Operation; Avoiding Kickback; Cutting Aids; Causes Of Kickback - Ryobi BTS10 Operator's Manual

WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless.
Remember that a careless fraction of a second is suf-
ficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating power tools. Failure to do so
could result in objects being thrown into your eyes re-
sulting in possible serious injury.
WARNING:
Do not use any attachments or accessories not recom-
mended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of at-
tachments or accessories not recommended can result
in serious personal injury.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:
n Straight line cutting operations such as cross cutting,
ripping, mitering, beveling, and compound cutting.
n Cabinet making and woodworking.
NOTE: This table saw is designed to cut wood and wood
composition products only.
BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW
The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching outlet
that is properly installed and grounded according to all local
codes and ordinances. Improper connection of the equip-
ment can result in electric shock. Do not modify the plug if
it will not fit the outlet. Have the correct outlet installed by
a qualified electrician. Refer to the Electrical section of this
manual.

CAUSES OF KICKBACK

Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kicking
the workpiece back toward you with great force and speed. If
your hands are near the saw blade, they may be jerked loose
from the workpiece and may contact the blade. Obviously,
kickback can cause serious injury, and it is well worth using
precautions to avoid the risks.
Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches the blade
in the wood, such as the following:
n Making a cut with incorrect blade depth
n Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece
n Twisting the wood while making a cut
n Failing to support work
n Forcing a cut
n Cutting warped or wet lumber
n Using the wrong blade for the type of cut

OPERATION

n Not following correct operating procedures
n Misusing the saw
n Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls
n Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set
blade

AVOIDING KICKBACK

n Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of
the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to
1/4 in.
n Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning a
cut. Knock out any loose knots with a hammer. Never
saw into a loose knot or nail.
n Always use the rip fence when rip cutting and the miter
gauge when cross cutting. This helps prevent twisting the
wood in the cut. Never use both for the same operation.
n Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades. Never
make cuts with dull blades.
n To avoid pinching the blade, support the work properly
before beginning a cut.
n When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never
force cuts.
n Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
n Always hold your workpiece firmly with both hands or with
push sticks. Keep your body in a balanced position to
be ready to resist kickback should it occur. Never stand
directly in line with the blade.
n Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.

CUTTING AIDS

See Figure 12.
Push sticks are devices used for safely pushing a workpiece
through the blade instead of using your hands. They can be
made in various sizes and shapes from scrap wood to use
in a specific project. The stick must be narrower than the
workpiece, with a 90˚ notch in one end and shaping for a
grip on the other end.
A push block has a handle fastened by recessed screws
from the underside. Use it on non-through cuts.
18
PUSH STICKS
PUSH BLOCKS
Fig. 12