Thread: Tablesaw Feeding

Originally Posted by TassieKiwi

I forgot - check these out Lefty - they may answer all of your worries about ripping. I really like using them, they feel really safe and secure.

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I've been umming and ahhing about getting some of these things for a while.

I can't quite convince myself that I need them though. I don't do a lot of ripping of thin pieces and it seems to me that Lignum's tip would be just as safe a way to do it as using grr-rippers.

I know that the people who have them rave about them though.

I'm prepared to be swayed but I think that for normal ripping I'd end up not using them.

Thanks TassieKiwi,

I know all about the GRR-Ripper, I've read the website, forum posts etc. IT does seem like a real winner, however beginners like myself like the psychological separation form the blade that a guard achieves. I'm not comfortable with and unguarded blade. YES I know it's safer with a GRR-Ripper or two and in the long run they're probably the best bet.

Originally Posted by Andy Mac

Surely you mean freehanding through a tablesaw being risky, as bandsaws come into their own when freehand cutting of curves! I think I might have tried a freehand cut once on a tablesaw when I first set out on this journey, and never again! Its one of those things that as soon as you start you wish you hadn't, but no way to stop...impossible to take one hand off the work and blindly reach for the stop button. Knee buttons should be fitted on all machines, but they can get knocked accidentally.

Cheers,

Andy i wont mention that i occasionaly freehand cut on the table saw as i dont want to give a bad impression, but when i mentioned Sam maloof cutting freehand on a band saw im not sure if you have seen him do it or not. But out of all the silly things we get upto in a workshop iv never seen anything to beat sam and his bandsawing. He will hold a piece of say 1000 x 150 x 50 in both hands with one completly OFF the table and saw curves in all directions and angles. As was mentioned above he has broken his hand on numerous occasions but still continues to do it. :eek: :eek: :eek: I just pray he never qualifies for a Darwin Award

Originally Posted by redwood

He will hold a piece of say 1000 x 150 x 50 in both hands with one completly OFF the table and saw curves in all directions and angles.

Hi Redwood,
No I haven't seen any video of him at all, but know his work well (beautiful stuff), but from what you say I'm speechless and don't know if I could sit still long enough to watch:eek: ! I can't quite wrap my tiny brain around that process, or even why you'd try!! Cutting across round logs is enough of a thrill for me, with them on the deck...

Cheers,

I think LineLefty did pretty good starting this thread: Where to stand.... leading to a vigorous discussion on guards on/guards off/guards in the bin, technique... bandsaws.... push sticks, grippers..... This is obviously fertile ground and good stuff, even if there is disagreement on anti-kickback devices, guards, redzones. Well done to the initiator and the hi-jackers. Me, I'm staying clear of the saw for a couple of days in case it heard us whispering about being attacked and has some ideas.........

True but it is by no means a new debate to this forum. There was one memorable exchange a couple of years ago between one of our most respected members and a disgraced ex-member on the use of guards (or otherwise). Certainly a topic capable of inspiring some heated debate

Apparently using a bandsaw under the influence of alcohol is dangerous. You can cut amazing curves though.

Yes I would stay well clear of any bandsaws (or tablesaws for that matter) that were under the influence of alcohol. You never know what they might do when they're drunk.

I reckon a drunken skilsaw would be a bit of a handful.

Apparently there are misguided folk in the US who race portable powertools, like sending circular saws (skilsaws?) down plywood tracks with leads trailing behind!!:eek:
All of a sudden any workshop practice sounds sane...

Cheers,

That sounds wussy. Kiwi carpenters sit on thier 4" Makita belt sanders and race'em (with a loong cord). True! Sounds lile fun.

Originally Posted by TassieKiwi

Kiwi carpenters sit on thier 4" Makita belt sanders and race'em (with a loong cord).

And all along I thought it was the sheep that made them strange....

SilentC and RedWood,
Your points on the out feed thing are well taken and I agree when the helper has been taught HOW TO HANDLE THE OUT FEED!

On the south paw thing (Lefty) the instructor is a lefty and the students teased him about it, unmercifully. Once he was drawing an example on the white board that involved something with threads. He drew left hand threads and we just picked on him something terrible.

Unfortunately, most equipment is designed and built for the 80% majority of right handed people and leftys are expected to either adapt or suffer. At times life ain't fair.

Originally Posted by rrich

At times life ain't fair.

Yes but we get our own back on the sporting field.