RIDGID TS2410LS manual HOW to Mount a Featherboard, HOW to Make a Featherboard

OPERATION

FEATHERBOARD

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 and locked in place on the table with a C-clamp. Test to ensure it can resist kickback.

HOW TO MOUNT A FEATHERBOARD

See Figure 24.

Completely lower the saw blade. Position the rip fence to the desired adjustment for the cut to be performed and lock the rip fence. Place the workpiece against the fence and over the saw blade area. Adjust the featherboard to apply resistance to the workpiece just forward of the blade. Attach a C-clamp to secure the featherboard to the edge of the saw table.

WARNING:

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

HOW TO MAKE A FEATHERBOARD

See Figure 23.

The featherboard is an excellent project for the saw. Select a solid piece of lumber approximately 3/4 in. thick, 3-5/8 in. wide and 18 in. long. Mark the center of the width on one end of the stock. Miter one-half of the width to 30° and miter the other half of the same end to 45° (see page 30 for information on miter cuts). Mark the board from the point at 6 in., 8 in., 10 in., and 12 in. Drill a 3/8 in. hole at the 8 in., 10 in., and 12 in. marks.

Prepare the saw for ripping as discussed on page 30. Set the rip fence to allow approximately a 1/4 in. “finger” to be cut in the stock. Feed the stock only to the mark previously made at 6 in. Turn the saw OFF and allow the blade to completely stop rotating before removing the stock. Reset the rip fence and cut spaced rips into the workpiece to allow approximately 1/4 in. fingers and 1/8 in. spaces between the fingers.

WARNING:

Do not locate the featherboard to the rear of the workpiece. If positioned improperly, kickback can result from the featherboard pinching the workpiece and binding the blade in the saw kerf. Failure to heed this warning can result in serious personal injury.

FEATHERBOARD PUSH BLOCK

		30
	15	PUSH STICK
0

C-CLAMP	BEVEL LOCKING LEVER
	Fig. 24

3-5/8 in.

3/4 in.

	30°
1/4 in.
	45°	1-13/16 in.
1/8 in.	6 in.
18 in.

Fig. 23

23