Table Saw Introduction

This is the content required for an introduction to our table saw - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual.

Safety

Dangers

• sharp and rotating exposed blade, with chances of flesh wounds and missing limbs - will keep spinning for a bit after turning the power off!
• sawdust and small splinters can fly towards the operator
• kickback - if the workpiece is pressed against the blade's side, it can be thrown towards the operator! Check out this video on YouTube to see what that looks like.

Precautions

DO NOT use both fences at once!

• do not use the table saw when you are alone in the space, you might need another Maker to call help in case of an accident
• wear personal protection
  • definitely goggles and ear defenders!
  • dust mask: depending on the material you are cutting
  • gloves: make an informed decision
    • some sources say you should wear them to protect yourself against splinters which could surprise you and make your hand flinch in a dangerous position
    • others prohibit the use of gloves as your entire hand could be dragged into the blade if one gets caught

• your hands need to stay well clear (at least a hand's width) of the blade at all times - use a push stick if you have something small to cut!

• height of the blade: make an informed decision
  • high blade: cuts "down", not pushing against you - makes the saw easier to use and leads to less of a difference between cut distances on top and bottom BUT it exposes a lot of the dangerous blade
  • low blade: lower risk of serious injury (could cut into your finger, not as easily trough it) but you have to push the workpiece harder

• prevent kickback:
  • never use both fences at once (option: fence + stop block which ends before the blade begins)
  • never remove the splitter and check that it is in line with the saw blade
  • make sure the parallel fence is in fact parallel
  • do not cut several pieces on top of each other!
  • use a shorter parallel fence when cutting solid wood (Massivholz) - that way, there is room for tensions to be released after the cut (second half of the blade should stand "free") ^[1]

• stand on the side where you can support the main part of your workpiece (usually the left)

• give the saw time to start up before touching the blade with your workpiece!

• make sure all screws (parallel fence, outfeed table) are tightened

Practical Demonstration

you should power the saw via foot switch and shop vac so that dust extraction starts automatically and everything is easily turned off

• parallel fence: three options depending on the desired distance
• foot switch as the preferred "off" option
• practice cut with miter fence & parallel fence