Posted by: Pete on July 30, 2000 at 15:39:12:

In Reply to: Re: Using a Table saw Posted by: Pete on July 30, 2000 at 14:36:53:

: : : When using a table saw, does one keep the "good side" up, or down against the table? Is it the samw when cutting with a circular saw (ie skill saw)? Thanks
: : : Cadman

: :
: : You always keep the good side of anything down. If you're working on something with 2 good sides,draw a line where you're cutting and run a length of wide tape the length of the board so the line you've drawn is in the center of the tape. That will save both cut sides,so you can use the other part for something if you need to.

: Cadman...Bob Q gave you the wrong answer. You always want the blade of what your cutting with to enter into the good side (since it cuts clean on entering the wood, and chips or splinters the wood when leaving or exiting the wood). Therefore, you want the good side up for table saws, since the blade is entering the wood from the top, and you want the good side down for radial saws and circular saws, since the blade is entering from the bottom. This is a very simple and fundamental concept. I would welcome Bob Q's comments. I am an experienced furniture builder, but that is irrelevant, since what I am saying is simple physics, and is intuitive if you think about it. Remember, good side up for the table saw...Pete

Pete here...I would like to make a minor amendment to what I wrote above. For radial saws you want the good side down if you are pushing the blade/motor forward (ie toward the fence) into the wood (which is safer since since the blade will not try to climb towards you). However, most people pull the blade/motor toward them (ie the unsafe way, where you have to make sure to keep a positive pressure on the handle at all times). In that case you would put the good side up. At any rate I use my radial saw for a workbench to hold my router table, since radial saws are not accurate enough for me. This is due to all the moving parts and adjustments, and the dynamic forces involved as the blade goes through its cut. It would take a very rigid industrial saw to cut perfectly square. This is a whole subject in itself.

Anyway remember, good side up for the table saw. I have to go in my shop. Have a nice day...Pete

Followups::

: : : : When using a table saw, does one keep the "good side" up, or down against the table? Is it the samw when cutting with a circular saw (ie skill saw)? Thanks : : : : Cadman : : : : : : You always keep the good side of anything down. If you're working on something with 2 good sides,draw a line where you're cutting and run a length of wide tape the length of the board so the line you've drawn is in the center of the tape. That will save both cut sides,so you can use the other part for something if you need to. : : Cadman...Bob Q gave you the wrong answer. You always want the blade of what your cutting with to enter into the good side (since it cuts clean on entering the wood, and chips or splinters the wood when leaving or exiting the wood). Therefore, you want the good side up for table saws, since the blade is entering the wood from the top, and you want the good side down for radial saws and circular saws, since the blade is entering from the bottom. This is a very simple and fundamental concept. I would welcome Bob Q's comments. I am an experienced furniture builder, but that is irrelevant, since what I am saying is simple physics, and is intuitive if you think about it. Remember, good side up for the table saw...Pete : Pete here...I would like to make a minor amendment to what I wrote above. For radial saws you want the good side down if you are pushing the blade/motor forward (ie toward the fence) into the wood (which is safer since since the blade will not try to climb towards you). However, most people pull the blade/motor toward them (ie the unsafe way, where you have to make sure to keep a positive pressure on the handle at all times). In that case you would put the good side up. At any rate I use my radial saw for a workbench to hold my router table, since radial saws are not accurate enough for me. This is due to all the moving parts and adjustments, and the dynamic forces involved as the blade goes through its cut. It would take a very rigid industrial saw to cut perfectly square. This is a whole subject in itself. : Anyway remember, good side up for the table saw. I have to go in my shop. Have a nice day...Pete

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