A table saw (also known as a sawbench or bench saw in England) is a woodworking tool, consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbour, that is driven by an electric motor (either directly, by belt, by cable, or by gears). The blade protrudes through the top of a table, which provides support for the material, usually wood, being cut.
In most modern table saws, the depth of the cut is varied by moving the blade up and down: the higher the blade protrudes above the table, the deeper the cut that is made in the material. In some early table saws, the blade and arbour were fixed, and the table was moved up and down to expose more or less of the blade. The angle of the cut is controlled by adjusting the angle of the blade. Some earlier saws angled the table to control the cut angle.
Students must ask for permission EVERY TIME they want to use the table saw.
ONLY students that have received instructions and have been cleared by the instructor can operate the table saw.
Remove all jewelry, eliminate loose clothing, and confine long hair.
Make sure all guards are in place and operating correctly.
Never cut a student’s project without teacher permission.
Always use proper eye protection.
Make all adjustments and remove scraps with the machine completely stopped.
Select the proper blade and install with the teeth pointing in the proper direction.
Adjust blade 3/8” above the wood or even with the gullet of a tooth.
Material must be kept tight against the fence and table.
Never saw freehand – Always use a fence.
Never reach over the saw blade.
Stand to the left side – not in line with the blade.
A push stick should be used when the hands come within 6” inches of the blade.
Use the rip fence for ripping and miter gauge or crosscut box/miter sled for crosscutting.
Stop the machine, lower blade below table, and clean up scraps when complete.
A jointed edge must be placed against the fence when ripping.
Set the fence for the exact size needed—example you need 1” strips, set the fence at 1”.
You must have an assistant when using a push stick and when ripping long material.
If you need an assistant, they must be cleared on the table saw and have the instructor’s permission to help.
Kick back can be caused by:
Material is not kept tight against the fence or table
Material is not pushed clear of the blade.
Material has a twist, warp, cracks, or other defects.
Feeding too fast, pulling back or letting go of the material
Never use the miter gauge and rip fence at the same time (unless you are given a specific demonstration and permission).
The splitter and blade guard should be in place before starting.