How To Use A Table Saw: A Beginner’s Guide

A table saw is a powerful woodworking tool used for making straight cuts in wood. Can I use a table saw safely? Yes, with proper training, safety precautions, and adherence to safe operating procedures, a table saw can be used safely. This guide will cover essential table saw techniques, table saw safety, and table saw maintenance to help you get started with this essential woodworking tool.

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Getting Started with Your Table Saw

Parts of a Table Saw

Before you start using a table saw, it’s important to know what each part is and what it does:

Part	Function
Table	The flat surface on which you slide the wood.
Blade	The circular saw that cuts the wood.
Arbor	The shaft that holds the blade.
Throat Plate/Insert	The removable plate around the blade opening.
Fence	A guide that runs parallel to the blade for ripping wood.
Miter Gauge	A guide that slides in slots on the table for crosscutting wood.
Blade Height Adjustment Wheel	Raises and lowers the blade.
Blade Tilt Adjustment Wheel	Tilts the blade for bevel cuts.
On/Off Switch	Turns the saw on and off. Make sure you know where this is.
Riving Knife/Splitter	Prevents the wood from pinching the blade and causing kickback. This is behind the blade.
Blade Guard	A clear plastic cover over the blade for safety.

Essential Safety Gear

• Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: Table saws are loud, so wear earplugs or earmuffs.
• Dust Mask/Respirator: Sawdust can be harmful to your lungs, so wear a dust mask or respirator.
• Push Sticks/Pads: Use these to push the wood past the blade, keeping your hands away.
• Appropriate Clothing: Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the saw.

Table Saw Safety: Protecting Yourself

Before You Cut

1. Inspect the Saw: Look for any damage or missing parts. Make sure the blade is sharp and properly installed.
2. Check the Blade: Ensure the blade is the right type for the wood you’re cutting.
3. Adjust the Riving Knife/Splitter: Make sure it’s aligned with the blade and the correct height.
4. Set the Blade Guard: If you have one, use it.
5. Clear the Area: Remove any clutter from around the saw.
6. Plan Your Cut: Think about what you’re going to do before you start.
7. Check the Wood: Make sure the wood is free of nails, screws, or other objects.
8. Test Run (Power Off): Perform a dry run to ensure your setup and the wood’s path are correct.
9. Know Your Wood: Different types of wood may need different settings.

During the Cut

1. Keep Your Hands Away: Never put your hands directly in line with the blade.
2. Use Push Sticks/Pads: Use these to push the wood past the blade, especially when ripping narrow pieces.
3. Stand to the Side: Stand to the side of the blade to avoid being hit by kickback.
4. Stay Focused: Pay attention to what you’re doing and avoid distractions.
5. Don’t Reach Over the Blade: If you need to adjust something, turn the saw off first.
6. Feed at a Consistent Speed: Don’t push too fast or too slow.
7. Never Force the Wood: If the saw is struggling, stop and figure out why.

Preventing Kickback

Kickback is when the wood gets caught by the blade and thrown back at you. It’s very dangerous, but you can prevent it by:

• Using a Riving Knife/Splitter: This keeps the wood from pinching the blade.
• Using Featherboards: These hold the wood against the fence, preventing it from wandering.
• Feeding at a Consistent Speed: Don’t stop or hesitate mid-cut.
• Keeping the Blade Sharp: A dull blade is more likely to cause kickback.
• Using Proper Technique: Always keep the wood flat on the table and against the fence or miter gauge.
• Avoid Cutting Warped Wood: Warped wood can pinch the blade.

Table Saw Techniques: Making Accurate Cuts

Ripping Wood

Ripping wood is cutting it parallel to the grain.

1. Set the Fence: Measure the distance from the blade to the fence and adjust it to the desired width.
2. Lock the Fence: Make sure the fence is securely locked in place.
3. Place the Wood: Put the wood against the fence and flat on the table.
4. Turn on the Saw: Let the blade come up to full speed.
5. Feed the Wood: Push the wood through the blade, keeping it tight against the fence. Use push sticks as you get closer to the blade.
6. Keep Going: Keep pushing the wood until it’s completely past the blade.
7. Turn Off the Saw: Wait for the blade to stop before removing the wood.

Crosscutting Wood

Crosscutting wood is cutting it perpendicular to the grain.

1. Use the Miter Gauge: Put the miter gauge in one of the slots on the table.
2. Place the Wood: Put the wood against the miter gauge.
3. Turn on the Saw: Let the blade come up to full speed.
4. Push the Wood: Push the miter gauge (and the wood) through the blade.
5. Keep Going: Keep pushing until the wood is completely past the blade.
6. Turn Off the Saw: Wait for the blade to stop before removing the wood.

Making Bevel Cuts

Bevel cuts are angled cuts.

1. Tilt the Blade: Use the blade tilt adjustment wheel to tilt the blade to the desired angle.
2. Lock the Blade: Make sure the blade is securely locked in place.
3. Set the Fence or Miter Gauge: Depending on the cut, set the fence or miter gauge.
4. Make the Cut: Follow the same steps as for ripping or crosscutting.

Making Dadoes and Rabbets

Dadoes and rabbets are grooves cut into the wood. To safely create these joints, multiple passes over the blade are often needed.

1. Use a Dado Blade Set: This set consists of two outer blades and chippers.
2. Set the Width: Arrange blades/chippers to achieve desired width.
3. Adjust the Height: Adjust the blade height to the desired depth of the dado/rabbet.
4. Use a Fence: Guide the piece across the dado blade, making sure to hold it steady. Multiple passes may be necessary to achieve the desired width.

Table Saw Jigs: Improving Accuracy and Safety

Table saw jigs are tools that help you make more accurate and safer cuts.

• Miter Sled: A large platform that slides in the miter slots, providing better support for crosscutting.
• Tenoning Jig: Holds the wood vertically for cutting tenons.
• Tapering Jig: Used for cutting tapered legs or other angled pieces.
• Box Joint Jig: Helps you make perfect box joints.

Building a Simple Miter Sled

Here are the basic steps to build a simple miter sled:

1. Cut the Base: Cut a piece of plywood or MDF to the desired size.
2. Add Runners: Attach two runners to the bottom of the base that fit snugly in the miter slots.
3. Add a Fence: Attach a fence to the front of the base, perpendicular to the runners.
4. Add a Backer Board: Attach a backer board to the back of the base, also perpendicular to the runners.
5. Cut Through the Sled: Raise the blade and carefully cut through the fence and backer board.

Blade Selection: Choosing the Right Blade

The right blade is important for making clean cuts and for safety.

Blade Type	Use
General Purpose	Good for both ripping and crosscutting.
Ripping Blade	Designed for ripping wood quickly and efficiently.
Crosscut Blade	Designed for making clean, smooth crosscuts.
Plywood Blade	Has a high tooth count for cutting plywood and other sheet goods without splintering.
Dado Blade	Used for cutting wide grooves (dadoes).
Metal Cutting Blade	Designed for cutting metal. Never use this on wood.

Table Saw Maintenance: Keeping Your Saw in Good Condition

Regular maintenance will keep your table saw running smoothly and safely.

• Clean the Saw: Remove sawdust and debris after each use.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a dry lubricant on the fence, miter gauge, and blade height adjustment wheel.
• Check the Blade: Make sure the blade is sharp and properly installed.
• Check the Fence: Make sure the fence is aligned with the blade.
• Check the Riving Knife/Splitter: Make sure it’s aligned with the blade and the correct height.
• Replace Worn Parts: Replace any worn or damaged parts as needed.
• Keep the Table Clean: Wax the table to help the wood slide smoothly.
• Inspect Cords & Plugs: Look for frayed cords, loose prongs, or other damage.

Troubleshooting Common Table Saw Problems

• Burning: This can be caused by a dull blade, feeding too slowly, or using the wrong blade for the wood.
• Splintering: This can be caused by a dull blade or cutting against the grain.
• Kickback: This can be caused by pinching, binding, or lifting during a cut.
• Vibration: This can be caused by a loose blade, unbalanced blade, or loose parts.
• Sawdust Buildup: Use a vacuum to remove sawdust regularly to avoid build-up.

Woodworking Projects for Beginners

Once you’re comfortable using a table saw, you can start on some simple woodworking projects.

• Cutting Boards: Simple and practical.
• Shelves: Easy to make and install.
• Picture Frames: A great way to learn how to make accurate cuts.
• Small Boxes: Good for practicing joinery.

Fathoming Table Saw Terminology

Here’s a quick list of common table saw terms:

Term	Definition
Ripping	Cutting wood parallel to the grain.
Crosscutting	Cutting wood perpendicular to the grain.
Bevel Cut	An angled cut.
Dado	A groove cut into the surface of the wood.
Rabbet	A recess cut along the edge of a piece of wood.
Kickback	When the wood is thrown back at you by the blade.
Fence	A guide that runs parallel to the blade for ripping.
Miter Gauge	A guide that slides in slots on the table for crosscutting.
Riving Knife	A safety device that prevents the wood from pinching the blade.
Push Stick	A tool used to push the wood past the blade, keeping your hands away.
Featherboard	A device that holds the wood against the fence.
Arbor	The shaft on which the blade is mounted.
Throat Plate	An insert that surrounds the blade and fills the opening of the table saw.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the most important safety rule when using a table saw?
A: Always keep your hands away from the blade and use push sticks or pads when necessary.

Q: Can I cut metal on a table saw?
A: No, unless you have a specialized metal-cutting blade and the saw is designed for it. Never use a wood-cutting blade to cut metal.

Q: Who is responsible for table saw safety in a workshop?
A: Everyone in the workshop is responsible for safety, but the person operating the saw has the primary responsibility.

Q: What is kickback and how can I prevent it?
A: Kickback is when the wood gets caught by the blade and thrown back at you. Prevent it by using a riving knife/splitter, featherboards, and proper technique.

Q: How often should I sharpen my table saw blade?
A: It depends on how often you use the saw and what kind of wood you’re cutting. Sharpen the blade when it starts to burn the wood or when it requires excessive force to make a cut.

Q: What type of blade should I use for cutting plywood?
A: Use a plywood blade with a high tooth count to minimize splintering.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to using a table saw safely and effectively for your woodworking projects. Remember that practice and patience are key to mastering this powerful tool. Always prioritize safety and take your time to learn the proper techniques.