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1. Familiarise yourself with the machine
• Machining operations using circular saws have a history of serious
accidents. Many of these result in the loss of fingers due to inadequate
or missing guards. Many of these accidents could have been avoided
by having correctly adjusted saw guards and using a push stick. Other
minor accidents occur whilst setting, cleaning, adjusting or maintaining
the machine.
• The machine is designed for cutting wood and composite board
(plywood, MDF etc.). Certain plastics can also be cut using a
suitable blade.
2. Before switching the machine ‘ON’:
• Set the cutting height of the blade to ensure that the teeth of the blade
protrude through the top of the work piece.
• If a bevelled cut is required, set the blade to the required angle.
• Adjust the fence to correctly accommodate the size of work piece to
be cut.
• Check that the riving knife is correctly aligned with the blade and that
the fixings are fully secure.
• If the cut requires the use of a sliding table (where fitted), check that the
sliding table has sufficient travel to complete the cut that you intend to
make and that it’s travel is not limited by any surrounding objects in the
work area.
• Check that the crown guard is not damaged. Replace a damaged guard
immediately. Ensure that the crown guard is correctly positioned and that
the fixings are fully secure.
• Check that the table insert is correctly fitted and not showing signs of
damage or wear. Replace a defective table insert immediately.
• Check the condition of the blade to ensure that no teeth are missing or
damaged and that the blade is not deformed, cracked or split. If any of
these conditions apply, replace the blade immediately.
• Check that the saw blade is within the minimum and maximum
diameters permissible on the machine as detailed in the manual.
• Check that the bore of the saw blade matches the diameter of the
spindle of the machine. Never attempt to modify the saw blade to make
it fit the machine.
• Check that the saw blade has a speed rating higher than 5000 rpm and
complies with BS EN847-1.
• Check that the blade type and tooth pattern is suitable for the material
to be cut.
3. Whilst machining:
• Do not apply sideways pressure to the blade.
• Take particular care when cutting wood with knots, nails or cracks in it,
or dirt on it. There is an increased risk of kick back where any of these
conditions are present.
• Do not attempt to adjust or remove the riving knife or crown guard
whilst the machine is running.
• Do not attempt to use the machine without the crown guard and riving
knife in place.
• Dot not attempt to cut free hand. Always use the fences supplied with
the machine to support the work piece.
4. Maintenance
• Regularly check the condition and function of the crown guard, riving
knife, fences and any work clamps. Replace any damaged or faulty
components immediately.
• Clean the table surface to remove any deposits of resin and apply a
suitable lubricant (silicone wax or spray) to help the work piece
slide freely.
5. This machine falls under the scope of the ‘Health & Safety at
Work etc. Act 1974’, and the ‘Provision & Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998’. In addition the elimination or control of
risks from wood dust is included in the above regulations
and the ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Regulations 2002’. We recommend that you study and follow
these regulations.
Further guidance is available from The Health & Safety Executive and their
website www.hse.gov.uk.
Additional Safety Instructions for Table Saws
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