Introduction: Getting Started With the Table Saw
Step 1: Approved Materials for the Table Saw
Allowed Materials
- Wood
- Most plastics
Banned Materials
- Metal
- PVC
- Pressure treated wood
- Carbon fiber and composites
If at Pier 9, see Shop Staff first before using these materials:
- All other materials
- Electrically conductive materials
If you are working from another studio or workshop, refer to the tool's instruction manual to see if your desired material is suitable for tool use.
Step 2: Safety
Our most important safety callouts are highlighted in yellow throughout this course.
Step 3: Safety Features of the Table Saw
The SawStop at Pier 9 has a safety feature that stops the blade in 3 to 5 milliseconds if the blade contacts an electrically conductive object, like a finger.
Some common materials will cause the system to trigger.
If in doubt, ask Shop Staff for assistance.
Materials that require a SawStop override
- Mirrored acrylic
- Wet wood (not kiln dried)
- Some plastics
- Carbon filled materials
- Metallic or foil covered materials
Step 4: Kickback
Kickback is what happens when the workpiece is violently thrown from the saw. Causes include material trapped between the blade and fence, or a misaligned fence.
The riving knife (splitter) (1) and anti-kickback pawls (2) work together to help reduce kickback. Always use a splitter except when dadoing. Use anti-kickback pawls whenever possible.
See Shop Staff for cuts that require their removal.
