A table saw is a flexible tool that is easy to use and saves people time and effort when it comes to cutting materials for a given project. Table saw are ideal for cutting boards and can easily make long vertical rips and cross-cuts as long as you use the right techniques, set up the table saw properly, and get the right safety equipment, you can make clean and precise cuts with the machine. Here are tips on how to use a table saw:
Step 1: Safety warning
Before any other thing, you need to consider your safety first! Table saw are dangerous and can easily injure you if you do not take safety precautions if thinking of how to use a table saw safely, the best way is always to wear safety gears, such as gloves to protect your hands and goggles to protect the eyes.
Another thing, remain keen on what you are doing and never ignore this powerful machine. However, you should not fear the machine, but keep in mind that the machine can make you blind or leave you without a hand if you are not attentive.
Step 2: Read the instruction manual
Before using the machine, carefully read the instructions on the user manual on proper use and installation of the table saw. While most table saws are similar, some brands vary and so reading the manual helps you know every part of the saw is, where it goes, how it works the safety precaution when using the tool.
Step 3: Adjust the blade to make sure it is higher than the wood thickness
To avoid a kickback, you need to make sure that the blade is equally high as the piece of wood that you intend to work on. You can use the adjustment handle of the blade, found at the lower part of the table saw to either hoist or lower your table saw blade. Your blade needs to be 0.25 inches higher than the wood that you want to cut thickness.
Step 4: Keep your wood tight on the fence
Hook the thumb behind your cutting board to make sure that your little finger touches the table saw rip fence as you rip boards that are 6 inches or wider. Focus on the board’s edges to make sure it remains in full contact with the rip fence as you push the wood via the blade at a slow and steady pace.
After that, push the board past the blade completely and then kickback pawl. The next thing is to turn off the saw while remaining keen and careful enough to stay away from the table saw blades path. The reason is that the ripped board can stick in the blade and kickback.
Step 5: Set up an out-feed table
The rip boards that are 6 inches or less uses a similar technique like the ones for wider loads. Once your right-hand gets to the edge of the table saw, pick the push shoe and place it at the back edge of the table saw the board. Stand on the side, and never stand directly behind the blade when ripping. That is why you need out-feed support or a table to help in holding the board as it leaves the table saw.
Long-boards are tricky to cut since the board hangs at the back-side of the table saw, tempting you to bend to reach to the spinning blade, which is not safe. To stay safe, support the end of the board as it comes out of the saw. Manufactured stands with rollers and other features to support the out-feed are available to help solve the issue. Better enough, you can choose to build a small table with the same height as your table saw.
Step 6: Lower the blade guard
At this step, lower the blade guard and concentrate on the table saw. You can choose to lower the plastic guard so that it protects you from debris as you cut. After that, turn on your blade and get to make clean and correct cuts.
Step 7: Push the board via the blade
At a slower pace, push your board via the blade while concentrating on making sure that the board is as close as possible to the fence as you push it through. As you do so, never keep your hand close to the blade as that is very dangerous. To avoid this, always use a pushing device that is at least 6 inches between your hand and the blade.
Step 8: Switch off the saw
Now that you have clean and precise cuts flip the switch found on your table saw and switch it off. Your board is properly cut by now, and so you are good to go. With the above steps on how to use a table saw, you can now enjoy completing your project with precise, fast, and precise cuts.
All the best!
