Handyman.net.au JULY 2018 105BUILD
A table saw is a versatile tool. If you’re
cutting a lot of timber along the grain,
called ripping, it’s a smart step up
from a handheld circular saw.
Table saws are tough, accurate and
surprisingly inexpensive, with 1200
to 2000W models able to safely rip
hardwoods to about 30mm thick and
softwoods to about 50mm. hey can
also cut across the grain, as well as
being able to make accurate mitres,
grooves and rebates.
Table saws can generate a large
amount of sawdust, so always use
a dust mask and connect a workshop
vacuum to the dust extraction port.
◆ THE TABLE is machined lat with
one or two slots formed parallel to the
blade. hese slots are useful when
crosscutting with a mitre gauge.
◆ THE FENCE is used when ripping
material parallel to the blade. It should
be locked irmly in position and have
no lateral movement.
◆ THE BLADE can be tilted to enable
angled cuts between 0° and 45°, as
well as raised or lowered by turning
a simple handwheel. his feature is
typically used when making housings
or trenching cuts.
◆ THE RIVING KNIFE is a lat piece
of metal behind the blade. It is vital for
safety, as it maintains the separation
in the workpiece after the cut is made
and prevents it from jamming on the
blade and causing kickback.TABLE SAW SAFETY
Table saw blades are covered
by an overhead guard to
protect the user from the
rotating blade. It is both
illegal and dangerous to
operate your saw without the
blade guard in position.
Familiarise yourself with the
user manual and unplug the
cord before making any
adjustments or changing the
blade. Use a push stick
instead of your fingers to feed
timber through the blade.
Always use safety glasses, a
dust mask and hearing
protection when operating
the saw, and avoid wearing
any loose clothing or
jewellery that can be caught
in the blade.TABLE SAW TECHNIQUES
CROSSCUTS
Square up the mitre gauge to the saw
blade using a set square, then use
screws to secure an extension fence
to the mitre gauge.
Trim of the extension by pushing
it through the blade, then align the
cut line on the timber with the end
of the extension fence. Start the saw
and use the extension fence to push
the timber through the blade.
TIP Never use the rip fence for
crosscutting, as it greatly increases
the risk of kickback.
RIPS
Move the guide fence the required
distance from the blade using the
graduated measurements across
the front edge, then lock the
mechanism into position.
Make sure the blade is set high
enough to cut all the way through
the timber, then position the
workpiece against the fence.
Push the timber towards the
blade and feed it steadily through
while keeping it pushed hard against
the fence for a perfectly straight cut. MULTIPLE CUTS
Use a stop block for projects that
require multiple matching pieces
of the same length.
Secure an extension fence to the
mitre gauge and trim it to size, then
clamp an angled stop block at the
required length.
Hold each board securely against
the stop block to make the cuts.
All the pieces being cut should
inish at precisely the same point.
his is an ideal method for large jobs
using identical panels or palings. ▶TABLE SAWS