New to Tablesaw

[Rita B.]

Hi everyone,   after feeling a bit more comfortable with power tools,  I finally ventured out and purchased a table saw.  I chose the Ridgid.  I have never used one so have been trying to learn as much as possible with books and videos at this point.  I have a family member that has told me that he does not want me to be intimidated by it but to learn to respect it.  He intends to pay a visit and give me some instruction on it's use which will be of huge value.  He does not live close by so I will need to cram a lot of info in a short amount of time.

I would love to hear how many here had their first experience with a tablesaw.  Did you learn at school?  Self taught?   Simply grew up around it's use?   Feel free to share any ideas and stories.  Keeping hands and fingers away from the blade goes without saying.   I think I am more worried that if I feed a board in the wrong manner, due to my lack of knowledge that I will set myself up for a dangerous kick back.  

Thanks in advance!

[Rita B.]

Yes Mike,  that is the model I purchased.  New blades and inset are on my list.   Over the weekend I rearranged some worktables that will provide off feed support.   Last summer I truly had too much on my plate, doing a kitchen remodel as well as garage redo.   Now I am concentrating on finishing up what did not get completed prior to winter setting in.  One more weekend of replacing shelves and organizing and I should be able to actually start a project.
 
Michael Coughlin said:

Hi Rita,

 It sounds like you purchased the R4512 tablesaw. I also own one. If you have not already done so, replace blade with something of better grade. Also purchase a zero clearence inset plate. 

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

One thing that is important, is for the work surface to be waist high. 

Reaching too high and out,  increases the risk of danger.

Before making a cut, I always plan ahead---the path the work-piece is taking and where the work-piece will end up, after the cut is made, before turning on the saw.

I keep a push-stick readily available, within easy and unobstructed reach---

on an auxiliary shelf,  to the left and a few inches below the table surface.

I have a power-OFF switch in an ''at the ready'' access location, so when the cut is complete,

I can reach with my left hand and shut off the power---

wait until the blade stops spinning before removing the gripper and work-piece.

Sometimes, I use a ON-OFF foot-switch connected in the electrical circuit---

simply activated by my foot.  The shop vac is also plugged into this switch---when the power switch is activated, the shop vac is on.

The ON-OFF power switch to the saw, needs to be in a readily easy accessable location.

Perhaps you can obtain a Gripper tool DVD, and peruse it before obtaining the tool.

It'll give you a lot of insight into the tools features.

The Grrripper offers a lot of safety features.

It does require setting up each applicable cut.  Everything has to be in place, for it to be most effective.

Using one, does not eliminate the risk of getting cut by a spinning saw blade.

Rita Baske said:

I dunno guys.   I looked at the Gripper and I do see the advantages.   I have a concern about not being able to use the blade guards.   My concern would be once you pass the work piece through the blade, you are no longer protected.   Granted, you may save your fingers but it looks like a easy slip and your forearm could contact the blade fairly easily.   Am I missing something?  Many guys have the advantage of height and arm length that I fear would reduce my safety with the gripper.

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

Re table saw working height

 

Can your table saw stand be shortened---so as to have a lower working height?

 

Have you entertained the idea of constructing an elevated platform, so as to make the working height surrounding the table saw, suitable for your needs?

[Rita B.]

Ken,   I do not think the stand could be shortened.   At least not in my realm of expertise.   I have thought of the possibility of a platform.   I know using any variation of a step "stool" creates a whole new set of safety issues but a platform that would allow me some movement, yet offer me a few additional inches in height might be the solution.  

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

A step stool would not be a safe alternate.

I suppose stilts are out of the question.

Perhaps just remove and replace the stand with a shorter size shop-made mobile stand/base.

[Leslee]

 Rita,

 If you plan on making a new table saw table to support your table saw. Measure your height that would be comfortable for you while you are sawing. You don't want a sore back after sawing for one day while building something.  I know a site that I recommend for you to check out; it is www. ezwoodworking.com. It has a lot of information and it could help you in making a new table for your table saw if need be. Also, woodworking for Mere Mortals. com would help on your table saw cross cut slid. That is all I have for you right now. Happy Woodworking to you.

[Ken Darga]

Rita,

If you decide to make/or have made, a new and shorter shop-made mobile base,

I’d suggest that it be larger than the base of the table saw.

Your table saw is top heavy.

A larger size base area, will improve stability. 

(I’ve seen photo’s of small bases that were potentially dangerous.  They could easily tip over, while in use or maneuvering around).

 

Your base can include a door(s) and a drawer(s), to store tools.

The base, overhang, on the left and right side, can suffice as shelving, to rest your tools.

[Rita B.]

Ken, no plans to alter the saw stand.   One of the reasons I purchased the saw that I chose was due in part of the sturdiness of the stand.   I do however intend to build (attempt) a mobile base of sorts that I can place my scroll saw on and hope to incorporate doors and drawers.  Cheating since I saved doors and drawers from kitchen cabinets I removed last year during a remodel.   They are solid wood and could not see a reason to part with them. 

[james wilhelm]

Rita , nothing wrong with using old doors and drawers , I do a lot with recycled wood , good luck with your mobile base for your scroll saw , JIM !

[Jason Watkins]

Hi Rita,
I'd suggest a Forrest blade she you order a replacement. Well worth the cost! Their dado king is awesome too!

[Ken Darga]

Jason,

What's the advantage of a high $$$ Forrest blade, for homeowner/DYI user cutting tasks?

Jason Watkins said:

Hi Rita,
I'd suggest a Forrest blade she you order a replacement. Well worth the cost! Their dado king is awesome too!

[Jason Watkins]

For me, the advantage of the Forrest blade is quality of the cut, the quality of the product, the factory sharpening service, and the great customer service they have. It's a lifetime blade for me. I have heard good things about some of the Freud blades too.