Table Saw
| MachineInfoBox Bosch PTS 10 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | sawbench, bench saw; DE: Tischkreissäge, TKS, Baukreissäge, Baustellenkreissäge, stationäre Kreissäge |
| Material: | wood |
| Used with: | push sticks, circular saw blades, shop vac, inclinometer |
| Access Requirements: | Table Saw Introduction |
| Manual: | bosch-do-it.de |
| Tutors: | Lukas NitramLegov Luzian Keno Baumphil |
| Similar (More or Less): | circular saw, chop saw |
[[Has caption::power tool/saw| ]]
This is one of the most dangerous but also one of the most versatile woodworking tools.
Did you know you can also turn a rotary tool into a micro table saw?
Health & Safety
Unless we get our hands on a stopping table saw, this is a machine that can take fingers off. Take precautions to prevent the worst from happening!
- read the manual
- get a personal introduction
- 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
- double-check that the riving knife (splitter) is in line with the blade - it prevents the workpiece from catching on the rear of the blade and being hurled towards you ("kickback")
- this video explains this and other dangers pretty nicely!
- this video is a demonstration of what kickback looks like
- wear ear defenders and safety goggles
- a new belt might reduce the noise if the saw uses a belt
- hook up a shop vac to reduce dust
- never operate the saw if you are in the CoMakingSpace by yourself
- make sure the table is standing safely and securely - anti-slide mats may help
Maintenance
The blade should be sharpened or replaced when it becomes dull, otherwise using it is very dangerous! Tell a manager if you are noticing any problems, e.g. increased force required to push your workpieces or poor quality cuts.
Decreased cutting ability can also result from dirt buildup - here are some cleaning instructions.
Repairs & Upgrades
- fall 2018 (after approx. one year of use):
- pin holding the cam lever of the parallel fence sometimes came loose - Lukas put an M3 screw with a lock nut through it to keep it in place
- threaded insert to secure the parallel fence in the front became loose, had to be replaced with a T-nut that Sebastian cut to size
- dust extraction hose sometimes came off - Moritz secured it with zip ties so it hopefully won't happen again
- March 2019: broken pin in the height adjustment handwheel replaced with a blind rivet pin (Moritz and Lukas)
- July 2019: internal cleaning & oiling, blade cleaning, adjustment of the 90° and 45° limit screws (Lars & Lukas)
Fences & Jigs
Two aluminum fences come with the saw and can be mounted as a parallel ("rip") and a miter ("crosscut") fence.
Jigs we would like to add are helpers for safer and more accurate use, e.g. table saw sleds.
Push Sticks
A simple plastic push stick came with the saw, but it's easy to make custom ones that may be more suitable for your project. If anything about the cut you're trying to make does not feel right, use a different push stick or ask someone with more experience!
Depending on the size of your workpiece, push blocks may also work.
Saw Blade
Same general options as for circular saw or chop saw.
Coming Up: Elektra Beckum PK 255
| MachineInfoBox Elektra Beckum PK 255 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | nearly identical: Metabo PK 255 |
| Material: | wood |
| Access Requirements: | Table Saw IntroductionSome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". |
| Manual: | manualslib.com |
| Tutors: | Lukas NitramLegov Luzian Keno BaumphilSome use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". |
We should soon be able to return Ed's awesome long-term loan and replace it with a larger machine :-)
This tool is not ready for use yet since not all commissioning steps have been completed. The process is also tracked on GitHub. Feel free to contribute to making it usable, any help is very welcome!
| Task | comment | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Name the tool: | should get merged with general synonyms when the Bosch saw is decommissioned | done |
| Take a picture | - | done |
| Find the manual as PDF | manualslib.com | done |
| Documentation | started; should replace all Bosch specifics once the saws are switched - e.g. compatible blades? | pending |
| Print QR-Code | just modified the old one | done |
| Introduction | Table Saw Introduction should get some updates according to the manual and where there are machine-specific elements: e.g. emergency switch, dust extraction, fence(s) | pending |
| Security Check | riving knife needs to be adjusted | pending |
| Test | Lars/Lukas | done |
| tool's name, owner and approx. value | if someone finds a reliable current price (lightly used) it would really help with the donation receipt! | done (Ebay-price usually 600-800€) |
| Last step: make it available | NOT YET! | pending |
So far, this machine only comes with a parallel fence and a simple miter fence. Let's already collect ideas/sources for additional accessories while commissioning!
- sliding table
- what else?
Accuracy
CAUTION: Something in the height adjustment is not spring-balanced - the blade exhibits slightly different inclinations when being brought up than when being brought down. Make sure you measure this angle in the same situation every time!
Crosscut Sled
When making crosscuts, it is highly recommended to use the sled that Lars built! With this accessory, the table saw can replace the chop saw in many cases.
Further improvement ideas:
- safety block where the blade exits the rear fence - keeps fingers away!
- adjustable rollers aligning the sled with the saw table from the right side
Dust Extraction
Hook up the dust extractor every time you use the saw, and use the top blade guard whenever possible (it would get in the way when making hidden cuts or using the crosscut sled, but is useful in all other cases)!
