Basic Saw Operation - Powermatic 64S Operating Instructions And Parts Manual

Note: An alternative to the paste wax is white talcum
powder applied with a blackboard eraser rubbed in vig-
orously once a week to fill casting pores and form a
moisture barrier. This method provides a table top that
is slick and allows rust rings to be easily wiped from
the surface. It is also important to note that talcum
powder will not stain wood or mar finishes as wax build-
up does.

BASIC SAW OPERATION

1. Familiarize yourself with the location and opera-
tion of all the controls and adjustments of the saw,
and the use of the mitre gauge and rip fence.
2. Serious injury can result from kickbacks. Kick-
backs occur when a workpiece binds on the saw blade
or binds between the saw blade and rip fence or other
fixed object. This binding can cause the workpiece to
lift up and be thrown toward the operator (kickback).
Listed below are the conditions that can cause kick-
backs and should be thoroughly familiar to the opera-
tor.
a. Confining the cutoff piece when crosscutting
or ripping.
b. Releasing the workpiece before completing
the operation or not pushing the workpiece
all the way past the saw blade.
c. Not using the splitter when ripping or not
maintaining alignment of the splitter with the
saw blade.
d. Using a dull saw blade.
e. Not maintaining alignment of the rip fence. (Fence
should angle away from, rather than towards, the
saw blade front to back).
NOTE: A caution label on the guard and splitter as-
sembly warns against misalignment.
f. Applying feed force, in ripping, to the cutoff (free)
section of the workpiece instead of the section be-
tween the saw blade and fence. Use push sticks or
push blocks for narrow, thin, or short work.
g. Ripping wood that is twisted (not flat), does not
have a straight edge, or has a twisted grain.
To minimize or prevent injury from kickbacks:
a. Avoid the conditions listed above.
b. Wear a safety face shield, goggles, or glasses.
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