OPERATION

FEATHERBOARD

A featherboard is a device used to help control the workpiece by guiding it securely against the table or rip 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. Lock it in place on the table with a C-clamp. Test that it can resist kickback by restricting the forward motion of the workpiece.

WARNING:

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

HOW TO MOUNT A FEATHERBOARD

See Figure 15.

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:

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

HOW TO MAKE A FEATHERBOARD

See Figure 14.

The featherboard is an excellent project for this 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 24 for information on miter cuts. Mark the board from the point at 6 in. Prepare the saw for ripping as discussed on page 24. 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.

FEATHERBOARD

PUSH STICK

PUSH BLOCK

 

BEVEL

 

 

LOCKING

 

“C” CLAMPS

LEVER

Fig. 15

3-5/8 in.

3/4 in.

 

30°

 

1/4 in.

 

 

 

45°

1-13/16 in.

1/8 in.

6 in.

 

 

 

18 in.

 

 

Fig. 14

20

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Ryobi BTS10 manual HOW to Mount a Featherboard, HOW to Make a Featherboard, Featherboard Push Stick Push Block, Clamps
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BTS10 specifications

The Ryobi BTS10 is a high-performance table saw designed for both amateur woodworkers and seasoned professionals. Known for its powerful motor and solid construction, this table saw offers a blend of precision and convenience, making it an excellent choice for various woodworking tasks.

One of the standout features of the BTS10 is its robust 15-amp motor, providing ample power to handle tough cutting jobs. This motor ensures that it can effectively rip through hardwoods and softwoods alike, delivering clean and accurate cuts. The tool has a no-load speed of 5000 RPM, allowing for quick and efficient cutting, which is particularly beneficial for large-scale projects.

The BTS10 comes equipped with a spacious 27-inch aluminum table that provides ample workspace, enhancing stability and control during cuts. The table’s surface is designed to be smooth, which minimizes friction and improves accuracy. Moreover, the saw features a cast iron trunnion system that enhances stability, further contributing to the precision of cuts.

For added convenience, the Ryobi BTS10 includes a built-in blade guard and anti-kickback pawls. These safety features are essential in preventing accidents and ensuring user safety during operation. Additionally, this model also incorporates an adjustable miter gauge, allowing users to make angled cuts easily. The miter gauge slides along the table’s slots for increased accuracy when making crosscuts.

The BTS10 also supports a bevel adjustment feature that allows users to tilt the blade up to 45 degrees. This capability is ideal for making bevel cuts, providing versatility for various woodworking applications. The blade height can also be adjusted easily using a convenient handwheel, enhancing user control over cut depth.

In terms of portability, the BTS10 is designed with user convenience in mind. Although it’s built for durability, it remains relatively lightweight, making it easier to transport to job sites or storage.

Overall, the Ryobi BTS10 table saw combines power, usability, and safety features, making it a versatile tool capable of handling a range of woodworking tasks. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to expand your workshop or a professional seeking a reliable table saw, the BTS10 delivers the performance and features required for precision woodworking.
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