![]() The extra length will push the offcuts past the blade where they’ll sit safely until you’re done. The easy fix is to outfit your miter gauge with an auxiliary fence that extends a few inches beyond the blade (Photo D). The problem is that the “keeper” pieces–which are actually the offcuts in this case–tend to dangerously cluster around the running blade, getting thrown when they wander into it. ![]() It’s a normal enough tablesaw operation to crosscut small pieces from the end of a stick guided by a miter gauge. In my experience, it’s the quickest, safest way to rip most small pieces. This tool is a highly configurable pusher with a non-skid bottom, an adjustable center leg to keep the offcut from straying after the cut, and an outer leg that can be adjusted up or down to create solid, level footing on the workpiece and saw table. If you often work with small pieces, you may want to invest in a GRR-Ripper (Photo C). If you need to rip short multiples using a sled, you can set up the cuts with a stopblock and spacer, as shown on page 30. The drawback of using a sled is that making multiples of identical width isn’t as easy as feeding against a rip fence because you don’t have the immediate registration that the fence offers. To ensure a ripping of consistent width, make sure that the ends of the board are square to its edges. If you’re ripping pieces from a wide board, it’s safer to use a crosscut sled, as shown in Photo B. It’s best to outfit your saw with a zero-clearance throat plate to provide maximum bearing for very narrow pieces. You can glue a strip of fine sandpaper to the sole to improve friction and aid in holding the piece sideways against the fence. It is certainly feasible to rip short pieces in the regular fashion–just make sure to use a shoe-style pushstick with a straight sole to maintain firm contact along the length of the workpiece (Photo A). However, sometimes only short pieces of your chosen wood are available. It’s usually best to crosscut shorter pieces from a long ripping. ![]() Ripping pieces from a short length of wood on the tablesaw can be dicey because the wood may be completely or nearly separated before it reaches the splitter, inviting kickback. Senior editor Paul Anthony is the author of Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Tablesaws (Taunton Press). But not to worry here, I’ll show you how to safely and securely handle tiny tablesaw tasks and chop saw challenges with aplomb (instead of with an axe). When you want to cut identical multiples, the problem is compounded by the fact that stopblocks may sit too close to the blade for comfort and workpieces pinched between the blade and stopblock may kick back after the cut. The difficulty in cutting small-scale parts with large-scale tools is securely holding the parts while keeping your fingers a safe distance from the blade. In fact, if you’re not deft with handsaws, planes, and chisels, a stationary saw will quickly yield the kind of clean, square cuts that you’re unlikely to accomplish by hand. ![]() However, if used correctly, a large power saw provides a perfectly good approach to cutting small parts. That’s one reason we so often reach for hand tools that are better sized for the job. The blade carries an electrical signal that is continuously monitored by the safety system.Using a tablesaw or power mitersaw to cut small parts may seem akin to chopping a twig with an axe. (In case you’re wondering, there’s nothing gory at that link - just a bunch of photos of nicked fingers and thumbs.) The SawStop has already saved hundreds of fingers from being severed in table saw accidents. ![]() I just think it’s just a brilliant invention that will save thousands upon thousands of fingers from being sawed off. I am not a dealer, nor am I endorsing this product. It’s a no-brainer, although it is expensive. I do not own a table saw or cabinet saw, but if I did, this would definitely be my pick. That means no more severed fingers from using table saws! Incredibly, the SawStop can tell the difference between your finger and the wood. About 3,000 people cut their fingers off that’s about 10 a day. the hot dog test), I felt compelled to spread the word in the name of safe woodworking in the homebuilding industry, and for homeowners alike.Īs mentioned by the SawStop’s inventor Steve Gass in this video, there are about 60,000 medically treated hand saw accidents every year. When I first heard about the SawStop table saw from a friend of mine, and then watched the video of how it works (a.k.a. ![]()
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