Summary:
In this video, Chris Harpster introduces the components of a table saw and how they work together. He also covers some of the basic safety features of a table saw.
Here are the main components of a table saw that Chris Harpster covers in the video:
Tabletop: This is the flat, smooth surface that supports your workpiece.
Side extensions or wings: These extend the table to support wider workpieces.
Miter slots: These slots run parallel to the blade and are used to guide your workpiece for angled cuts.
Rip fence: This fence is used to rip cuts (cuts that run parallel to the grain of the wood) and can be adjusted to different widths.
Blade guard assembly: This assembly includes the riving knife, which helps to prevent kickback, and the anti-kickback pawl, which prevents the workpiece from being pulled back into the blade.
Throat plate or insert plate: This plate covers the opening in the table around the blade and can be customized for different types of cuts.
Arbor and carriage: The arbor is the shaft that the blade attaches to, and the carriage is the assembly that allows the blade to be raised and lowered.
Arbor nut: This nut secures the blade to the arbor.
Pillars and trunnions: The pillars are the vertical supports for the blade, and the trunnions are the angled supports that allow the blade to tilt.
Base or cabinet: This provides support for the entire saw.
Dust port and shroud: This helps to collect dust from the saw.
Power switch: This turns the saw on and off.
Miter gauge: This accessory rides in the miter slots and allows you to make angled cuts.
Push sticks: These are used to push wood through the saw without having to put your hands near the blade.
