Avoiding Kickback - Performax 240-3600 Operator's Manual

AVOIDING KICKbACK

1 . Always use the correct blade depth
setting . The top of the blade teeth should
clear the workpiece by 1/8" (3 .2 mm) to
1/4" (6 .4 mm) .
2 . Inspect the workpiece for knots or nails
before beginning a cut . Knock out any
loose knots with a hammer . Never saw
into a loose knot or nail .
3 . Always use the rip fence when rip
cutting and the miter gauge when
crosscutting . This helps to prevent
twisting the wood in the cut .
4 . Always use clean, sharp, and properly
set blades . Never make cuts with dull
blades .
5 . To avoid pinching the blade, support
the work properly before beginning a cut .
6 . When making a cut, use steady, even
pressure . Never force cuts .
7 . Do not cut wet or warped lumber .
8 . Always hold the 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 .
9 . Use the right type of blade for the cut
being made .
PUSH STICK AND PUSH
bLOCK (Fig. 22)
FIG. 22
Push stick
Page 23
OPERATION
Push sticks are devices used for safely
pushing a workpiece through the blade
instead of using your hands . They can be
made from scrap wood in various sizes
and shapes to be used in a specific
project . The stick must be narrower than
the workpiece, with a 90° notch in one end
and shaped for a grip on the other end .
A push block has a handle fastened with
recessed screws from the underside . Be
sure the screws are recessed . Use it on
non-through cuts .
FIG. 23
2-1/2
Push block
Make a push block using pieces of 3/8"
(9 .5 mm) plywood (1) and 3/4" (19 mm)
hardwood (2) . Position the handle in the
center of the plywood, and fasten them
together with glue and wood screws . Use a
push stick whenever the fence is 2" (5 cm)
or more from the blade . Use a push block
when the operation is too narrow to allow
for the use of a push stick . For proper use,
see "BEVEL RIPPING" . Either the push
stick or block should be used in place
of the user's hand to guide the material
between the fence and blade . When using a
push stick or a push block, the trailing end
of the board must be square . A push stick or
block against an uneven end could slip off or
push the work away from the fence .
HOW TO MAKE A PUSH
bLOCK (FIG. 23)
4-3/4
5
12
3/8
2-1/2
5-1/8
2
12
3/8 3/8
1