¶ Introduction
The table saw is the heart of the wood shop. Utilize the table saw when cutting down large stock or when you're in need of extremely accurate, repeatable, cuts. The table saw can also be used as a part of the milling process when you need to create a parallel edge after using the jointer.
¶ Shop Access
A membership or day pass is required to access the Wood Shop.
The Shop Safety Class Wood 1: Shop Safety is required to operate the table saws.
¶ Machine Overview
The Wood Shop has two SawStop 10" Industrial Cabinet Saws (Table Saws) which can be used for making a variety of straight ripcuts and cross-cuts in a range of solid and composite materials up to 3" thick and 52" wide. One saw is set up with a dado set at all times. All stock must have at least one flat edge and one flat face to use the table saw, so stock may need to be milled on the jointer or planer beforehand.
¶ Machines Available
Open Works has two SawStop 10" Idustrial Cabinet Saws.
¶ Machine Comparison
- One Table Saw is set up with a combination rip and cross cut blade at all times.
- One Table Saw is set up with a dado set at all times.
¶ Parts of the Machine
Click to view a labled picture of the table saw controls.
Click to view a labled picture of the top of the table saw.
¶ Material Considerations
¶ Acceptable Materials:
Formaldehyde-free MDF.
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Always check moisture levels with the moisture meter and look for nails with the metal detector.
Reclaimed lumber.
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS:
DO NOT, under any circumstances, cut the following materials on the table saw:
Pressure treated wood.
¶ Safety and Setup
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
For more information on shop safety visit Digital Fabrication under "Safety."
¶ The SawStop Safety System
Both Table Saws at Open Works are equipped with The SawStop Safety System. "The SawStop® Safety System includes two components, an electronic detection unit and a fast-acting brake. The electronic detection unit detects when a person contacts the blade." - SawStop 10" Industrial Cabinet Saw Owner's Manual p.10
If the blade of the table saw comes into contact with any conductive materials (skin, metal, mirrored acrylic, carbon fiber materials, etc.) the fast-acting brake will be activated.
The SawStop Safety System should be considered "a last measure to minimize injury when all other safety practices and devices have failed to prevent an accident." - SawStop 10" Industrial Cabinet Saw Owner's Manual p.10
| Blade Replacement | $90 |
| SawStop Replacement | $100 |
¶ Binding and Kickback
When in motion, saw blades exert force in several directions on a piece of stock. Force is also exerted by the operator, gravity, friction, and even the material itself. These forces can result in binding or kickback which are both dangerous for the user.
¶ Binding
Binding is when the blade is pinched within the stock. It can be caused when curved material collapses towards the blade during a cut, wet or resinous sawdust buildup, or even irregularities in the wood grain (warping). It is important to inspect each piece of stock for features that may cause binding, and position it properly when cutting. If a piece binds the blade, it may cause kickback, or the blade will stop. If either occurs, move hands to a safe location and power off or engage the emergency stop on the tool.
¶
¶ Kickback
Kickback is when stock is unexpectedly propelled back towards the operator at high speed. It can cause serious, even fatal injury if the piece strikes the head, chest, or torso. Kickback can also pull the operator’s hand into the blade. Kickback occurs most often on the table saw, however it can occur on most power tools in the wood shop.
¶ Kickback can be caused by:
- A dull or dirty blade.
- Cutting wet wood (increases friction and buildup of wet sawdust).
- Pitchy, knotty or warped wood (increased chance of binding).
- Bent, broken or warped saw blades (Also causes binding - check the condition of the blade before use).
- Feeding the stock without guides (freehand) or moving the stock mid-cut.
- Having the blade too low.
- Cutting along an improperly set fence.
- Cutting along the fence with a board more than 2x wider than its length.
¶ Always Follow the "Three Points of Contact" Rule
- Hands - Keep at least one hand on the material at all times.
- Table - Keep the material flat against the table.
- Fence - Keep the material flush against the fence.
¶ Step-by-Step Guides
¶ Before You Begin
¶ Operating the Table Saw
- Perform a rip or cross cut, or create parallel edges when milling.
- How to cut dados using the table saw.
- How to use a table saw sled.
¶ Machine Maintenance
¶ Troubleshooting
¶ References
SawStop 10" Industrial Cabinet Saw Owner's Manual