Subject: Construction, Exploring Technology

Objective: Students will understand the foundational theory and applied concepts surrounding the safe use of the tool. These standards are to be cross-referenced with the OCTE Standards linked here, and confirmed with the documentation which is printed in the administration kept in the classroom itself. No student should operate any equipment without adhering to the standard operating procedures, shop safety rules, and all work, setup, maintenance, and other such shop activities must be done with the express foreknowledge and approval of the appropriate respective workshop teacher under supervision and during shop hours.

FOR OFFICIAL STANDARDS OF REFERENCE PLEASE LOOK TO THIS LINK BEFORE CONTINUING

VIDEO RESOURCES

Table saws with modular guarding systems:

Older table saws or those with non-modular guarding systems:

Supporting Accessories

Table saws are in actuality very basic tools, effectively a circular saw with a table and a guide. What makes them really strong supporting tools in a complete shop, is the way they can adapt (or be adapted) to accomplish a great many things. Before we get into some of the options, let’s address safety accessories:

SAFETY ENABLING ACCESSORIES:

In our shop we have the following three:

1. Push stick

2. Push block

3. Grr-ripper

Function ENABLING ACCESSORIES:

1. Crosscut Sled

Safety Rules for Table Saws

• Seek teacher’s permission before using the machine, ensure that the project itself has been approved, and that you have satisfied the required tool qualifications on your student safety passport

• Never operate any machine while under the influence of medicine, drugs, or alcohol, if you are fatigued, or otherwise emotionally/psychologically impaired. If you have any uncertainty about your ability to operate a tool or piece of equipment safely, immediately bring this to the attention of your instructor

• Use appropriate PPE (eyewear, ear protection, gloves, etc.), ensure that jewelry is removed, and that loose/long hair, as well as articles of clothing are tied back or otherwise secured or removed

• Inspect the material being cut for foreign materials, damage, or potential quality/grain issues (Consider staples in the ends, rocks from the ground of a lumber yard, straps, nails, etc.). All material must have one face surfaced and one edge jointed prior to being cut on the table saw

• Ensure the blade is sharp, secure, and the correct one for the job, and also be certain that you have the correct table inserts and throat plates for the blade installed

• Inspect and use the guard(s) appropriately every time, as well as the dust collection system

• Make sure to adhere to a 6” distance in keeping your hands clear of the blade - even when the machine is not active. Adjustments to the blade itself (aside from those done to the height and bevel through the height adjustment and arbor tilt wheels below the table) are to be done by the teacher or a board-approved professional ONLY

• Adjust the blade to extend 1/8-1/4” above the stock to ensure optimal angle of entry

• Stand to the side of the blade - not directly in its path, never reach across the blade, and use the proper accessories as demonstrated (push stick/block)

• Inspect work area for cleanliness (consider debris under the table where you might step while moving the material, the table itself, and along any recesses or grooves)

• Every cut is to rely on the fence or miter gauge to control the stock, and at no time are you to cut any material free hand

CAUTIONARY TALES

The table saw is one of the most dangerous tools in a shop. Please don’t rush past that previous sentence, I can’t say that clearly enough: THE TABLE SAW IS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS TOOLS IN A SHOP.