Crosscutting
CROSSCUTTING is known as cutting wood across the grain, at
90°, or square with both the edge and the flat side of the wood.
This is done with the miter gauge set at 90° (Fig. 31).
The graduations on the miter gauge provide accuracy for average
woodworking. In some cases where extreme accuracy is required,
when making angle cuts, for example, make a trial cut and then
recheck it with an accurate square or protractor.
If necessary, the miter gauge head can be swiveled slightly to
compensate for any inaccuracy.
NOTE: The space between the miter gauge bar and the groove in
the table is held to a minimum during manufacturing.
For maximum accuracy when using the miter gauge, always
"favor" one side of the groove in the table. In other words, don't
move the miter gauge from side to side while cutting but keep one
side of the bar riding against one side of the groove.
NOTE: Glue a piece of sandpaper 1 to the face of the miter gauge
head. This will help prevent the workpiece from "creeping" while it
is being cut.
The miter gauge may be used in either of the grooves in the table.
Make sure it is locked.
When using the miter gauge in the LEFT hand groove, hold the
workpiece firmly against gauge head with your left hand, and grip
the lock knob with your right hand.
When using the RIGHT hand groove, hold the workpiece with your
right hand and the lock knob with your left hand.
When cutting long workpieces, make sure the end is supported
from the floor 2 (Fig. 31).
Repetitive Cutting
REPETITIVE CUTTING is known as cutting a quantity of pieces the
same length without having to mark each piece (Fig. 32).
When making repetitive cuts from a long workpiece, make sure it
is supported.
Never use the rip fence as a length stop because
WARNING
!
the cutoff piece could bind between the fence
and the blade causing a kickback.
1. When making repetitive cuts, clamp a block of wood 3" long to
the table at desired length to act as a length stop.
When clamping the block, make sure that the end
WARNING
!
of the block is well in front of the sawblade. Be
sure it is clamped securely.
2. Slide the workpiece along the miter gauge until it touches the
block ... hold it securely.
3. Make the cut ... pull the workpiece back ... push the cut-off
piece off the table with a long Push Stick ... DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO PICK IT UP AS THIS COULD ENDANGER YOUR HANDS.
2
42.
FIG. 31
1
FIG. 32