Table Saw

Bitraf provides a Bosch GTS10XC table saw for members to use, upon completion of a safety course. This course is necessary for everyone who wants access, whether a beginner or experienced user. As useful as they are, table saws are very dangerous and should always be treated with the respect they deserve. The intention of the course is to develop safe working practices for the safety of you, others in the workshop, and the machine. This knowledge you absolutely must know, putting it into use every time you use the table saw will instil confidence in your ability to use the saw and keep Bitraf great for everyone. Always remember, there is no such thing as a minor tablesaw accident. If you are uncomfortable making any kind of cut, then DO NOT DO IT. It's that simple.

Access to the table saw is via the p2k16 'Tool Checkout System' in the workshop. Once you pass the course satisfactorily your username will be added to the tablesaw 'circle'. Your usage is logged and once you have checked out the tool in your name it is YOUR responsibility. You MUST clean and return the machine to it's 'as new' original state once finished. If you do not have time to clean up after yourself then you should not use the machine. Even single, one-use cuts should be cleaned up as you are creating risk for the next user, as well as causing another member to use their time to clean your mess. Doing this helps to create a culture within Bitraf that benefits everybody.

NEVER let another member use the machine while checked out in your name, you must unplug and check the machine in if you are not using it anymore (and obviously clean it and the floor thoroughly).

BEFORE PLUGGING IN THE TABLE SAW

Things to check/consider before plugging in the table saw. Why do these before plugging in the machine? Because it's totally safe. Bitraf has no injury liability for you, so your safety is YOUR responsibility. No electricity means nothing can happen. There is always a chance of malfunction/miscommunication, no matter how small.

- Safety gear, MUST wear eye, ear and dust protection. Gloves should NOT be worn when using the table saw (loss of tactile feel, some gloves loose enough for saw to grab. Better a splinter than chopped off fingers) - Correct clothing/hair (NO long sleeves, no ties, no jewellery, long hair tied back) - Floor clean and free of debris (tripping or sliding into a running, or even stopped, saw blade will really hurt! - Tabletop clean and free of dust/debris? (dirty/rough surface requires more force/increases friction to push stock through blade/lifts stock slightly (kickback possibility). Are the runners for the crosscut sled free of dust? (could become obstructed thus not slide smoothly/flat) - Does the fence clamp down properly or is there dust obstructing the locking mechanism? - Blade turns freely (no debris thrown into face on start up) - Sideways movement in blade (previous user may have changed blades and not tightened etc) - No debris in fence/blade area (could become projectiles during use) - Check guard is in place and in proper condition. (reduces risk to you). You may remove the guard if absolutely necessary and it MUST be put back after your use. - Check alignment and condition of riving knife (in line with blade) - Check condition/correct saw blade for material, report and change if necessary. A damaged blade could result in kick-back/damage to you/machine/stock. Every blade has a purpose and should only be used for that task. Using the wrong blade will not only produce a less than premium cut, it may increase the danger level of the operation. The standard Bitraf blade is a 24T ripping blade, for wood ONLY. Members can purchase and use their own 254mm blades on the table saw, but MUST put the original Bitraf blade back on the machine once finished with their blade. - Check blade is parallel to runners (use long metal rule) and 90° to table (use engineers square) if cutting at 90°. Adjust the angle if cutting a bevel and ensure the fence is on the right side of the blade (as the blade tilts left) - Is it the right machine for the task? The bandsaw might be better for ripping. A router might be better for running a dado or groove. A plunge saw on a track might be better for breaking down sheet goods. Consider which tool is best for the situation before making the cut.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Stock - The piece of material you are cutting.

Ripping - ripping is the action of cutting wood WITH/ALONG the grain, rather than across the grain. A blade that excels at ripping will be poor for cross cutting, being harder to feed stock, resulting in splintering, tearout and burning. A good 254mm (10inch) ripping blade will have only 20 to 30 teeth. A good ripping blade leaves ultra-smooth edges.

Crosscutting - crosscutting is the action of cutting wood ACROSS the grain, rather than with the grain. A blade that excels at crosscutting will be poor for ripping. A good crosscutting blade is designed to provide ultra-smooth cuts going across the grain without splintering or burning.

Dado - a rectangular groove cut in the side of one board so that another board may be fitted into it - usually at right angles. Great for shelves.