Brand new table saw, brand new table saw user

Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.

Emed2020Member since Dec 2020Dec 24, 2020 1:47 PM CT

i got the Skilsaw SPT99 table saw. In my hands, a ‘skil’ saw is just a saw. I’ve used a chop and miter saw quite a bit and I’ve built some outdoor furniture out of builder grade wood, etc. Looking to build some more refined items so I got this table saw. I’ve watched YouTube Videos about the use of them, and basically they’ve scared the hell outta me! I’m almost afraid to turn the thing on. I realize a lot of stuff in the manual is written by lawyers to cover their ass, but it’s hard for me to distinguish that from what might be important given my complete inexperience around this tool.

Based on what I’ve read so far, the best I can figure, this thing is gonna kill me when I run a piece of wood thru it. I’d prefer that not to happen, being so close to Christmas and everything.

Having used chop saws and circular saws, I know about kickbacks…I’m fundamentally against them! But there seems to be a lot more ways for them to occur on table saws.

I’ve aligned the blade (actually I checked it and it is aligned with the miter channels and the rip fence), the riving knife is set up in accordance with the manual. And the rip fence is aligned on both sides at various check points (it’s a rack and pinion adjustment system on this saw).

I’m very tempted to run some wood thru this saw, but looking for any further warnings I may have missed so far in my research.

I did see somewhere that you shouldn’t operate the saw after consuming alcohol, so I guess today’s out of the question now.

Any guidance is appreciated.

Link to saw in question:

winglessMember since Nov 2017Dec 25, 2020 7:06 AM CT

Welcome to the forum.

That is a nice looking saw.

The audible sound from my direct drive table saws has always been very screeching loud, while my belt drive is very quiet. I have never owned or heard a worm drive. How is the sound?

A table saw is one of the most useful general purpose tools. The concern for safety is very, very valid. Bad things can happen so much faster than the eye can see or a human can react.

There is LOTS and LOTS of info available online. That is a great newbie starting point.

Here are some general pointers:

always be aware of the location of your fingers and the blade
only use one, a rip fence or a miter slide
never free hand cut
always use a riving knife, purchase or fabricate a modified riving knife (if required) for non through cuts
sleds are very handy tools to increase safety and accuracy
plan the entire cut, especially important on larger material
the usage of push sticks and push blocks is important when appropriate
be aware of potential binding conditions, like cross cutting (miter) or ripping (rip fence) on long pieces where control of the angle to the blade is more difficult
always wear eye protection, no loose clothing or jewelry, well lit work area w/o clutter, stable saw setup location

There are many more safety / usage pointers.

My workshop saw is an amazing tool. I also have a direct drive saw w/ stand that I use for remote work.