58
Basic Saw Operations (continued)
Using the Rip Fence
Ripping, bevel ripping, resawing and rab-
beting are performed using the rip fence
together with the auxiliary fence/work
support, push stick or push block.
WARNING: For your own safety,
read and always observe all
safety precautions listed in man-
ual and on saw.
Additional Safety Instructions for Rip Cuts
• Never use the miter gauge when rip-
ping
• Use a push stick whenever the
fence is 2 inches or more from the
blade.
• When thru-sawing, use an auxiliary
fence and push block whenever the
fence must be between 1/2 and 2
inches from the blade.
• Never thru-saw rip cuts narrower
than 1/2 inch.
• Never rip anything shorter than 10”
long.
• When using a push stick or push
block, the trailing end of the work-
piece must be square. A push stick
or block against an uneven end
could slip off or push the workpiece
away from the fence.
• A featherboard can help guide the
workpiece. (See “Basic Saw Opera-
tion-Using Featherboards for Thru-
Sawing” section.)
• Always use featherboards for any
non thru-sawing rip type cuts. (See
“Basic Saw Operations-Using
Featherboards for Non Thru-saw-
ing” section.)
Before Starting:
• To reduce the risk of kickbacks and
slips into the blade, make sure the
rip fence is parallel to the sawblade.
• Before thru-sawing, check the anti-
kickback pawls. the pawls must stop
a kickback once it has started.
Replace or sharpen anti-kickback
pawls when points become dull.
• Plastic and composition (like hard-
board) materials may be cut on your
saw. However, since these are usu-
ally quite hard and slippery, the anti-
kickback pawls may not stop a kick-
back. Therefore, be especially care-
ful in your setup and cutting
procedures.
While Thru-sawing:
• To reduce the risk of kickbacks and
slips into the blade, always push for-
ward on the section of the work-
piece between the sawblade and
the rip fence. Never push forward on
the piece being cut off.
