Operator`s manual
Page 23
OPERATION
AVOIDING KICKBACK
1. Always use the correct blade depth
setting. The top of the blade teeth should
clear the workpiece by 1/8” (3.2 mm) to
1/4“ (6.4 mm).
2. Inspect the workpiece for knots or nails
before beginning a cut. Knock out any
loose knots with a hammer. Never saw
into a loose knot or nail.
3. Always use the rip fence when rip
cutting and the miter gauge when
crosscutting. This helps to prevent
twisting the wood in the cut.
4. Always use clean, sharp, and properly
set blades. Never make cuts with dull
blades.
5. To avoid pinching the blade, support
the work properly before beginning a cut.
6. When making a cut, use steady, even
pressure. Never force cuts.
7. Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
8. Always hold the workpiece rmly with
both hands or with push sticks. Keep
your body in a balanced position to be
ready to resist kickback should it occur.
Never stand directly in line with the
blade.
9. Use the right type of blade for the cut
being made.
PUSH STICK AND PUSH
BLOCK (Fig. 31)
FIG. 31
Push sticks are devices used for safely
pushing a workpiece through the blade
instead of using your hands. They can be
made from scrap wood in various sizes
and shapes to be used in a specic
project. The stick must be narrower than
the workpiece, with a 90° notch in one end
and shaped for a grip on the other end.
A push block has a handle fastened with
recessed screws from the underside. Be
sure the screws are recessed. Use it on
non-through cuts.
HOW TO MAKE A PUSH
BLOCK (FIG. 32)
Make a push block using pieces of 3/8”
(9.5 mm) plywood (1) and 3/4” (19 mm)
hardwood (2). Position the handle in the
center of the plywood, and fasten them
together with glue and wood screws. Use a
push stick whenever the fence is 2” (5 cm)
or more from the blade. Use a push block
when the operation is too narrow to allow
for the use of a push stick. For proper use,
see “BEVEL RIPPING”. Either the push
stick or block should be used in place
of the user’s hand to guide the material
between the fence and blade. When using a
push stick or a push block, the trailing end
of the board must be square. A push stick or
block against an uneven end could slip off or
push the work away from the fence.
1
2
4-3/4
5
12
12
2-1/2
3/8 3/8
3/8
5-1/8
2-1/2
FIG. 32