FAST EASY SHED & WOODWORKING PLANS

One of the most useful tools for the do-it-yourself carpenter is the table saw. A table saw is an extremely versatile tool to have in your workshop shed. It can make miter, rip, cross and bevel cuts and can also produce dados, dovetails, rabbets and tenon joints for any number of woodworking projects.

To minimize the risk of injury and to enhance your results when using the table saw several handmade accessories can be implemented. To keep your hands at a safe distance from the saw blade pushsticks and straddlesticks can be used to push the stock through the blade. To keep the board flat and straight fingerboards can be used.

It helps to know the different parts of a table saw. Whether ii is a portable table saw or a full size table saw whichever you purchase for the shed workshop they have the same parts and accessories. These include a blade guard, a rip fence for aligning the cutting line on the workpiece with the blade, blade height adjuster, bevel angle scale, on/off switch, bevel adjuster and a miter gauge for setting miter angles.

To hold long pieces of stock when cutting on a table saw a roller stand is a nifty piece of equipment. The roller stand allows the board to slide into the cutting blade without the board falling to the floor.

When setting up the table saw check the vertical alignment. The saw blade should be set to 0 degree bevel and can be checked with a try square. If the blade and square are flush you are in business if it is not square adjust the blade in accordance with the instructions in the owner’s manual.

When setting up the horizontal blade alignment measure the distance between the blade and the rip fence at the front and the back of the blade. If the blade is not parallel to the fence it can cause kickback or binding of  the work piece. Check the owner’s manual to make the correct adjustments.

The saw blade should be set so that it extends no more the 1/2" above the surface of the work piece. This will produce better cutting results and there will be less strain on the motor.

The exposed position of the blade requires extra caution be taken when using a table saw. Even with a safety guard in place your fingers and hands are vulnerable. Always wear eye and ear protection when using a table saw and read the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to safely operate your saw.