Operator`s manual

Page 24
OPERATION
FEATHERBOARD
A featherboard is a device used to help
control the workpiece by guiding it securely
against the table or fence. Featherboards
are especially useful when ripping small
workpieces and for completing non-through
cuts. The end is angled with a number of
short kerfs to give a friction hold on the work-
piece and locked in place on the table with a
C-clamp. Test to ensure it can resist
kickback. Place the featherboard against
the uncut portion of the work-piece to
avoid kickback that could cause serious
personal injury.
HOW TO MAKE A
FEATHERBOARD (FIG. 33)
The featherboard is an excellent project for
the saw.
1. Select a solid piece of lumber
approximately 3/4” (19 mm) thick, 3 5/8”
(9 cm) wide and 18” (45 cm) long.
2. Mark the center of the width on one
end of the stock.
3. Miter one-half of the width to 30°, and
miter the other half of the same end to 45°
(see “MITER CUTS” for more
information).
1/8 in.
1/4 in.
3/4 in.
3-5/8 in.
1-13/16
in
.
30°
45°
18 in.
6 in.
FIG. 33
4. Mark the board from the point at 6”
(15 cm), 8” (20 cm), 10” (25 cm), and 12”
(30 cm). Drill a 3/8” (9.5 mm) hole at the
8” (20 cm), 10” (25 cm), and 12” (30 cm)
marks.
5. Set the rip fence to allow an
approximately 1/4” (6.5 mm) “nger” to
be cut in the stock. Feed the stock only
to the mark previously made at 6”
(15 cm).
6. Turn the saw OFF, and allow the blade
to completely stop rotating before
removing the stock.
7. Reset the rip fence, and cut spaced rips
into the workpiece to allow
approximately 1/4” (6.5 mm) ngers with
1/8” (3 mm) spaces between the ngers.
HOW TO USE THE
FEATHERBOARD (Fig. 34)
Unplug the saw
1. Completely lower the saw blade.
2. Position the rip fence to the desired
adjustment for the cut to be performed,
and lock the rip fence.
3. Place the workpiece against the fence
and over the saw blade area.
4. Adjust the featherboard to apply
resistance to the workpiece just forward
of the blade.
FIG. 34
C-Clamp
Featherboard
Push stick