How to Use Table Saws

A table saw is a powerful tool with many different functions. It can cut everything needed to create a masterpiece in cabinetry or to make a simple plaque. With the accessories available, it can even become the equivalent to a miter saw. In addition, the blades that can be used range from the straight cut to dado blades to cut grooves for soffit and adjustable shelf tracks.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Table saw
• Miter gauge
• Dado blades

1. Set the fence on the table saw to match the piece of material needed. You will notice there is a ruler on the front fence guide to use for measuring the distance between the blade and the fence.

2. Cut miters with the miter gauge. This accessory fits into the dadoes in the tabletop on either side of the blade. It has a gauge on it for determining the angle desired. Set the gauge to the angle, tighten down the handle and cut precise angles.

3. Turn the blade tilt wheel in conjunction with the miter gauge to cut complex miters. Without the miter gauge, the table saw still cuts accurate miters to form almost any geometric shape there is. If it can be drawn in angles, the table saw can do it.

4. Raising and lowering the blade can give wood a new dimension. By lowering the blade to ¼-inch, you can cut a crisscross pattern on cabinet doors and drawer fronts. It is also possible to cut notches for joining two pieces of wood together such as a doorframe to accept glass panels.

5. Cutting grooves with dado blades is a benefit that is offered with a table saw that cannot be had as easily with any other power tool. Whether cutting grooves for soffit or for recessed adjustable tracks, dado blades give a table saw a dimension all its own.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses. Be certain that the handle on the miter gauge is tight before using it. Read and familiarize yourself with the owner's manual to get the greatest benefit possible. In addition to the many possible purposes for a table saw, the manual will also cover the safety issues that come with owning a table saw. Every precaution the manual mentions should be adhered to without fail.
• Never leave a table saw power on while you are away from it. Do not raise the blade any higher than necessary to make the cut. Never use fingers to push wood through the blade on measurements closer than 4-inches.

Resources

• Table Saw Techniques
• Table Saw Basics