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tools:general_wood:table_saw_clearance

Table Saw Clearance

Members who are already proficient in the subject matter may apply to receive a clearance by demonstrating a core set of skills and knowledge that allow them to safely and effectively use the equipment.

Most tools in the shop require clearance before solo use. Each tool is different and most are expensive and/or delicate.

During a Proficiency Based Clearance Instructors will provide Protohaven specific customs and rules for the equipment but will not provide technical instruction on the operation of the hardware, or software.

If a member needs to gain additional knowledge or skill they should take a Basic Skills Class to learn the required skills.

The items that will need to be demonstrated to gain the Proficiency Based Clearance are:

General Shop Rules

Be safe

  • Understands safety clearances are required as bare minimum.
  • Understands equipment must never be left unattended.
  • Understands why equipment must be reset after use.

Take care of the tools

  • Will not alter or use equipment beyond limits.
  • Will notify when maintenance is needed.

Keep the shop clean

  • Understands importance of cleaning up after oneself.
  • Will return borrowed tools to original location.
  • Understands anything left outside of your paid monthly or overnight storage may be removed and disposed.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Knows whether synthetic materials may be worn during use.
  • Knows whether long sleeves can be worn beyond elbows during operation of equipment.
  • Knows whether loose clothing & hair may be worn down.
  • Knows whether open-toed shoes may be worn.
  • Knows whether safety glasses and hearing protection are required during operation.
  • Knows whether safety glasses are required when near someone else operating equipment in the workshop.
  • Knows whether additional PPE is required (e.g. apron, face shield…)

Area Specific Instruction

Identify & mitigate common hazards

  • Sharp things - cutting tools, chips, splinters
  • Tangling hazard - no loose articles on the body, sleeves, gloves, or hand decorations (e.g. bracelets/rings)
  • Heat - hot wood can cause burns, start fires
  • Sound - hearing protection for louder operations
  • Pinching/crushing and kickback hazard if wood not properly held or fed into the tool

Allowable Materials

  • Can name which tools are acceptable for cutting plastic
  • Knows at least 2 materials which are prohibited (hint: any metal, and any composite that could cause a respiratory hazard)

Tool Specific Instruction

Point out the following tool features

  • Maintenance tag
  • Dust gates
  • Main power switches
  • Power switches
  • Paddle start/stop switch
  • Fence (and locking lever)
  • Riving knife
  • Blade height adjust wheel
  • Blade angle adjust
  • Bypass mode turnkey
  • Throat plate
  • Riving knife lock lever
  • Blade change wrenches
  • Sleds

Safe Setup/Operation/Cleanup

  • Demonstrate loading/changing the blade and switching between the riving knife and the plastic guard
  • Demonstrate setting the blade height for a specific piece of stock
  • Demonstrate using the fence and push blocks how to rip a piece of stock
  • Demonstrate using the miter gauge how to cross-cut a piece of stock

Knowledge and Technique

  • Knows when to use the sled vs the fence
  • Acknowledges that one should never use more than one guiding tool when operating the saw (kickback/binding risk)
  • Knows what bypass mode is, the process to enable it, and the increased risk of injury/kickback by operating in this mode
  • Knows to watch for excessive sawdust generation, indicating a clogged dust port
  • Accepts financial responsibility for replacing a triggered brake
tools/general_wood/table_saw_clearance.txt · Last modified: 2024/02/07 19:12 by smartin015