Geared up with the track saw for your woodwork but can’t kick-off due to the lack of knowledge on how to brandish your tool? Well, after your read of this article, we bet things are going to change in a positive manner.
A track saw, a tool favorite of many woodworkers nowadays has been exceptional equipment since the age-old saws made their departure to make space for the saws based on modern technology.
The introduction of a track saw in your workplace can maximize production rapidly, but that is going to be a reality only if it is used with comprehensive knowledge about it. So, buying the right one isn’t enough; you must have the knowledge to operate properly, too.
Using track saw in your workshop can be technical and often a bit tricky. This article provides a guideline on what to-dos, what not to-dos, and how to do in order to gain the maximum utility of the tool and to have a safer, easier experience.
Materials on Which Track Saw Can Be Applicable
A track saw is primarily designed for wooden materials. Trying it out on other non-wooden materials, for example – concrete, steel will damage the saw and increase the risk factors. So, you should refrain from performing such dangerous experiments.
Selection of Blade
As blades will be the one cutting through the materials, it is vital to equip your saw with good quality blades to ensure fine cuts. While 14 teeth blades are perfect for general use, opt for 48 teeth if your workpiece is consisting of plywood or melamine. Make sure the blades are sharp.
Sharp blade ensures the cut at ease without the involvement of further stress, whereas blunt and substandard blades result in poor cut and uncomfortable experience.
Adjustment of Riving Knife
Although the riving knife is the built-in safety feature of track saw, it needs to be adjusted manually. Align the riving knife with blade and make sure it is in proper position before starting to use the track saw.
Setting the Proper Cutting Depth
Next thing is to adjust the cutting depth properly. Cutting depth means how deeply your blade cuts. It should not be too high or too low.
Making cutting depth too high disrupts accuracy, whereas too low cutting depth increases the factor of kickbacks and blade damage. Go through the manuals; if there’s any instruction on cutting depth, follow it.
Hold Firmly at the Time of Cutting
Even though track saw is very handy to use, don’t underestimate the power of the motor that runs while cutting. This creates a significant amount of push while cutting. So, the saw must behold tight so that it doesn’t slip away or kickback to evolve any injury.
Track Rails
A special feature of track saw is that you can use a rail which will guide you to make perfectly straight cuts along with long sheet materials. It allows you to smoothly slide along the cut line, thus making the cut more precise and accurate. Rails provide some safety features as well.
Check on Path While Making Plunge Cuts
At the time of cutting straight, you can easily see the path, but the time of making plunge cuts difficulties arise as you cannot clearly see the path.
Hence, it is suggested that you keep your focus on the path so that you don’t deviate from the line at the time of making the cut.
Wait Till the Blades Reach the Desired Speed
Don’t haste right after the moment you start the motor to cut through the material. Let the blade gain the required speed. Then start to cut through the materials. With the right speed of the blade, you will be able to slide faster, cleaner, and sharper.
Making attempts to cut the materials at mismatched speed can lower down the quality of the cut. Also, it can call accidents like kickbacks.
Safety Precautions
An operating track saw without any safety measures abided by can cause accidents. Wear protective glasses for eyes, gloves for hands, always keep your hands away from the cutting path – these are some of the safety precautions that you should follow.
That was all about the instruction of using a track saw. I hope you have more knowledge than before on how to operate a track saw. Furthermore, we expect that you will be able to implement it at your workplace.