Overview

The table saw is arguably the most dangerous power tool in the workshop.

Before using it think carefully about the cut you are about to make, understand the causes of kickback and trapping.

Think about the journey of the work through the cutting process, where you will stand where other people are working, where the cut and off-cut will end up. where to position out-feed rollers if needed.

Is there better saw to make the cut? for a cross cut, use the radial arm saw or miter saw. for small pieces of timber a handsaw. We have a range of saws available, the table saw is the most complex in terms of managing the hazards and has the highest potential for causing serious injury

The Hackspace's Kity table saw has two mechanisms for guiding the work through the saw, a sliding table attachment, this can be used for cutting large sheet materials and cross cutting, and a Rib fence for rip cutting, the two are mutually exclusive do not use both together.

If while cutting the work gets stuck in the cut, becomes difficult to manage or starts to smoke and char, stop the saw with the switch and allow the blade to stop spinning before clearing the work from the table.

Signage

Read the signage near the saw.

Fire

Work can trap if the rip fence is positioned incorrectly or not parallel to the blade, if the timber is resinous or warps after it is cut with the grain structure, this causes the work to heat up very quickly to the point that embers can form (see the sign on the wall). If you are making fine cuts using the rip-fence take particular care if the work starts to trap, STOP work. thin slivers of charred timber can fall below the blade and with the draft from the exhaust raise a fire under the saw, immediately Inspect and clear the area below the blade.

Inspection and cleaning

there is window on the side to inspect the base and blade chute for wood chips. release the sliding table ( lever on the front of the sliding section) and move it fully forward such that the area below the blade can be inspected from above, Unplug and clear any debris with a vacuum cleaner.

YouTube Safety induction

Aquatint yourself with following videos

thintz12 Kickback, table saw accident: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7sRrC2Jpp4&t=140s

Dan Gelbart, Building Prototypes part 2 of 18 Safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H9ei8-6tEM

Jimmy DiResta Table Saw Tips: https://youtu.be/UKWIZM9aI5Y

Other videos are available of course, but be aware some more popular you tube woodworkers don't follow best practice when it comes to safety

The New Yankee Workshop Table Saw 101 is ideal but not freely available on YouTube NB: not all these tips are suitable for our tools - if in doubt, ask!

IMPORTANT RULES FOR USE

Do not assume that the previous user has left the tablesaw in a safe and well-adjusted condition
Use the dust extraction
Check that the floor is free of loose sawdust and debris
Use eye and ear protection
Learn how to make adjustments on this model before you start work
Know where to stand to avoid trouble
Understand the causes of binding and kickback
Never use the rip fence as a guide for cutting wood to length. The offcut piece is likely to become trapped between the fence and the saw blade and pose a serious kickback hazard.
Shut down the machine for all adjustments and cleaning
Especially avoid leaning or reaching over the moving blade
Always use the push sticks provided (or make your own)
Shut down the machine before retrieving work and offcuts from the outfeed table or use a pushstick to move a piece into a safe position to reach
If in doubt, ask!

Don’t remove the guard

if you think you need to remove the guard then you are probably using the wrong tool or using the tool wrong
find another way of doing it
consider using the router for blind (non-through) cut (avoiding riving knife/guard)
a temporary guard or jig can be constructed
consider using the deep bandsaw for tall cuts (max. 104mm) that would foul the guard body of fixings

Cross cutting

Consider using the chop saw (usually the right tool for the job) Never use the long rip fence when crosscutting boards for accurate lengths use a shorter secondary fence or a stop on the sliding carriage

Don’t be a douchebag/contemptible fellow

Think ahead: do you have time to tidy up? If not then don’t start the job
Immediately after use, sweep down the machine THEN sweep the floor (and put the dust in the bin!)
Don’t leave your offcuts or spare materials - take them away and put them in the right place (bin, small blocks area, materials area, home)

Adjustments and alignment

TODO: photos

blade height wheel (and lock screw) - TODO document the badly worn spindle
blade angle wheel (and lock screw)
fence attachment flip - temporary, sacrificial fences
Sliding carriage lock
crosscut attachment fitting and removal
zero-clearance throat plates
blade replacement

Kity Table Saw

Contents