Ripping

Workpiece Positioning

Always set up so that the widest part of
the workpiece is between the blade and
fence. This gives you greater clearance for
push sticks, and allows better stability for
feeding the workpiece.

Push Sticks and Push Blocks

Use push sticks and push blocks instead of
the hands to push the workpiece through
to complete cuts. They help keep hands
away from the blade. A push block is used
with an auxiliary fence (see Cutting
Aides).
Use a push block and auxiliar5' fence
when the blade is set _/__to 2" from the
fence.
Use a push stick when the blade is set 2"
or more from the fence.
Do not set the blade closer than w2"to the
fence. The radial saw is the _a-ong tool for
such a narrow a cut. A band saw would be
more appropriate for this type of cut.
Ripping Safety
The hazards associated with ripping in-
clude: outfeed zone hazard, kickback, and
wrong way feed. This section explains
these hazards and tells how to avoid them
or reduce the risk of their happening.
Read this section before maMng any type
of rip cut. Follow these steps ever 5' time
you make a rip cut.
Example: to rip 1"off a 10" wide workpiece, set
blade inin-rip position, 9" from fence.
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