TABLE SAW SAFETY Pre-TEST

Ripping stock to width is accomplished by using a guide called the fence.

TRUE

The guide used for crosscutting and mitering is called a miter gauge.

TRUE

Before cutting a board, any warp should be removed.

TRUE

The saw blade on the table saw should always point away from you.

FALSE – towards you, down towards the table

When ripping stock, the stock should be held tightly against the miter gauge

with firm, uniform pressure.

FALSE – rip = fence; crosscut = miter gauge

It is okay to remove wood chips away from the saw blade while it is running as long

as you use a push stick.

FALSE – the saw should be at a complete stop

The sharper the blade, the faster and easier it will cut the wood.

TRUE

It is okay to cut wood without using the miter gauge or fence.

FALSE – always use the miter gauge / rip fence

You should never stand in line with the blade while sawing.

TRUE

It is okay for another person to assist you when using the table saw when the board

is too long or heavy for you to handle safely.

TRUE

Do not place your hands over or in front of the blade while it is rotating and never

reach over the blade while it is rotating.

TRUE

Small pieces of wood should be removed from the blade after the blade has

come to a complete stop.

TRUE

The blade guard is used whenever it does not hinder your cutting procedure.

TRUE – ALWAYS get the teacher when the guard isn’t used

If the saw does not sound right when you are cutting, you should finish your cut to

clear it out of the way and then immediately turn the saw off.

FALSE – turn off the saw and restart the cut

It is okay to cut round stock on the table saw.

TRUE

The table insert should always be in place before operating the saw.

TRUE

A framing square should be used to check the miter gauge for squareness.

TRUE

Minor adjustments can be made after you start the saw.

FALSE – adjustments should be made with the saw at a complete stop

Since the saw blade is made of hardened steel, it will cut through any nails or

foreign objects that may be in the stock without damaging the blade.

FALSE – should be free of foreign materials

Should you ever have any questions regarding a certain procedure you should always ask the

instructor before attempting it.

TRUE

You should always inform the instructor before using the table saw.

TRUE

A ____ margin of safety should always be maintained.

A 5” margin of safety should always be maintained.

The blade should be raised ____________ above the surface of the wood to be cut.

The blade should be raised 1/4” to 1/2” above the surface of the wood to be cut.

SET-UP AND USE

• Check that you have enough room for the stock being cut.

• Set the blade height and lock the wheel.

• Check that all guards are in place and functioning properly.

• Determine if you need the fence or miter gauge and set-up your cut with the best side of the stock facing up.

• Turn on and open the vacuum, start the saw and make your cut.

• Shut off the saw and wait for the blade to stop rotating.

• Close the vacuum and clean the area.