TABLE SAW SAFETY RULES
15. AVOID AWKWARD OPERATIONS AND HAND
POSITIONS where a sudden slip could cause a
hand to move into a saw blade. Operate with table
at or near waist level for maximum balance and
control. Anticipate effect of workpiece size on
your ability to adjust position and maintain control
through completion of cut.
16. KEEP ARMS, HANDS AND FINGERS AT LEAST SIX
INCHES AWAY FROM THE BLADE.
17. NEVER CUT METALS, CEMENT BOARD OR
MASONRY. Certain man-made materials have
special instructions for cutting on table saws.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations at all
times.
18. NEVER ATTEMPT TO FREE A STALLED BLADE
OR TRAPPED WORKPIECE without first turning
the machine off and disconnecting the saw from the
power source.
19. NEVER START THE MACHINE WITH THE
WORKPIECE AGAINST THE BLADE to reduce the
risk of a thrown workpiece.
20. NEVER PERFORM LAYOUT, ASSEMBLY OR SET-
UP WORK ON THE TABLE/WORK AREA when the
saw is running.
SAW BLADE GUARD, ANTI-KICKBACK PAWLS
AND RIVING KNIFE ASSEMBLY
Your table saw is equipped with a blade guard, anti-
kickback pawls and riving knife assembly that covers
the blade and reduces the possibility of accidental
blade contact. The riving knife is a flat plate that fits
into the cut made by the saw blade and effectively
fights kickback by lessening the tendency of the blade
to bind in the cut. Two anti-kickback pawls are located
on the sides of the riving knife that allow the wood
to pass through the blade in the cutting direction but
reduce the possibility of the material being thrown
backwards toward the operator. The blade guard and
anti-kickback pawls can only be used when making
through cuts that sever the wood. When making
rabbets and other non-through cuts, the blade guard
and anti-kickback pawls must be removed and riving
MAKING A PUSH STICK
In order to operate your table saw safely, you must
use a push stick whenever the size or shape of the
workpiece would otherwise cause your hands to be
within 6 inches (152 mm) of the saw blade or other
cutter. A push stick is included with this saw.
No special wood is needed to make additional push
sticks as long as they are sturdy and long enough
and the wood is free of knots, checks and cracks. A
length of 16 inches (400 mm) is recommended with a
notch that fits against the edge of the workpiece to
prevent slipping. It's a good idea to have several push
(continued)
21. BEFORE LEAVING THE SAW , wait for the blade to
come to a complete stop, then disconnect from the
power source, clean the table and work area, and
lock out switch to prevent unauthorized use.
22. SUPPORT YOUR WORKPIECE based on its size
and the type of operation to be performed. Hold
the work firmly against the fence and down against
the table surface. Do not leave a wide panel or long
board (or other large workpiece) unsupported – the
weight of the board may causes it to shift on the
table resulting in loss of control.
23. AN U NFA MILIA R NOI SE OR EXCE SSIVE
VIBRATION may indicate a problem with your
saw. If this happens, turn it off and disconnect it
from the power source until the problem has been
located and corrected. Contact customer service
for assistance if the problem cannot be solved.
24. OBTAIN ADVICE from your supervisor, instructor, or
another qualified person if you are not thoroughly
familiar with the operation of this machine.
Knowledge is safety.
knife lowered to the non-through cut position marked
on the riving knife.
Use all components of the guarding system (blade
guard assembly, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls)
for every operation for which they can be used
including all through-cutting. If you elect not to use
any of these components for a particular application,
exercise additional caution regarding control of the
workpiece, the use of push sticks, the position of
your hands relative to the blade, the use of safety
glasses, the means to avoid kickback and all other
warnings contained in this manual and on the saw
itself. Replace the guarding systems as soon as you
return to through-cutting operations. Keep the guard
assembly in working order.
sticks of the same minimum length, 16 inches (400
mm), with different size notches for different workpiece
thicknesses.
The shape can vary to suit your own needs as long as
it performs its intended function of keeping your hands
away from the blade. Angling the notch so the push
stick can be held at a 20- to 30-degree angle from the
saw's table will help you to hold down the workpiece
while also moving it through the saw. Refer to diagram
in cutting aids section on page 25 of this manual.
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