How to Use a Table Saw

Are you ready to take your woodworking skills a notch higher? Learning how to utilize a table saw will definitely assist you get there. Actually, learning helps you to easily handle even the most challenging crosscuts and rips as well as how to cut thin strips safely and perfectly.

Table saws are versatile pieces of equipment that are extremely easy to use. They can save you both effort and time. Table saws are handy at cutting boards and making long vertical cuts. By following the right techniques, having the right safety equipment, and setting up your saw properly, you’ll be able to make precise and accurate cuts using a table saw.

Before looking at how to use a table saw, let us first look at how to use your saw safely …

Safety Warning

Table saw anatomy Via Fix.com

Of great importance to note is that table saws are dangerous. If you’re careless, you’re prone to be seriously injured. Consequently, there’s a host of safety procedures which you need to consider when using this equipment:

• Always put on safety glasses
• Always pay close attention to what you’re putting on
• Never lose respect for the powerful machine

While you should be careful when using the machine, you shouldn’t be afraid of using it. However, always know that it can harm you in a serious way; perhaps remove your eyes or fingers if you’re reckless.

Having looked at safety warnings, let us now look at how to use a table saw…

How to Use Your Table Saw

Here’s what you need to do

Step #1

Before going close to the blade, your must ensure that your machine is not only off but also unplugged. Is the blade guard down? If yes, then you need to lift it up. You must always ensure that you use a blade tailored for the material you’re cutting.

You can find saw blades for almost everything, from concrete to cloth. If you are a weekend woodworker, then a combination blade will definitely meet your needs.

The other important thing you need to remember at this stage is the fact that the quality of a blade will affect your safety and project directly. Additionally, ensure that there aren’t any bent or worn teeth on the blade.

Step #2

Grab a piece of wood and put it parallel against your blade. Adjust the blade by lowering or raising it so that its teeth are above the wood slightly. If you desire a basic cut, then the gap between the teeth ought to be lined up with the wood’s top part.

Avoid setting the blade too low or high because it makes the kickback worse. Doing so also puts unnecessary stress on a motor. After getting past the basics, you should adjust the table saw blade to various heights and angles based on your woodworking project.

For example, if you need your wood piece to have a one-inch groove, then you must set your table saw blade to be one inch high.

Step #3

Do you have a single wheel with a knob by the table saw’s blade? If yes, then you’ll use it to lower and raise the blade. For those with two wheels, you can utilize one wheel for angling your blade while the other one for lowering and raising the blade.

After setting the blade to the appropriate height, you should lock it in place. It should have a lever or knob that locks it firmly into place. It’s normally located around the adjustment wheel.

Step #4

After the blade’s gullet is lined up with the wood’s top, you need to adjust the fence. Before setting the fence, you must prepare your wood.

Did you enjoy reading the above tutorial? Was it helpful? Find out more about how to use a table saw here.

Conclusion

A table saw is one of the tools inside your woodworking shop that must be centered. Most likely, it’s one of the biggest tool purchases you’ll ever make.

Actually, it’s a tool, which you shouldn’t be afraid to spend a substantial amount of money on. By following the above strategies, you’ll be able to get the most out of your table saw.