Popular Woodworking 2005-02 № 146, страница 55

TIPS & TRICKS

SAFETY TIP:

Bend and Split

For a splitter to work correctly it needs to be perfectly aligned with the blade. Most factory-provided splitters are made from a light-gauge steel that can be easily bent. If your splitter should lose alignment, it's easy to readjust using a hand screw clamp to apply pressure to the splitter bending it back into alignment. Of course, you need to remove the clamp when making a cut.

SAFETY TIP:

Nothing Like the Real Thing

While outfeed tables and roller stands can make things much easier when cutting large material, sometimes there's nothing like a helping hand ... when helping correctly. Remember, both operators must be clear of the danger zone. You must each understand what is expected of you during the operation and what you will do if something goes wrong. Hand signals are best. Also, remember that the guy pushing the board is in charge. Don't try and direct the board through the blade. That's his job!

This sliding table makes crosscutting panels and longer boards simple and accurate. Although they require a bit more space in your shop and are expensive, they can be a valuable addition.

fence can also be repositioned to the front of the table for front-supported crosscuts, or angled for miter cuts.

While very advantageous, sliding tables are expensive and are usually recommended for cabinet saws. If you're working with a contractor saw, you'll likely be adequately served by adding a simple miter sled to your setup.

Blade Guards/Splitters

This is another area where manufacturers have provided what is necessary on the saw, but pricing has kept guard systems at the bare minimum and they're often cumbersome to use. So we recommend upgrading your safety systems on your saw. An aftermarket splitter and

guard provide more safety and are easier to use, but they can cost hundreds of dollars. Despite the price, they're a good investment.

Aftermarket overarm blade guards that replace the guards shipped with the saw offer improved convenience and safety, but the convenience usually means you must use both an overarm guard and a splitter for complete safety.

An overarm guard (and there are a half dozen available) usually employs a clear shatterproof basket that covers the blade area and makes it difficult to bring your hand in contact with the blade. Suspended and height adjustable, these guards can be made to operate in most cutting procedures. When a piece

Overarm guards are designed to keep your hands away from the blade, but also provide easy and clearly visible saw operation. Able to quickly swing out of the way as needed, this guard also has built-in dust collection.

Popular Woodworking