A feather board is a device used to hold the workpiece against the rip fence and miter gauge on a table saw.
Feather boards are an important safety device for any table saw. They help keep the workpiece pressed against the fence and gauge, which reduces the chances of kickback or binding.
With a feather board in place, you can safely cut pieces of wood that are wider or thicker than the blade itself. This will allow you to make cuts with greater accuracy and precision.
Why is a feather board used on the table saw:
Here are some reasons why a feather board is an important safety device for any table saw:
Safely cut pieces of wood:
A feather board helps keep the workpiece pressed against the fence and gauge, which reduces the chances of kickback or binding. This allows you to make cuts with greater accuracy and precision.
Reduce chances of injury:
If a workpiece kicks back, it can cause serious injuries. By using a feather board, you can help reduce the chances of this happening.
Prevent uneven cuts:
Uneven cuts can be caused by the wood shifting during the cutting process. A feather board will help keep the wood in place, preventing any unwanted crookedness in your cuts.
There you have it! Some reasons why a feather board is an important safety device to have on your table saw. So, next time you’re using your saw, be sure to use a feather board to help keep you safe and produce accurate cuts.
Benefits of using feather board on the table saw:
Here are some benefits of using a feather board on the table saw:
1. Prevents kickback
One of the biggest dangers when using a table saw is kickback, which can occur when a piece of wood gets ejected out of the saw at high speed. A feather board helps to prevent this by keeping the wood pressed against the fence, which reduces the chances of it getting caught up in the blade.
2. Reduces tear-out
Tear-out is another common problem when cutting wood, and it occurs when the blade removes some of the wood from the edge of the cut. The feather board helps to reduce this by keeping the wood tightly against the fence, which minimizes the amount of material that can be torn away.
3. Keeps the workpiece in place
When you’re cutting a large piece of wood, it can be difficult to keep it in place. The feather board helps to solve this by applying constant pressure to the workpiece, which prevents it from moving around.
4. Makes it easier to cut evenly
If the workpiece is moving around, it’s difficult to make accurate cuts. The feather board ensures that the workpiece remains stationary, so you can make precise cuts every time.
So as you can see, there are many benefits to using a feather board on the table saw. It’s a very helpful tool that can prevent accidents and improve your accuracy while cutting.
Safety Tips:
Here are some safety tips when using a feather board on the table saw:
- Always use a feather board when ripping lumber on the table saw. This will help keep the wood against the fence and ensure a clean cut.
- Be sure to adjust the feather board so that it is snug against the workpiece. This will help keep the wood from moving during the cut.
- Make sure to keep your hands and fingers clear of the blade at all times. The last thing you want is to get injured while using this tool.
- Keep the feather board in good condition and replace it if it becomes damaged or worn down. A poorly functioning feather board can be dangerous to use.
- Follow all safety precautions when using any power tool. The more safety precautions you follow, the less likely you are to get injured.
I hope these tips will help you stay safe when using a feather board on the table saw. Remember to always use common sense and caution when working with any power tool.
FAQs:
Are there any dangers of using a feather board when cutting wood on the table saw?
There are some dangers of using a feather board when cutting wood on the table saw. The main danger is getting your fingers close to the blade. Make sure to keep your hands and fingers clear of the blade at all times.
Also, be sure to adjust the feather board so that it is snug against the workpiece. This will help keep the wood from moving during the cut. If the feather board is not in good condition, it can be dangerous to use. Follow all safety precautions when using any power tool to minimize the risk of injury.
Can I use a feather board when cutting metal on the table saw?
No, you should not use a feather board when cutting metal on the table saw. A feather board is designed to keep wood against the fence when cutting, and it is not effective for metal.
You may be injured if you try to use a feather board when cutting metal on the table saw. Use a different type of hold-down device when cutting metal on the table saw.
Can I use a feather board when cutting plastic on the table saw?
Yes, you can use a feather board when cutting plastic on the table saw. Plastic is a soft material and a feather board will be effective in keeping it against the fence. Be sure to adjust the feather board so that it is snug against the workpiece.
Why do some carpenters prefer not to use a feather board when cutting wood on the table saw?
Some carpenters prefer not to use a feather board when cutting wood on the table saw because they find it more difficult to keep the wood against the fence. If you are comfortable using a feather board, then by all means use it.
However, if you have difficulty using one, you can simply hold the wood against the fence with your hand. Just be sure to keep your fingers clear of the blade.
Conclusion:
We’ve shown you why is a feather board used on the table saw and how to use a feather board on the table saw to help keep your workpiece in place and make accurate cuts.
Feather boards are an essential tool for any woodworking shop, so it’s important to know how to use them properly. Thanks for following along!