Ryobi BTS21 - Manual (Page 20)

20
PUSH BLOCKS
PUSH STICKS
Fig. 16
AVOIDING KICKBACK
 Always use the correct blade depth setting. The top of
the blade teeth should clear the workpiece by 1/8 in. to
1/4 in.
 Inspect the work for knots or nails before beginning a
cut. Knock out any loose knots with a hammer. Never
saw into a loose knot or nail.
� Always use the rip fence when rip cutting and the miter
fence when cross cutting. This helps prevent twisting the
wood in the cut.
 Always use clean, sharp, and properly-set blades. Never
make cuts with dull blades.
 To avoid pinching the blade, support the work properly
before beginning a cut.
 When making a cut, use steady, even pressure. Never
force cuts.
 Do not cut wet or warped lumber.
 Always hold your workpiece firmly with both hands or with
push sticks. Keep your body in a balanced position to
be ready to resist kickback should it occur. Never stand
directly in line with the blade.
 Use the right type of blade for the cut being made.
CUTTING AIDS
See Figure 16.
Push sticks are devices used for safely pushing a workpiece
through the blade. They can be made in various sizes and
shapes from scrap wood and used in a specific project. The
stick must be narrower than the workpiece, with a 90˚ notch
in one end and shaping for a grip on the other end.
A push block has a handle fastened by recessed screws
from the underside. Use it on non-through cuts.
CAUTION:
Be sure the screws in a push block are recessed to avoid
damaging the saw or workpiece.
OPERATION
WARNING:
Do not use any attachments or accessories not
recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use
of attachments or accessories not recommended can
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Although many of the illustrations in this manual are
shown with the blade guard removed for clarity, do not
operate the saw without the blade guard unless specifi-
cally instructed to do so.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:

Straight line cutting operations such as cross cutting,
ripping, mitering, beveling, and compound cutting
 Dado or molding cuts with optional accessories
 Cabinet making and woodworking
NOTE: This table saw is designed to cut wood and wood
composition products only.
BASIC OPERATION OF THE TABLE SAW
The 3-prong plug must be plugged into a matching outlet
that is properly installed and grounded according to all local
codes and ordinances. Improper connection of the equip-
ment can result in electric shock. Do not modify the plug if
it will not fit the outlet. Have the correct outlet installed by
a qualified electrician. Refer to the Electrical section in this
manual.
CAUSES OF KICKBACK
Kickback can occur when the blade stalls or binds, kicking
the workpiece back toward you with great force and speed. If
your hands are near the saw blade, they may be jerked loose
from the workpiece and may contact the blade. Kickback can
cause serious injury. Use precautions to avoid the risks.
Kickback can be caused by any action that pinches the
blade in the wood such as:

Making a cut with incorrect blade depth
 Sawing into knots or nails in the workpiece
 Twisting the wood while making a cut
 Failing to support work
 Forcing a cut
 Cutting warped or wet lumber
 Using the wrong blade for the type of cut
 Not following correct operating procedures
 Misusing the saw
 Failing to use the anti-kickback pawls
 Cutting with a dull, gummed-up, or improperly set
blade