The Shop > Tools

Table saw modding

<< < (2/2)

backofanenvelope:
Many thanks for the replies, and for the links S.Heslop that will go a long way to helping me with this TS.

Although thinking it was a bit of a write off when I received it I am going to look into where I am going to with this and hopefully resurrect it into something more accurate and useable. As for the Guard and Riving Knife I feel more comfortable with safety than without it but the level and quality of these items makes me feel that almost it would be better not to have them, although I still have them attached but they will need more fettling.

S. Heslop:

--- Quote from: studders on October 27, 2014, 06:21:44 PM ---I've been stirred to 'un lurk'.

Operating a table saw with no guard is unwise, operating one with no Riving Knife is just plain stupid IMO.

--- End quote ---

I think learning good practice is more important than flimsy plastic guards that'd be plucked off in the event of a kickback.

Here's a nice little video where a guy recorded himself forcing a kickback. I feel the mistake he made was making such a wide cut against the fence, he should've been using a miter guide, a sled, or at least a better kind of push stick(s). A riving knife might've allowed him to get away with the stupid move but I wouldn't recommend relying entirely on it (especially not one on a cheap tablesaw that might be narrower than the blade, not properly set up, or able to flex sideways).

I've never been big on the idea that 'guards lull you into a sense of safety' but sometimes I feel it might be true. If you're operating a tablesaw there's alot to know and be aware for, and alot that can go wrong that a guard won't save you from. I'd recommend reading up on stuff, and also thinking about what'll happen during any cut.

Riving knives might be worth installing for certain types of operations, like ripping beams you suspect might spring during the cut and clamp onto the rear of the blade, or milling damp lumber. But they might get in the way during partial cuts. Also if they're wider or thicker than the blade you're using then they're entirely useless. From what i've seen, the ones that come on cheap tablesaws are just a 'feature' to list on the box and probably not that useful.

I do believe that people not using push sticks are insane though.

backofanenvelope:

--- Quote from: S. Heslop on October 27, 2014, 07:38:14 PM ---I think learning good practice is more important than flimsy plastic guards that'd be plucked off in the event of a kickback.

--- End quote ---

This for me is the most important thing and as a lone newbie bodger I am very aware of what little I do know and am having to learn by reading. Thankfully I have a strong sense of self preservation and a desire to keep all my digits! However I am suitably scared of the TS as to think about my "safety and security" :D The first job is to replace the blade as the one I have seems to burn its way through the cuts.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page