Rules of Thumb for using a saw blade
Rules of Thumb for using a saw blade:
The blade depth above or below the material to be cut should not exceed 1/4". This setting creates less friction, resulting in less heat build-up and provides less resistance when pushing material through. A general misconception is that a deeper setting will give better and straighter cuts.
Never force any blade to cut faster than it is designed to. When using a lower-powered table saw or circular saw, listen to the motor. If the motor sounds like it is “bogging down,” then slow down the feed rate. All saws are designed to cut at a particular RPM and work best at that RPM.
With any table saw blade, remember that the teeth above the table’s surface rotate in the direction of the operator and enter the top surface of the work piece first; therefore, place the wood with the finished side upward. This would be the opposite when using a radial arm saw or circular saw. This applies to plain plywood, veneers, and any form of plywood with laminates attached. When both sides of the wood are finished, use a fine-tooth blade with minimum set or a hollow-ground blade.
Dull or damaged blades pose a danger. Regularly inspect your blades for any defects such as missing tooth tips, residue build-up and warping.
Woodworking is a wonderful occupation or hobby, but over 60,000 people are seriously injured using table saws every year. Remember that familiarity breeds contempt. The more one uses a saw, they tend to become overconfident, which is when accidents can happen. Never remove any safety equipment from your saw. Always use eye protection, feather boards, hold down devices and push sticks properly.
One of the leading causes of accidents results from inadequate infeed and out-feed tables or rollers. The natural reaction is to grab the panel or board when it falls and this would generally be right over the blade of the saw. Work safe and work smart and you will have many years of woodworking enjoyment.
