Equipment/Dewalt Table saw

Table Saw (Dewalt)
Model	DW745-GB Type 4
Sub-category	Woodworking
Status	Good working order
Last updated	19 June 2024 09:50:35
Consumables	Saw blades
Accessories	Guard, push-stick, gantry, Mitre fence
Training requirement	yes
ACnode	no
Owner	Hackspace
Origin	Pledge
Location	Wood shop
Maintainers	Phil (cepmender), Simon Hewison

A table saw used making straight cuts in wood. Smaller and easier to handle than the larger Sedgwick, so easier to use for beginners

Usage

• If you need to remove the safety guard, replace after use. Do not lose the butterfly nut.
• If you need to remove the riving knife (for instance, to use a sledge), you should not need to dismantle the device, Unplug, remove throat plate, push the sprung-loaded bolt on the riving knife bracket to release. see video Replace after use.
• If you need to remove the mitre gauge, put it back in the groove afterwards. Do not over-tighten the thumb nut.
• Do not attempt to move the rip fence or saw angle without loosening the locking levers (This breaks the rail gearing, and is stupid).
• Lock all locking levers before cutting.
• Do not remove the laminated instructions from the vicinity of the table saw. Knowledge is power. Knowledge of power tools prevents maiming and death.
• Always leave the saw with all safety features in place. The next user could be a novice.

Mailing list conversations on it:

• [1]
• [2]
• [3]
• [4]
• Safety discussion. Note link to YouTube video about kickback, riving knifes, safety guards
• Youtube video about table saw safety, essential viewing
• Donated to hackspace.

Maintenance / New parts

Manual available at

http://service.dewalt.co.uk/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=9347&BOMRegionID=1

Parts Diagrams

The saw gets a lot of use so the blade wears out, if the saw is burning through your cut the blade most likely needs replacing Additionally the riving knife keeps disappearing, this is an important safety feature and should be present at all times.

If the blade needs replacing or riving knife gets lost again you can help! Just buy the new parts online, fit them and claim the costs back on the Hackspace Expenses. If you are not comfortable doing this please report to the mailing list and somebody else should be able to help. A sharp blade and riving knife make the saw massively safer to use, please do not ignore these issues, at the very least report them

• Tested as working in new Hackspace 25 August 2018. Couldn't locate mitre fence.
• Cleaned out machine - the interior was caked in sawdust causing a fire risk, and located all parts ready for Hackspace move. 24 Feb 2018. (Simon H)
• Cleaned out machine since build up of sawdust and cutting detritus was blocking the angle adjustment. Also reset fence alignment. 25 June 2017 (Simon H)
• New blade and riving knife added June 2017 (Matt H).
• New blade and riving knife added January 2017 (Simon H).
• Mitre fence went missing in the move. (Simon H)
• Riving knife has a habit of jumping out of the bracket (clamp doesn't hold it securely)
• New mitre fence fitted 10 October 2018 (Simon H)
• Stripped down and cleaned out copious amount of caked in damp sawdust was preventing safe blade height adjustment, adjusted riving knife bracket to stop it wobbling 10 Jan 2020 (Simon H)

How a misplaced washer increases the risk of somebody cutting their fingers off (or worse!)

---

I noticed the mitre gauge is not moving smoothly across the top surface at all. This forces the user to use excessive force when pushing a piece of wood at an angle towards the blade. This can be very dangerous and increases the risk of somebody accidentally getting his hand hit the blade. I definitely would not want to be using this machine like that! It also prevents you from making a clean, smooth cut through the wood. So, after trying to figure out why the mitre gauge gets stuck halfway the table top when sliding it I came to the conclusion that the little plastic washer underneath the tightener knob doesn't belong there. I've moved it from underneath the knob to underneath the gauge (please see pictures). That seems to have solved the problem. Mitre gauge now running smoothly across the full length of the guide rail. I suggest we keep the washer where it is now. Maybe it saved somebody's hand or fingers already, who knows.

Thanks to this table saw guide to help me pinpoint the problem.

Risk Assessment - Table Saws

This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use. Please also check general risk assessments for the space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.

Activity

Cutting wood or plastic on the table saw

Signage

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Understanding Risk Rating

LOW - Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity

MED - Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended

HIGH - Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists

Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards	Who May be Harmed and How	Severity	Control Measures	Likelihood	Risk Rating
Incompetent user	User, Bystander	HIGH	Users must be inducted to use this tool. Members must challenge use that they believe is dangerous. Users should read the user manual where applicable. Users must read the risk assessment before using a tool.	LOW	MED
Contact with blade	User	HIGH	Use guards as per instruction manual. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of blade). Use push sticks and the fence provided when making cuts. Do not move hands past the blade. Do not lean over the blade. Saw should be switched off immediately after use. Saw blade should stop within 10 seconds of being turned off	LOW	MED
Drawing in (being pulled into the saw)	User	HIGH	User should not wear gloves, ties, scarves, or other long flowy clothing that could get pulled into the blade. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of blade). Do not lean over blade	LOW	MED
Ejection of workpiece (Kickback)	User, bystander, the space	HIGH	Do not stand directly behind blade. Use a feather board when working with smaller pieces. Take care to keep the workpiece against the fence when making mitre cuts Ensure riving knife is in place	LOW	MED
Dust (inhalation, fire, explosion)	User, bystander	LOW	The saw should be used with the dust extractor attached and working. Maintenance must include the cleaning of dust from within the saw housing. A respirator or mask should be used whilst operating this tool for prolonged periods	LOW	LOW
Blade snatching or jamming	User, bystander	MED	Only cut wood and plastic on the table saw Ensure a visual inspection of the table saw is undertaken before every use to check for physical obstructions	LOW	LOW
Noise	User, bystander	LOW	Ear protection is advised. User to give audible warning (EARS, GOING LOUD) before switching on	LOW	LOW
Flying splinters	User, bystander	LOW	Eye protection must be worn whilst using the table saw Eye protection must be worn by all users of the workshop. Do not cut small pieces	LOW	LOW