This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!
This is the content required for an introduction to our Sliding Table Saw - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)
If you are ready for this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors: Lukas
Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's wiki page and manual.
use Fritz & Franz and use the low edge of the parallel fence if you have something very small to cut (below 30 mm width)!
do not use the sliding table saw when you are alone in the Space, you might need another Maker to call help in case of an accident
make yourself familiar with amputate bags for the worst case
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
use the top blade guard whenever it is not hindering your cut - it should be fixed so its bottom edge is horizontal and just above the workpiece
avoid draw in danger by not wearing loose clothes, dangling jewellery or open long hair
kickback - if the workpiece is pressed against the blade's side, it can be thrown towards the operator!
DO NOT use sliding table + parallel fence at once!
never constrain the workpiece in more than one direction during the cut - use fixtures on the sliding table OR the parallel fence (alternatively: parallel fence pulled out far enough that it ends before the blade)
you may pull the parallel fence all the way back so it ends before the blade
never remove the riving knife ("splitter") and check its alignment before every use of the saw
needs to be exactly in line with the saw blade
distance to the teeth should be about 5 mm along the entire edge
make sure the parallel fence is in fact parallel or angled ever so slightly away from the blade
do not cut several pieces on top of each other!
pull the parallel fence out 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 of the machine 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!
sawdust and small splinters can fly towards the operator
always has to end in front of the blade when fixing a board on the sliding table, e.g. with Fritz & Franz!
how to adjust blade height and angle (if angle is changed: return to exactly 90° by means of a square or inclinometer!)
how to turn on the machine
how to use the emergency stops
perform practice cut(s)
how to clean the machine after your work is done
Waiting List
This introduction takes longer than many others and usually can't be done spontaneously during regular opening times. If you would like to receive it, please add yourself to >> this list << and we will find a good time once a few members are on it!
