Last Updated on 13th February 2021 by John
To help you to handle your table saw more efficiently and with safety precautions, we have brought you help namely a table saw guide.
Why do you need a guide?
Handling a table saw accurately is not everyone’s cup of tea and thus can be risky some time if not used appropriately.
Thus, read on the table saw guide to have a look at the instructions and use it properly.
Discover the Complete Table Saw Guide
Safety Warning
First and primary responsibility while using a table saw is to look after the pieces of dangerous power tools.
They can seriously injure your fingers and eyes if you become careless and reckless while using it.
You should always be wearing safety glasses while handling this tool and pay keen attention to your work.
You don’t need to be afraid of using a table saw. But always keep in mind it can and will harm you if you get casual with it.
Parts of the Table Saw
There are various parts of a table saw we have listed for you in this table saw guide, have a look at them.
- A table
- Fence – this is a long guide that is kept parallel to the blade to maintain a constant distance from the blade throughout the ripping cut.
- The Fence Dog – this helps to lock the fence in place by lifting its hand to move the fence and pressing it down to lock it in place.
- Blade – this is the most important part of a saw known as cutting part which comes in a variety of types.
- The Blade insert – it is an insert that fills the hole which is used to swap blades. Insert also comes with various sizes and types as per the need of the costumers and the use of the machine.
- Blade Height Adjustment Wheel – this is used to adjust the height of the blade
- the Blade Angle Adjustment Lever – this wheel adjusts the angle of the blade relative to the table which is placed on the front of the table saw behind the height adjustment wheel.
- Power button – this is a hinged power on and off button which is called push and pull button as well.
Types of Cuts
There are usually three types of cuts that are mentioned in this table saw guide viz. a cross-cut, a ripping cut, and a dado cut.
A cross-cut can be considered any cut across the narrower direction of the board. One can get this cut by using a miter gauge.
Also the ripping cut goes down the length of the board with the help of the use of the fence set. It works as a guide to give you the width you wanted to achieve.
Another cut is a dado cut which is a wide cut or trench and probably used in joinery.
It can be achieved with the help of a miter gauge or fence, but it also requires special blades that can make its work more effortless, accurate and quick.
1. Setting the Blade Height
Three are two methods to set the height of the blade which we have brought you in the table saw taper guide.
One is to set the blade a slightly higher (1/8 inch) than the top of the material you need to cut.
Another one is to set the blade height well above the material that needs to be cut.
Where the first method is for your safety but slightly tear out the bottom of the board.
The second method can slightly reduce the fraying and tear out the bottom of the board but is riskier.
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2. Angled cuts
According to the table saw guide, the table saw can be responsible and give two types of angled cut.
First is relative to the place of the table and can be achieved through the miter gauge.
The second one is relative to the place of the blade and can be accomplished by tilting the blade over.
Plus, the wheel to adjust the blade is placed on the table saw behind the height adjustment wheel to change the angle of the blade.
3. Fence Adjustment
The setting of the fence requires a little more attention and task as the fence is used to cut pieces more accurately and lengthwise.
It is controlled by the dog and lever placed at the front.
To make the right adjustment all you need to do is to lift the lever, the fence will automatically slide side to side.
Slightly raise blade o the saw to get a precise measurement and then slowly lower the liver.
This table saw guide is here to help you understand the best way to practice correctly.
Measure the fence to both sides of the front and back of the blade and make sure the readings are the same.
4. Changing the inserts
Arch reactor usually has 3 types of inserts which you can understand easily through this table saw guide.
First is the standard insert that comes with the table saw and can be used for cross and ripping cut.
The next is zero clearance insert which is used for vertical cross and ripping cut. This cannot be used for cuts that require the blade angle to be changed.
Also, the final insert is a wide gap model that used with the dado blades to conduct trenching cuts only. But dado blades can hit the insert if raised too high.
To remove or change the inserts, simply push down the back to rock the front up or lift on the front using the hole provided.
5. Making the cuts
To make an accurate cut, take the precise measure and mark on your board. Do not use the fence and miter gauge simultaneously as it may result in binding.
Always remember to set the length which is to be cut with the measuring tool.
Set the height of the blade, line up with the proper mark, turn on the saw, decisively place the workpiece to the miter gauge.
Read this table saw guide thoroughly to make the right cut and save yourself from danger.
To achieve a ripping cut, adjust the fence and blade as mentioned earlier but the board against the fence after turning on the machine.
6. Maintenance
There is only little general maintenance that needs to be performed on the table saw by the users.
As mentioned already in this table saw guide bar, your safety should be your priority while using use equipment.
You need to check the drive belt in the rear to wear and the teeth of the blade for chips.
If any of the tools lack components like carbide teeth missing from the blade, it does not mean that they are not safe.
But may need to be replaced soon. Eventually, the main thing is the cleansing of the machine.
Vacuum or cleaning of the sawdust off the top and checking the dustbin is not overly full is also necessary.
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Dos and Dont’s
As per our table saw guide, there are some dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind while using a table saw.
Do:
- Do check your materials for metals as the mixing of saw blades and metals can damage the tool.
- Plus, Do retract the blade into the table when you are done with the work.
- Also, Do use push sticks and blocks at the right time for your safety as instructed in the table saw guide.
- Do clean the table after work.
Do not:
- Do not keep your hands over or aligned with the blade.
- Plus, do not use the fence and miter gauge simultaneously.
- Also, do not shove the material into the fence too hard.
- Do not saw the push stick and block because if you are hitting them, you are using them improperly.
Conclusion
So, you have read all the necessary instructions mentioned in the table saw guide and if you are sure that you are ready to use one then go for it.
Just remember to not lose your attention from the saw or it will remove your fingers or eyes.