Craftsman 315.228390 - Manual (Page 35)

OPERATION
BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW
A table saw can be used for straight-line cutting
operations such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering,
beveling, and compound cutting. It can make dado or
molding cuts with optional accessories.
The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching
outlet that is properly installed and grounded accord­
ing to all local codes and ordinances. Improper
connection of the equipment can result in electric
shock. Check with an electrician or service personnel
if you are unsure about proper grounding. Do not
modify the plug; if it will not fit the outlet, have the
correct outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Refer
to the Electrical page of this manual.
Note: This table saw is designed to cut wood and
wood composition products only.
CAUSES OF KICKBACK
Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds,
kicking the workpiece back toward you with great
force and speed. If your hands are near the sawblade,
they may be jerked loose from the workpiece and may
contact the blade. Obviously, kickback can cause
serious injury, and it is well worth using precautions to
avoid the risks.
Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches
the blade in the wood, such as the following:
■ Making a cut with incorrect blade depth
■ Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece
■ Twisting the wood while making a cut
■ Failing to support work
■ Forcing a cut
■ Cutting warped or wet lumber
■ Using the wrong blade for the type of cut
■ Not following correct operating procedures
■ Misusing the saw
■ Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls
■ Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set
blade
AVOIDING KICKBACK
■ Always use the correct blade depth setting. The
top of the blade teeth should clear the workpiece
by 1/8 in. to 1/4 in.
■ Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning
a cut. Knock out any loose knots with a hammer.
Never saw into a loose knot or nail.
■ Always use the rip fence when rip cutting and the
miter gage when cross cutting. This helps prevent
twisting the wood in the cut,
■ Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades.
Never make cuts with dull blades.
■ To avoid pinching the blade, support the work
properly before beginning a cut.
■ When making a cut, use steady, even pressure.
Never force cuts.
■ Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
■ Always hold your workpiece firmly with both hands
or with pushsticks. Keep your body in a balanced
position to be ready to resist kickback should it
occur. Never stand directly in line with the blade,
■ Use the right type of blade for the cut being made,
CUTTING AIDS
See Figure 45.
Pushsticks are devices used for safely pushing a
workpiece through the blade instead of using your
hands. They can be made in various sizes and
shapes from scrap wood to use in a specific project.
The stick must be narrower than the workpiece, with a
9 OV 2 notch in one end and shaping for a grip on the
other end.
A pushblock has a handle fastened by recessed
screws from the underside. Use it on non-through
cuts.
CAUTION; Be sure the screw is recessed to
avoid damaging the saw or workpiece.
°)
PUSHBLOCKS
Fig.45
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 workpiece.
Lock it in place on the table with a C-clamp. Test that
it could resist kickback.
X l WARNING: Place the featherboard against the
uncut portion of the workpiece, to avoid
kickback that could cause serious personal
injury.
35 CRBFTSWnr TABLE SAW 315.228390