Table saw

Welcome to the table saw instruction video.

We will first go through the basics of the table saw. We will then demonstrate five different basic cuts.

The table saw is one of the most dangerous machines at the makerspace. This course covers the basics of how to not get hurt, but is not guaranteed to cover every risk in every situation. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the knowledge you need to make the cut you want to make in a safe way.

Basic operation

The first step for every cut is to adjust the blade height.
Use the handle on the front of the table saw to raise the blade. The blade should be raised about 10mm above the top of the piece you are cutting.
In order to cut at an angle, move the removable handle to the side of the table saw and turn it to angle the blade.
- There is a fastening screw to fix the blade angle, but it is really only needed at around 22 degrees where the blade is a bit wobbly.
- To reset the blade to 90 degrees, simply turn the handle back until you hit the stop which is close enough to 90 degrees.
Always turn on the chip evacuator on before starting the table saw.
The on/off switch is a bit hard to see and reach and there is a sharp edge above it. Learn where it is before starting to use the table saw.
When you stop the table saw, you will hear a buzzing of the break for a few seconds after the blade has stopped. This is normal.
Do not use any blade other than those provided by the Makerspace. The saw uses custom blades because it has a motor break.
Never, ever, remove the riving knife behind the blade. It is the most important safety feature. There are table saw techniques that require your to remove the riving knife. If you want to use those techniques, get your own table saw.
We will now demonstrate five basic cuts. The instructions focus on helping you avoid the following very real dangers
- Getting your hands caught in the blade
- The blade grabbing the piece you are cutting and throwing it at you with great force
And we just want to remind you that gloves, long hair, and any item of clothing that can move away from your body risks getting caught in the blade and pulling you in.

Cutting pieces that are longer than they are wide

To cut pieces that are longer than they are wide, use the traditional fence.

For pieces > 20 cm wide

Stand on the side of the blade where the widest part of the wood will be after the cut. Keep both hands and your body on the same side of the blade. The wood on the other side of the blade may fly back and you want it to miss you if it happens.
Hold the wood with your hands and push it until the piece is completely cut through.
Do not remove the conventional fence from the table saw completely. It can be pushed far enough to the side for any normal use.

For thinner cuts

Get two push-sticks.
Place one on the table and use the other to push the piece of wood down and towards the fence.
Use the other hand to push the wood forward until the wood is completely on the table.
Use the second push-stick to push the wood to finish the cut.
Do not back out of a cut half-way. Either finish the cut, or hold still and turn off the table saw.

For really thin pieces

The traditional fence can be flipped on its side to become very low for work on pieces that are very low and thin.

Cutting pieces that are wider than they are long

To cut pieces that are wider than they are long, use the sliding table and the 90-degree cross-fence
For cuts like these, consider that the mitre saw is often better and safer.
First, place the metal fastening piece in place in the T-slot. Then place the cross-fence and screw it tight to the metal fastening piece.
The cross-fence has a stop to make pieces of the same length. It can also be extended.
Unlock the sliding table by turning the knob underneath it 90 degrees until it does not snap back. To lock the table again, turn the knob back until it snaps back all the way in.
Pull the table back and place your piece.
Stand right up against the sliding table and push the piece down against the table with your hands. As long as your hands are about 10cm from the blade, you are safe. If you hold further away you will not be strong enough to keep the piece down and the piece can come flying.
When using the sliding table, walk with it, do not stand still and lean forward.
Always use a fence of some kind. Do not hold a piece of wood with just your hands to cut it. Your hands will wobble and the blade can pinch your piece and it will come flying.

Using the traditional fence as a length guide

If using the traditional fence as a stop, pull it back so it does not cover the blade. If it covers the blade, pieces can jam and come flying.
Now you can cut multiple pieces of the same length. The mitre saw can also do this and is normally a better and safer option.

Thank you for watching.

Questions

Before using the saw, which are the most important to do:
1. Raise the blade, turn on the chip evacuator, tie up any long hair and any lose clothing
2. Remove any sawdust on the work area, raise the blade, turn on the chip evacuator
3. Check that the blade is sharp, turn on the chip evacuator, tie up any long hair and any lose clothing
When cutting wide pieces length-wise, which should you preferably do?
1. Hold one hand on each side of the blade for stability.
2. Use the cross-cut fence
3. Stand the side of the blade where the widest part of the piece will be when the cut is finished.
When using the sliding table, what should you preferably do?
1. Stand with your feet wide apart for stability and push the sliding table forward
2. Stand with your hips against the sliding table and walk forward to push it forward
When you want to cut off many small pieces of the same length from a single long piece, what should you preferrably dodo?
1. Use the mitre saw
2. Use the cross fence on the sliding table and the conventional fence pulled back so it does not cover the blade
3. Use the conventional fence and hold the piece by hand
If you realize that your cut is not working out the way you wanted, what should you preferably do if you can?
1. Abort the cut by pulling the piece you are cutting back.
2. Turn off the machine off
3. Finish the cut anyways