24
Adjusting the Kerf Spreader (Models 7400 and 7400XL)
The 7400-Series saws have a kerf spreader (Figure 23) mounted on a vertical tube to the left of the saw carriage
tracks. It is intended to run in the cut-out kerf from the saw cut when making horizontal cuts from the right to the
left. The spreader keeps the upper part of the panel from sagging down and binding on the saw blade.
Adjust the spreader to the vertical position where the saw blade is running, and tighten it in place with the red
hand knob. When not being used, move the spreader to the top of the saw.
Using the Knife Scoring System (Models 7400 and 7400XL)
An accessory for the 7400-Series saws includes twin carbide knives that produce score marks directly in line with
the main saw blade. The score marks are easily adjusted to match the kerf line of the saw blade.
Refer to the instructions supplied with this accessory.
General Operating Tips
•
For smooth, clean, chip-free cuts, you
must
use industrial carbide saw blades or router bits that are
sharp
.
Dull or improperly sharpened blades or bits will cause chipping, unclean cuts, chatter, and motor overloading.
If you are not sure that a blade or bit is sharp, replace it with a new one.
•
When you feed the material through the tool horizontally, or move the carriage over the material vertically,
do
it slowly, smoothly, and (whenever possible) without stopping.
Overfeeding results in poor-quality cuts,
shortened blade or bit life, and motor overloading.
•
Be careful when setting material onto the rollers.
Do not drop heavy material onto the rollers
or damage
to the rollers may result.
•
For best results when sawing, place the workpiece onto the tool with its back side facing you. This provides
the smoothest possible cut on the face side of the panel.
•
Panels being cut horizontally or vertically must always be fed against the rotation of the saw blade.
•
Panel saws are intended for cutting
large
panels down to size. As the overall panel size becomes smaller
and smaller, other types of sawing tools become more convenient and safer to use.
•
When routing, whenever possible feed the material horizontally from
right to left
or vertically from
top to
bottom
.
•
When routing, if most panels are narrow you may wish to elevate the entire tool 12” to 14” above the floor.
This will raise the work area for the narrow pieces to a more comfortable height and still allow you to
crossdado full-size panels. You can also achieve this by installing the optional Midway Fence.
•
When routing window openings, start the plunge cut in an upper corner. This allows the drop piece to fall
downward and away from the bit when the final cut of the opening is completed.
•
Refer to the Maintenance section for regular maintenance procedures.
Operating Procedure: Crosscutting
A crosscut is a vertical cut that must always be done from the top to the bottom of a workpiece as shown in Figure
24 or 25. (See also “General Operating Tips” above and “Limitations of the Tool”.)
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, do not place your hands on or under the
carriage or in the path of the saw blade.
1. Position the saw motor in the crosscutting position with the blade oriented vertically. See “Rotating the
Turntable”.
2.
For the 7400-Series models only
, adjust the position of the spring-loaded saw foot to the thickness of the
material so that it gently presses on the face. Use the two adjusting knobs located above and below the saw
motor to adjust the spring loaded saw foot of the panel.
3. Loosen the carriage lock and move the carriage to the top of the guides.
4. Place the workpiece on top of the rollers. Be careful not to drop the material on the rollers.
5. Slide the workpiece to the desired position, using the crosscut rulers or optional gauging systems (Stop Bar
or Quick Stop) as measures.
