What table saw do we have in the workshop?
The tablesaw is the most popular and versatile staff only machine in the 3D Workshop. It is used to cut wood and plastic sheet material. The tablesaw is capable of cutting large sheets of material up to 2.4m x 1.2m. It is most commonly used to cut material into basic shapes, such as squares and rectangles.
Staff will generally suggest the tablesaw to cut down materials for projects like plinths or large boxes. It will often also be used as part of a project using multiple machines to achieve the final result.
Booking
Please discuss your project with a technician if you think the tablesaw should be used as part of your project.
All students must complete the 3D Workshop Induction before working in the 3D Workshop.
The tablesaw is a red machine. This means that only trained staff members can use this equipment. Students are not permitted to use the equipment at any time.
Materials
The tablesaw is primarily used to cut wood. It is ideal for cutting plywood and both hardwood and softwood timber. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is never cut on the tablesaw. It creates fine dust which can cause damage to lungs.
The tablesaw can also be used to cut plastics such as acrylic and polycarbonate. The tablesaw has a tendency to chip the face of plastic due to the force of the blade. These small chips are sometimes unavoidable.
How it works
A table saw consists of a circular saw blade that is driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes through the top of a table, which provides support for the material. A section of the table on the tablesaw in the 3D workshop slides. This sliding table allows for easier cutting of large sheets of material.
The blade on the tablesaw can move up and down to accommodate different materials. The angle of cut is controlled by adjusting the angle of blade. Adjusting the angle of the blade creates an angle on the edge of the material. The angle of the sliding table is also adjustable allowing for cuts that are not square eg. Triangles or parallelograms.
The blade is covered by the blade guard. This protects the user from the blade and acts as the extraction. It pulls the dust generated while cutting away from the and the users.
There is an adjustable fence, with a measuring tape, either side of the blade. This allows the user to set the dimensions of the piece they are cutting and ensure the cut is square.
Health and Safety
Never distract a technician while they are using the tablesaw. Distractions while working can lead to very serious injury, including lose of fingers.
If you are in the room while a technician is using the tablesaw never stand behind the saw. The force of the saw can sometime eject material from the machine at high speeds. This is called kick back.