Table Saw

Description

A table saw (also known as a sawbench or bench saw) consisting of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor powered by an electric motor (either directly, by belt, or by gears). The blade protrudes through the top of a table, which supports the material being cut, which is usually wood.

Why

You may wish to use a table saw when:

A table saw will help you make accurate and precise cuts on wood. They make three types of cuts: cross cut, and ripping cut.

• Crosscut: A cut that is made against the grain or narrow grain of a board.
• Ripping cut: A cut along the length of a board.

You don’t want to use a table saw when:

• You need to make curved cuts
• You want to cut ferrous metals, like cast iron or steel
• You want to cut plastic

Safety

Equipment

In addition to standard woodshop safety equipment, you will want to have:

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Stand to one side of the saw blade when cutting; do not allow others to stand in direct line with the saw blade while the saw is operating.
• Use the blade guard that comes with the saw.
• Never reach over the saw blade to remove or hold down the piece of wood.
• Always use a push stick when ripping wood on your saw. This tool keeps your fingers away from the blade and help prevents kickback of the wood.
• Do not wear work gloves when operating a table saw.
• Never cut a piece of wood on a table saw without using a guide

Trainings

Make sure you have completed the proper online safety training and have attended a saws training from the Makerspace staff or crew.

Operation

Make sure you’re fully trained and are wearing proper protective equipment at all times before using the tool.

Additional Resources

SOP

You can download the latest SOP here