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Page 21
OPERATION
Fig. 21
PUSHBLOCKS
PUSHSTICKS
■ Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.
■ Use the blade guard assembly for all through cuts.
CUTTING AIDS
See Figure 21.
Pushsticks are devices used for safely pushing a workpiece
through the blade instead of using your hands. They can be
made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood to use in
a specific project. The stick must be narrower than the
workpiece, with a 90˚ notch in one end and shaping for a grip
on the other end.
A pushblock has a handle fastened by recessed screws from
the underside. Use it on non-through cuts.
CAUTION:
Be sure the screw is recessed to avoid damaging the saw
or workpiece.
BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW
A table saw can be used for straight-line cutting operations
such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering, beveling, and com-
pound cutting. It can make dado or molding cuts with optional
accessories.
The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that
is properly installed and grounded according to all local
codes and ordinances. Improper connection of the equip-
ment can result in electric shock. Check with an electrician or
service personnel if you are unsure about proper grounding.
Do not modify the plug; if it will not fit the outlet, have the
correct outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Refer to the
Electrical
page of this manual.
Note: This table saw is designed to cut wood and wood
composition products only.
CAUSES OF KICKBACK
Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kicking
the workpiece back toward you with great force and speed.
If your hands are near the sawblade, they may be jerked
loose from the workpiece and may contact the blade. Obvi-
ously, kickback can cause serious injury, and it is well worth
using precautions to avoid the risks.
Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches the blade
in the wood, such as the following:
■ Making a cut with incorrect blade depth
■ Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece
■ Twisting the wood while making a cut
■ Failing to support work
■ Forcing a cut
■ Cutting warped or wet lumber
■ Using the wrong blade for the type of cut
■ Not following correct operating procedures
■ Misusing the saw
■ Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls
■ Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set blade
AVOIDING KICKBACK
■ Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of
the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to
1/4 in.
■ Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning a cut.
Knock out any loose knots with a hammer. Never saw into
a loose knot or nail.
■ Always use the rip fence when rip cutting and the miter
gage when cross cutting. This helps prevent twisting the
wood in the cut.
■ Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades. Never
make cuts with dull blades.
■ To avoid pinching the blade, support the work properly
before beginning a cut.
■ When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never
force cuts.
■ Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
■ Always hold your workpiece firmly with both hands or with
pushsticks. Keep your body in a balanced position to be
ready to resist kickback should it occur. Never stand
directly in line with the blade.
WARNING:
Never stand directly in line with the blade or allow hands
to come closer than 3 inches to the blade. Do not reach
over or across the blade. Failure to heed this warning can
result in serious personal injury.
CUTTING TIPS
Dado and rabbet cuts are non-through cuts which can be
either rip cuts or cross cuts. Carefully read and understand
all sections of this owner’s manual before attempting any
operation.
WARNING:
All blades and dado sets must be rated for at least 5,500
RPM to prevent possible injury.