Powermatic pm1000 operating instructions Safety devices, Feather board, Filler piece

Figure 41

The process of cutting 1/8" to 13/16" 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 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, riving knife, 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 cannot 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 operators’ 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, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls for operations where they can be used.

11.0Safety devices

Feather board

Feather boards can be purchased at most tool stores, or made by the operator to suit particular applications. The feather board (Figure 42) should be made of straight grain hardwood approximately 1" thick and 4" to 8" wide depending on the size of the machine. The length is developed in accordance with intended use.

Feather boards can be fastened to the table or rip fence by use of C-clamps. Alternatively, drilled and tapped holes in the table top allow the use of wing nuts and washers as a method of clamping. If this method of fastening is used, provide slots in the feather board for adjustment. (The illustration shows a method of attaching and use of the feather board as a vertical comb. The horizontal application is essentially the same except that the attachment is to the table top.)

Figure 42

Filler piece

A filler piece (Figure 43) is necessary for narrow ripping and permits the blade guard to remain on the machine. It also provides space for the safe use of a push stick.

Figure 43 – Filler Piece

24