Table saw

Requires induction

General Safety

1. Is your working environment safe:

a. Trip hazards

b. Is lighting sufficient

c. Overcrowding – if there is already someone in workshop, talk to them about what you want to do

PPE

1. Clothing – no loose clothing – no gloves or use skin tight gloves 2. No Jewellery – necklaces, rings, bracelets 3. Safety glasses 4. Ear defenders 5. Dust Mask – MDF is carcinogenic!! 6. Stout footwear

Equipment

1. Check the saw for is in good order, look for:

a. Frayed electrical cables
b. Guards missing or not installed
c. Riving knife is fitted
d. Dust extraction is set up and working
e. Rise and fall of blade is functioning
f. Rip fence is moving freely and clamps properly
g. The saw guard(?) is flush with the table
h. Push sticks are to hand

2. Check dust extractor

a. Bag is not full – can empty in skip in car park
b. Plug holes with duct tape
c. Check it is sucking up – disconnect from saw and hoover some dust- sometimes rags get sucked up and block tube – disconnect at sucker end
d. The pipe is connected to saw

3. Set up saw for use

a. Is the saw in the right place so wood can be fed through – it is on wheels so easily moved – lock wheels when in right position
b. Have a table for materials to be cut and after cutting
c. Check you have the right blade fitted, combination will cut most things
d. Adjust blade height – 5-10mm above thickness of material
e. Adjust rip fence or mitre guide
f. Mentally or physically check you can do the cut before you switch on the saw
g. Check your PPE – eye protection and ear defenders
h. Check no one else is going to get in the way or distract you