Thread: Correct use of the table saw?

Timbernut,
Option 1 always.

Regards
John

I almost always use option 2
which just proves theres more than 1 way to skin a cat.

HI timbernut.

A tablesaw's not the right tool for this one, but I'd set the fence to your option 2. There's a risk of a jam and a kickback on this option, however, as the block is small. I personally wouldn't cut this on a circular saw.

If you've got access to a bandsaw, this is your better option.

Cheers,

eddie

Option 1 is the safest way to do it.

Bandsaw would be even safer.

option 1 i use. option 2 is a very dangerous practice especially when it involves small pieces of timber that could get thrown back towards the operator that are between a spinning blade and fence just after finishing the cut
cheers

I have found I do it both ways depending on what I'm trying to achieve. In my mind the 2nd option does run a greater risk of kickback but I've had them the other way too.

It would be great to see more opinions etc on this.

If the strip is wide enough to allow you to get a push stick/shoe/card in there, there's nothing wrong with option 2. For cutting a lot of strips the same width, it's obviously easier to set the fence once. Another way is to make a jig, which is just a board with a notch cut out that is smaller than the width of the strip you want to cut. This rides against the fence and it allows you to set the fence further from the blade so you can get your hand in there to control the jig, which pushes the stock through. Kind of like a push card laid flat on the table. That's good for very thin strips.

For a one off like yours, I would just go for option 1 though.

I don’t see why option 2 is more likely for a kick back. Make sure the wood is against the fence and use a think push stick.

As it's only 2 or 4mm thick there are a couple of problems:

1. Getting a push stick that thin that doesn't flex could be difficult.
2. Without a zero clearance insert, it can get trapped between the blade and the insert.

It's also 75mm high, which will be running at the full capacity of a 10" blade. It would be risky to control with a push stick.

Agree with you silent.

It is OK to use a thick push stick. I will set the blade little higher than the wood and let it cut the bottom of the push stick.

Now next question. What is the correct blade height?

and here I was thinking everyone would say "geez, don't you know??? why are you using a table saw if you don't know that?"....

(but I did clarify that I've never used a table saw before just in case )

Thanks for going easy on me!

Wow, so far the score is 3 for option 1 and 4 for option 2.

So I guess the best bet is to either get a zero clearance insert, or make a sled as per silentC's suggestion.

More ideas/ comments appreciated... tales of first-hand experiences welcome!

Sorry, we got all hung up in the theory. For your situation, option 1 is the way to fly.

You are not here to pick a winner. Do option 1 (but there is nothing wrong with option 2)

Damit Silent, stop copying my post.