Performax 240-3600, Operator'S Manual, Page: 25 / 40

Page 24
OPERATION
FEATHERbOARD
A featherboard is a device used to help
control the workpiece by guiding it securely
against the table or fence . Featherboards
are especially useful when ripping small
workpieces and for completing non-through
cuts . The end is angled with a number of
short kerfs to give a friction hold on the work-
piece and locked in place on the table with a
C-clamp . Test to ensure it can resist
kickback . Place the featherboard against
the uncut portion of the work-piece to
avoid kickback that could cause serious
personal injury .
HOW TO MAKE A
FEATHERbOARD (FIG. 24)
The featherboard is an excellent project for
the saw .
1 . Select a solid piece of lumber
approximately 3/4” (19 mm) thick, 3 5/8”
(9 cm) wide and 18” (45 cm) long .
2 . Mark the center of the width on one
end of the stock .
3 . Miter one-half of the width to 30°, and
miter the other half of the same end to 45°
(see “MITER CUTS” for more
information) .
1/8 in.
1/4 in.
3/4 in.
3-5/8 in.
1-13/16 in.
30°
45°
18 in.
6 in.
FIG. 24
4 . Mark the board from the point at 6”
(15 cm), 8” (20 cm), 10” (25 cm), and 12”
(30 cm) . Drill a 3/8” (9 .5 mm) hole at the
8” (20 cm), 10” (25 cm), and 12” (30 cm)
marks .
5 . Set the rip fence to allow an
approximately 1/4” (6 .5 mm) “finger” to
be cut in the stock . Feed the stock only
to the mark previously made at 6”
(15 cm) .
6 . Turn the saw OFF, and allow the blade
to completely stop rotating before
removing the stock .
7 . Reset the rip fence, and cut spaced rips
into the workpiece to allow
approximately 1/4” (6 .5 mm) fingers with
1/8” (3 mm) spaces between the fingers .
HOW TO USE THE
FEATHERbOARD (Fig. 25)
Unplug the saw
1 . Completely lower the saw blade .
2 . Position the rip fence to the desired
adjustment for the cut to be performed,
and lock the rip fence .
3 . Place the workpiece against the fence
and over the saw blade area .
4 . Adjust the featherboard to apply
resistance to the workpiece just forward
of the blade .
FIG. 25
C-clamp
Featherboard
Push stick