I don't want anything on my fence that prevents me from wrapping my hand around it while I feed material.
I don't want anything on my fence that prevents me from wrapping my hand around it while I feed material.
"Anything seems possible when you don't know what you're doing."
These two videos might give you some ideas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ5RG1hnM1M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N92KeVWuE2c
Quote Originally Posted by Bill Space View Post
But I will take exception with you recommendation to reach beyond the blade and pull material through. Where I come from this is a Cardinal sin to be avoided. Accident waiting to happen.
Are we here talking about two persons handling the rip, with the helper at the exit end pulling the stock?
I would not recommend doing the pulling if it is just one operator working the saw for two good reasons. The operator has to walk around the table to pull if it is a long piece, and he or she is likely trying to do it quickly which, depending on how well the shop is maintained, could subject himself or herself to tripping in a hurry. Second, the chance of burns on the stock is higher as the blade and wood's contact prolongs.
If it is a short piece, reaching behind and pulling it as Bill pointed out is a big NO NO. Anyone who has a habit of doing that better do himself or herself a favor and get a SawStop. No kidding. That habit is like playing the Russian Roulette. There are many well-documented tablesaw injuries when people tried to reach behind a spinning blade...
Simon
Last edited by Simon MacGowen; 01-07-2019 at 6:29 PM.
I think Simon summed it up well...
As a matter habit I never reach behind the blade ( or over it) regardless of how many feather boards and guards I have in place. Only because I realize if I develop that habit I may do the same thing with less protection in place and bingo, a bad thing could happen.
Bill
Too much to do...Not enough time...life is too short!
Excellent point, Andy. I'm sure folks would cringe to see me feed stock without the latest way of Gripping, BUT I am accustomed to anchoring my precious right hand by wrapping one or two fingers over the fence, attempting to make pulling that hand into the blade more difficult.
I agree reaching behind the blade is a definite no no. But I'm talking about standing behind the saw and pulling material through. My point was with all the superfluous featherboards there is no way to push material through the blade so he resorts to sticking a dowel in there to push the board?
Personally I don't ever pull wood through a cut because I don't ever need to.
I will stand by my opinion that it is overkill. But if you're a bit scared of the machine, by all means use whatever safety devices make you comfortable.
I rarely every use a featherboard to hold a board down. The push block does that. I do occasionally use a magnetic featherboard to keep thin material pressed against the fence or when making cuts with material held vertically like a raised panel.
IMO something like Derek's setup + a riving knife + push block + grey matter between the ears is all you need.
Last edited by Robert Engel; 01-08-2019 at 10:32 AM.
I used to do this with feather boards, but bought the Jessem Clear-Cut TS™ Stock Guides. They are somwhat expensive, but well worth it. Dave Stanton, does a great review of them and the router table guides. He also made a jig to hold them, saw it after I had drilled and taped my fence on my Sawstop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMYbMbTJdH0 Dan
Dennis, I like your design and think it’s another step in safety. I’m going to do something similar.
Chris
Everything I like is either illegal, immoral or fattening
I built a new featherboard hold down for the K3 today. Yes, I know that there is a slider for ripping, but I do also use the rip fence. What I found was that the work piece is prone to lift when passed along the rip fence and there is nothing to prevent kickback. Hence the hold down ...
It is somewhat self-explanatory. There are adjustments for vertical (height of work piece) and horizontal (positioning along the rip fence).
From the front ...
From the side ...
and from the rear ...
Regards from Perth
Derek
The bridge solution to the odd-shaped fence's back is clever.
Simon
Thanks Derek,
I'm, gonna use your idea for the Unifence on my 30 year old Unisaw.
Rick Potter
DIY journeyman,
FWW wannabe.
AKA Village Idiot.