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Two More Must-Know Table Saw Safety Techniques
Issue: Issue 211
Posted Date: 12/2/2008
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A good table saw is the centerpiece of a woodworker's shop. Proper table saw technique is one of the keys to craftsmanship. In our last issue, we explored proper techniques for two common table saw cuts, and here are two more.
| Before You Begin |
Safety: protect your. . .
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Proper alignment: |
- Hands and Fingers: Place a top guard on the saw blade; use push sticks.
- Hearing: Wear earmuffs or earplugs.
- Vision: Wear safety goggles or glasses to block flying debris.
- Body and Hands: Prevent kickback with proper machine setup, correct operator technique and a splitter to guard the blade
- Breathing: Wear a dust mask or use an exhaust system (optional).
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- Blade: Use a straightedge tight to the blade to check alignment of the blade with the miter slots.
- Insert: Level the insert with the table surface, measure with a straightedge, and adjust the leveling screws as necessary.
- Fence: Lay a straightedge tight to the blade and adjust the fence until it is parallel. Using a try square, adjust the fence so that it is at a right angle to the table surface.
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Table Saw Crosscutting
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| There is considerable argument over what amount of the blade should protrude over the workpiece. Our recommendation is to adjust the blade until the gullets just clear the wood. |
| Click to Enlarge |
When crosscutting on a table saw, never trap your stock between the fence and the blade. If your fence does not move fore and aft as shown in the photo at right, use a registration block clamped on your fence behind the forward-most aspect of the blade. Use whichever miter gauge slot gives you the more comfortable control of workpiece and falling board. Establish contact between the machine and your body: stand where you can get a clear view of the cut, but avoid standing directly in line with the blade. Hold the workpiece against the fence. We recommend a simple shop-made sled for added safety when making this cut. It is two pieces of plywood glued together in a 90° L shape. Screw it to your miter gauge, and you are good to go.
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| Crosscutting requires two steps. First, square up one end. Notice that the fence has been pulled back behind the point where the saw blade enters the table. |
Next, use your fence to register the proper length of cut. The fence is properly pulled back behind the blade. Notice that the splitter and guard remain in place. |
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Safe and Accurate Miter Cuts
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| Push sticks keep your hands and fingers a safe distance from the saw blade. These simple patterns will allow you to make as many as you need. |
| Click to Enlarge |
The table saw is a great way to cut accurate miters. It is essentially the same process as crosscutting, discussed at left, with your miter gauge set at 45° (or whatever angle you desire). Again, it is important never to capture your workpiece between the fence and the saw blade. Use your fence to register your cut, but adjust its fore and aft position so that the workpiece clears the fence before it engages the saw blade. Always leave your splitter and guard in place if possible. Safety is your responsibility. Good equipment, properly guarded and aligned, is the first line of defense. Proper technique and personal attention to safety is the final line of defense. Most of us do woodworking for enjoyment. Safe tool operation keeps it fun.