Ps:1 Table Saw Safety Exam

Table saw adjustments should always be made while the saw is completely stopped. This is because making adjustments while the saw is in motion can be extremely dangerous and can result in serious injuries. It is important to ensure that the saw has come to a complete stop before making any adjustments to the blade, fence, or any other components of the saw. This ensures the safety of the operator and reduces the risk of accidents or mishaps while working with the table saw.

The saw blade should be set 1/8" to 1/4" above the workpiece. This is because setting the blade too high can result in an uneven cut and increase the risk of kickback. On the other hand, setting the blade too low can cause excessive friction and potentially damage the workpiece or the blade itself. Therefore, a small gap of 1/8" to 1/4" ensures a clean and safe cut while minimizing the risk of accidents or damage.

The safest way to remove scrap pieces from around the revolving blade is to turn off the power and wait for the blade to stop. This is because when the power is off and the blade has come to a complete stop, there is no risk of accidental contact with the blade, reducing the chances of injury. Using a stick or removing the stock being cut first may still pose a risk as the blade could still be spinning, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Therefore, the best option is to wait for the blade to stop completely before removing any scrap pieces.

It is never safe to do freehand sawing on a table saw without using a fence or miter gauge. These safety devices help to guide the material being cut and prevent it from moving or shifting during the cutting process. Without them, there is a higher risk of the material binding or kicking back, which can cause serious injury to the operator. Therefore, it is always recommended to use proper safety equipment and techniques when operating a table saw.

When ripping long stock, it is important to push the stock fully through the saw and onto an outfeed table. This ensures that the cut is completed smoothly and safely. Using roller stands or asking for assistance from another person can help support the stock and prevent any potential accidents or injuries. The other options of reversing the cut or walking around to the rear of the table are not recommended as they can be dangerous and increase the risk of kickback or mishandling of the stock.

When operating a table saw, it is recommended to stand to the left side of the blade. This positioning allows for better visibility of the cutting area and reduces the risk of being hit by any debris or kickback from the saw. Standing to the right side of the blade, if possible, may obstruct the line of sight and make it more difficult to control the material being cut. Standing directly in line with the blade can be dangerous as it puts the operator at a higher risk of injury if the material kicks back. Therefore, standing to the left side of the blade is the safest and most effective position.

The correct answer is "Ripping." The reason for this is that the term "ripping" refers to the process of cutting wood along the grain to make it narrower. In contrast, the other options mentioned - cutting tapers, crosscutting, and cutting rabbits or dados - do not specifically involve cutting wood along the grain. Therefore, the correct use of a splitter would be when ripping wood.

When crosscutting stock, a miter gauge or crosscut sled is required. A miter gauge is a tool that helps guide the stock at a specific angle while making a crosscut. It provides stability and accuracy during the cutting process. A crosscut sled is a larger version of a miter gauge that allows for more control and support when cutting larger or heavier stock. Both tools ensure that the crosscut is made safely and accurately. Neither a fence, push stick, nor stop block would be suitable for crosscutting stock.

A stop block clamped to the side of the fence as a guide is a safe method to use when crosscutting short duplicate pieces on the table saw. This method ensures that each piece is cut to the same length and reduces the risk of kickback or the workpiece binding against the fence. By using a stop block, the woodworker can easily position the workpiece against it and then make the cut, resulting in accurate and consistent cuts. Using the fence alone or the first piece cut as a gauge may not provide the same level of precision and safety.

When ripping long stock, it is important to have a helper support the stock, but not pull it, as it outfeeds from the saw. This is because the helper can provide stability and prevent the stock from moving or falling off track during the cutting process. Additionally, using an outfeed table or roller stand is recommended to provide continuous support for the stock as it moves away from the blade. This helps to ensure a smooth and controlled feed, reducing the risk of kickback or other accidents.