How To Use A Dewalt Table Saw [Step By Step Guide]

A table saw is an essential tool for a serious DIYer. The Dewalt table saw is great for making precise cuts, so investing in it is a wise move. Setting it up and using it can be daunting for a beginner, but don't worry—we are here to help. We have done our research and come up with simple steps you can follow to use a Dewalt table saw.

A Dewalt table saw is a fairly basic tool, but operating it can be confusing at first. You can follow this guide to use the table saw safely and efficiently.

Read and understand all safety precautions
Prepare protective gear
Stabilize the machine
Put the safety gauge in place
Set the measuring gauge to the desired size
Turn the saw on
Cut the wood
Turn the saw off

Those are the basic steps in using a Dewalt table saw. In this post, we will detail each one, along with the safety precautions you need to know. Continue reading to find out more information on this topic.

Step-By-Step Guide To Using A Dewalt Table Saw

Operating a new cutting machine can be scary at first because of the dangers that come with it. However, cutting with a table saw is relatively easy, provided that you have done your research and feel prepared to use it.

Dewalt has many table saw models. They're similar in appearance, with differences in setup and the location of switches. This section will illustrate the use of a Dewalt DWE7485 Table Saw.

Click here to see this table saw on Amazon.

1. Read And Understand Safety Precautions

Safety precautions should be observed at all times when dealing with any tool, especially a cutting machine such as a table saw. Slight carelessness will lead to serious injuries. Here are some general warnings you should observe to keep you and your family safe.

Do not work in a dark area.
When you are working, tell children to leave the work area so you can stay focused.
The tool must match the electrical outlet to avoid damage. Do not alter the plug. If you're working outside and need an extension cord, select one that's appropriate for outdoor use.
Never expose the wires to wet conditions. If you're working in a damp area, you will need a ground fault circuit interrupter, which can protect against the possibility of electrocution.
Do use the saw if you are tired or under the influence of drugs, medication, or alcohol.
Do not wear jewelry or baggy clothing during operation. If you have long hair, keep it tied up and out of the way so that it doesn't get caught in the machine.

2. Prepare Protective Gear

Apart from the safety warnings mentioned above, do not forget your safety gear. You should wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust and splinters.

Click here to see these safety goggles on Amazon.

If you need to work for a long period of time, you should wear a dust mask. Inhaling dust may be a health hazard. Additionally, proper footing is important, so you should wear non-skid shoes when working. You should also wear gloves while you work for a proper grip and hand protection.

Click here to see these protective gloves on Amazon.

3. Stabilize The Machine

You will need to set up the stand that comes with the saw. If you intend to use the table saw frequently, it is advisable that you attach it to sturdy plywood and then to a table.

This is to ensure that your saw is stable. You can also create a table saw workbench like the one below.

4. Put The Safety Gauge In Place

Accessories are not attached to the saw. The first important accessory you need to attach is the blade guard. Always keep this in place, as it is your first line of safety.

To attach the safety gauge, raise the saw blade arbor to maximum height. After this, you will see the riving knife lock. It's a little dial with arrows. You should loosen this part to take the riving knife out.

The next step is to take the safety gauge and slide it the same way the riving knife came out. Once it slides in place, tighten the lock knob and put the yellow throat plate in place.

5. Set The Measuring Gauge To The Desired Size

Before cutting, take the wood and make measurements to get the correct size. The Dewalt table saw comes with a latch called a rip fence. It will help maintain the width of your workpiece. It can be attached on the left or the right side, depending on the size of the wood you're cutting.

Once the rip fence is attached, you can adjust the indicator by turning the knob below the plate or moving it left and right. To the right of the machine, there is a latch that locks the rip fence in place when pushed down. This is a safety feature to keep the fence from moving during operation.

6. Turn The Saw On

Now that you have set up the machine and marked the wood for cutting, it's time to turn it on. Connect the plug to a power outlet that's compatible with the machine. To prevent unintentional starting, ensure that the switch is in the off position before plugging in the tool.

This particular model has a switch to the side. To turn the machine on, flip the lock up and press the green button. To turn the machine off, press the red lever.

7. Cut The Wood

Do not start the machine with the wood against the blade. Slide the wood gently, so it comes in contact with the blade. Be careful when doing this to prevent binding the safety guard against the wood.

Cutting a big piece of wood should not be a problem since you don't have to put your hands near the blade. Cutting a small piece of wood is the risky part.

This model of Dewalt table saw comes with a push stick that you can use to guide the workpiece. This will keep your hands at a safe distance from the saw blade. Keep in mind that you should only use the push stick that comes with the machine—do not try to use alternatives for it.

When cutting, do not reach around or over the rotating blades. Feed the wood evenly, and do not twist or bend it. If the wood suddenly jams, turn off the machine and unplug it before checking to see what happened.

Thin pieces of wood may get stuck under the rip fence and create a kickback. Because of this, you should not stand directly in line with the saw blade to avoid flying debris caused by the kickback.

To avoid kickbacks, you should support large panels while cutting. There is a tendency for large panels to sag and a possibility of the saw blade pinching, which will result in kickbacks.

Remember to avoid cutting two or more pieces of wood stacked together. This will also cause a kickback. Be patient and cut one piece of wood at a time.

8. Turn The Saw Off

As mentioned earlier, the red lever shuts the table saw off. When you are done with cutting, ensure that the table saw is turned off and unplugged. Do not leave it running and unattended when not in use. Stow the machine in an area where children can't access it.

Observe These Additional Safety Precautions

There is always a possibility of misuse of a machine, so be mindful of your own safety. Apart from the general tips we mentioned earlier, here are more warnings to keep in mind.

Never cut materials like plastic with a table saw. These materials can melt, and the melted material may build up on the blade, which can lead to overheating.
The table saw is not meant to cut through\cement board, masonry, or metal.
Do use diamond masonry with the saw and try to operate it as a wet saw.
Clean the machine after use.
Contact the manufacturer if you hear strange noises during operation.
Never use a saw blade that has been damaged. Inspect the blade before turning the machine on.
Most importantly, do not make any modifications to the machine.

In Summary

Using a power tool for the first time can be daunting. A table saw is not a machine that everyone can operate. If you're planning to use a table saw, be sure to consider all necessary safety precautions to avoid injury.

In this post, we covered the steps for using a Dewalt table saw, along with the safety tips you need to know. Now that you're aware of this information, you should feel confident when handling this machine.

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