where the guard can not be used, as in some
dadoing operations, alternative safety
precautions should be taken. These include
push sticks, feather boards, filler pieces, fixtures,
jigs and any other appropriate device that can
be utilized to keep operator's hands away from
the blade. Upon completion of the operation
requiring removal of the guard, the entire guard
assembly must be placed back on the machine
in its proper working order.
Never use a dado head in a
tilted position. Never operate the saw without
the blade guard, splitter and anti-kickback
pawls for operations where they can be
used.
Dust Collection If your saw is equipped with a dust shroud, a
dust collection or vacuum system (not included)
should be used during operation. The port on
the dust shroud can accommodate 2.5-inch or
4-inch hoses (Figure 39).
The dust shroud should be checked and cleaned
often to remove dust and chips in order to
prevent blockage from buildup.