| Workshop Tour, Part 3 -- Table Saw Basics |
From "Wood Works"
episode WWK-413 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
The Table Saw In this segment, David Marks discusses the one tool that is the heart of the woodworking shop -- the table saw (figure A). - One of the reasons that this saw ranks first on the list of essential tools is its versatility. There are a number of attachments and accessories that help make that versatility possible. One of those is the miter jig (figure B). David's is a custom design that was specially fabricated from aluminum.
- The tenoning jig (figure C) is essential for making and batch-cutting tenons.
- The spline-mitering jig (figure D) is made to cut slots for splines used to join corners of a frame.
- Various tapering jigs (figure E) have been featured throughout Wood Works to cut accurate and consistent tapers in various table legs.
- Of all the tools and accessories used in Wood Works, the one piece that inspires the greatest number of viewer inquiries is the cross-cut sled used on the table saw (figure F). This sled assists greatly in the making of accurate cuts by supporting the stock in a variety of angles and configurations.
- The sled has only four parts and is easy to make. Two runners made of hardwood extend along the underside of a piece of 1/2-inch cabinet-grade plywood (figure G).The shaped fence is made from a 2-inch thick piece of hardwood.
- The fence serves as the guide for the stock, but also keeps your hands clear of the blade.
- A significant safety modification that David added to the table saw is the kick-switch (figure H).
- The kick-switch enables the user to turn off the saw while keeping both hands on the stock (figure I) for a stable cut.
- For regular table-saw maintenance, use an abrasive pad to clean off oxidation, and periodically spray on a teflon-based dry lubricant (figure J). The lubricant keeps the bed smooth as well as decreasing friction and preventing the wood from binding.
- It's essential to use the right tool for the job, and for table saws that means selecting the right blade. Ripping blades (figure K) usually have 24 teeth, and are coarse blades designed for aggressive cuts.
- Combination blades (figure L) have 40 teeth, and can do cross-cuts as well as ripping.
- The dado blade is actually comprised of six blades (figure M) and is used to cut dados and bridle joints.
- A 60-tooth blade is for fine cutting, and can be used to cut plywood and plastic laminates.
- David only uses carbide blades on his table saw. These stay sharper longer, especially when working with hardwoods. High-speed steel gets dull quickly on a table saw because of the thickness of the blade.
- Wood Works Safety Tip: According to David Marks, a dull blade is the most dangerous tool in the shop. In the world of fine woodworking, sharp tools (used properly, of course) mean safety.
- In David's shop, the router table is an extension to the table saw (figure N). This setup was established for two main reasons. The first is to maximize space. The combination of the two large work areas allows for the handling of larger pieces of stock. Secondly, with this setup a common precision-fence can be used for both tools.
- The router table is a torsion-box construction, made level with the surface of the table saw, and skinned with Formica (figure O).
- The router itself has a variable-speed motor (figure P). This is critical since it allows the use of larger router-bits at slower speeds. It also has a slow-start feature for safety.
Wood Works Safety Tip: Always take proper precautions and be safe when working with stationary power tools. Whenever appropriate, use safety glasses, ear protection, finger boards and push sticks. In the segment that follows, David Marks talks about a few shop extras and tips for setting up a woodworking shop. Sponsored Resource
> Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!
RESOURCES :
Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456
Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985
David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com
How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop
Model: 1558704817
Author: Bill Stankus
Popular Woodworking Books
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
