A step-by-step guide to making your first table saw cuts. TABLESAW BASICS.

Summary

This video is a beginner's guide to using a table saw, focusing on safety, setup, and making your first cuts. Host Steve walks viewers through the essential steps, from installing the blade and safety features like the riving knife, to using the miter gauge and rip fence for different types of cuts. With an emphasis on proper technique and the importance of safety equipment, Steve helps new woodworkers feel confident and prepared to start making precise, clean cuts. The video is informative, supportive, and designed to help beginners gain control of this powerful tool.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use the table saw's riving knife and blade guard to ensure safety and prevent kickback.
• 😀 Always install the blade with the teeth facing toward you and avoid over-tightening the nut.
• 😀 Raise or lower the blade according to the thickness of the wood you're cutting, ensuring it's snugly set at 90 degrees for most cuts.
• 😀 Install the insert plate to prevent wood cutoffs from falling into the saw and creating a safer environment.
• 😀 Always measure and mark your wood *outside* the line to account for the saw blade's kerf, ensuring an accurate cut.
• 😀 Never make a cut without proper wood support, using either the miter gauge for cross cuts or the rip fence for rip cuts.
• 😀 Envision your cut ahead of time, considering the position of your hands, body, and the direction of the cut to minimize risk.
• 😀 Use push sticks or push blocks to maintain control and safety, especially when making rip cuts, keeping your hands away from the blade.
• 😀 When making cross cuts, always position your body to the left of the blade to avoid kickback dangers.
• 😀 Respect the power of the saw—turn it on and off multiple times to familiarize yourself with its sound and operation before cutting.
• 😀 Always use safety gear like glasses, hearing protection, and a respirator mask to protect yourself during operations.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a table saw in woodworking?

A table saw is considered the most important and versatile tool in any modern power tool-based home woodworking shop. It is used for making precise, accurate, and repeatable cuts faster and more easily than with other tools like a circular saw or bandsaw, except for curved cuts.

What are the key components of a table saw?

A table saw consists of a motor that spins a blade mounted on an arbor, an extension table, a riving knife for safety, a blade guard, a blade insert plate, and a dust port. The saw also includes a miter slot for a miter gauge and a rip fence for supporting wood during cuts.

Why is the riving knife important for safety on a table saw?

The riving knife is essential because it prevents kickback, a dangerous situation where the wood is ejected forcefully towards the operator. It is crucial never to cut without it in place to reduce the risk of injury.

How should you position the blade when making a cut?

The blade should be raised so that it is slightly higher than the thickness of the wood. While there is debate about the ideal height, keeping the blade lower can be safer, exposing less of the blade to the wood and reducing the chance of injury.

What is the best way to make a crosscut with a table saw?

To make a crosscut, remove the rip fence, install the miter gauge in the left miter slot, and set up the blade to just exceed the thickness of the wood. Support the board with the miter gauge and push the wood through the blade carefully, keeping your hands clear of the cutting area.

What precautions should you take before using a table saw for the first time?

Before using a table saw, always wear safety glasses and hearing protection, ensure that the blade is installed correctly with the teeth facing towards you, check that the riving knife and insert plate are in place, and ensure there are no obstructions on the table.

What role does the rip fence play in table saw operations?

The rip fence is used for making rip cuts, which are cuts made along the length of the wood. It helps to guide and support the wood as you push it through the blade, ensuring precise cuts, particularly when cutting plywood or other large sheets.

What is the recommended way to make a rip cut on a table saw?

For rip cuts, set the rip fence at the desired distance from the blade, ensuring you account for the blade's kerf. Use a push stick or a push block to guide the wood through the blade safely, keeping your hands at least six inches away from the cutting area.

Why should you never use your fingers when making a cut on a table saw?

Using your fingers during a cut is highly dangerous as they can easily come into contact with the blade, leading to severe injury. Instead, always use a push stick, push block, or a gripper tool for safety and better control over the workpiece.

How can you improve the accuracy of your cuts on a table saw?

To improve accuracy, always ensure the rip fence is aligned properly with the blade, check that your saw is at 90 degrees to the table (using a square or digital bevel finder), and take extra care in setting up the miter gauge and using the correct measuring tools. Also, ensure that the wood is securely held during the entire cut.