Explain the

a) meaning of peripheral speed

b) dangers of using circular saws that are too small for the machine.

(a) Periphery (outside edge) - peripheral speed is the speed of the outside edge. This is counted in metres per minute and is calculated by multiplying the RPM Revs per Minute of the spindle and the circumference of the saw blade (in Metres).

You calculate circumference length = π x Diameter

So peripheral speed =π x Diameter of saw blade x spindle speed of machine

(b) As the peripheral speed is a product of the speed of the spindle and the size of the blade then it is clear that small blades do not travel as fast as larger blades. This reduced speed can cause problems when cutting. Slow cross cutting blades spelch and grab at the timber.

Small rip sawing blades tend to force the timber to ride up the front and across the top of the blade.