A Comprehensive Guide To Operating The Tradesman 10 Table Saw

The Tradesman 10 table saw is a versatile power tool that can be used for a variety of cutting operations, including ripping, crosscutting, and miter cuts. It is important to read the owner's manual and follow safety precautions when using this saw. Some key safety guidelines include always using the saw blade guard, splitter, and anti-kickback pawls, providing adequate support for long or wide workpieces, and ensuring proper electrical connections and grounding to avoid hazards. When operating outdoors or in damp locations, take precautions to prevent electrical shock. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating screw rods and checking for loose parts, is also important for safe and efficient use. While the Tradesman 10 table saw may not be suitable for professional or heavy use, it can be a good option for homeowners or hobbyists who take care of their equipment and feed workpieces carefully.

Electrical requirements and safety

To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards, or damage to the table saw, it is important to ensure proper circuit protection. Always use a separate electrical circuit for your tools and ensure that the power saw plug matches the electrical wall outlet receptacle. Never modify the table saw's power cord plug or use an adapter plug with an earth-grounded table saw.

It is crucial to keep the table saw away from rain or wet conditions as water entering the saw increases the risk of electric shock. Before operating the table saw, check the power cord for any damage and repair or replace damaged wires. When using the saw outdoors, prevent the chance of electrical shock by using an extension cord rated for outdoor use. Additionally, if operating the table saw in a damp location or near a water source, utilize a GFCI-protected power supply.

Always disconnect the table saw from the power source when installing or making adjustments to the blade. Consult the owner's manual for recommended accessories and safety practices to avoid serious injury or damage to the table saw.

Accessories and attachments

The Tradesman 10" table saw comes with a range of accessories and attachments that are essential for its operation and user safety. Here is a detailed list of these components:

• Rip Fence: This accessory is used to guide the workpiece along the table saw, ensuring straight and accurate cuts. It can be adjusted by lifting the locking handle and sliding it to the desired position.
• Miter Gauge: The miter gauge allows for angled cuts to be made by locking the miter body at the desired angle. It is crucial to check and adjust the miter gauge before use to ensure accurate cuts.
• Blade Guard: The blade guard is a critical safety feature that covers the blade to prevent accidental contact. It should always be used during through-sawing operations, where the blade cuts completely through the workpiece.
• Splitter: The splitter is another safety feature that works in conjunction with the blade guard to prevent kickback. It is aligned with the saw blade and helps keep the workpiece from being kicked upward or back toward the operator.
• Anti-Kickback Pawls: These are additional safety components that work with the splitter to prevent kickback. They ensure that the workpiece does not move upward or back toward the operator during cutting.
• Overload Reset Switch: This switch resets the thermocouple and provides a way to restart the saw motor in case of overload or malfunction.
• Blade Tilt Pointer: This pointer indicates the tilt angle of the blade, which can be adjusted using the blade tilting locking knob and handwheel.
• Blade Elevation Tilting Handwheel: This handwheel is used to raise or lower the blade. Turning it counterclockwise raises the blade, while turning it clockwise lowers it.
• ON/OFF Switch: The power switch is located on the front panel of the saw base. It is important to ensure that the switch is in the OFF position and the power source is disconnected before making any adjustments to the saw.

Assembly

Estimated assembly time: 40-60 minutes.

Assemble table saw to stand:

• Place a protective covering on the floor to protect the saw table surface.
• Unpack all parts and group them by type and size.
• Place the stand upright and secure it with the two bolts provided.
• Place the saw base onto the stand, ensuring the holes in the saw base align with the holes in the stand.
• Secure the saw base to the stand using the bolts provided.

Fasten saw to stand:

• Locate the mounting holes in the saw base. This saw must be properly secured to a sturdy workbench, stand, or cabinet.
• Use the four holes already provided in the saw base. The front two holes are shown in the provided diagram. There are two additional holes in the rear of the saw base.
• Secure the saw to the stand using the bolts provided.

Install blade to arbor:

• Ensure the saw is disconnected from the power source.
• Remove the table insert by removing the two screws that hold it in place.
• Remove the blade from the packaging and place it onto the arbor.
• Reinstall the table insert and secure it with the two screws.

Assemble blade guard and splitter:

• Ensure the saw is disconnected from the power source.
• Hold the blade guard arm up and align the splitter with the saw blade.
• Secure the blade guard and splitter assemblies to the saw using the bolts provided.
• Adjust the blade guard and splitter assemblies so that the splitter is centred in the blade guard.

Adjustments

The miter gauge can be adjusted by first loosening the clamp knob to allow the miter body to rotate freely. Position the miter body so the pointer points to 90 on the miter gauge scale. Tighten the clamp knob securely.

The rip fence can be moved along the table by lifting the fence locking handle and sliding the fence to the desired position. Lower the locking handle to secure the fence.

The saw blade can be tilted in two different ways. To raise the blade, turn the handwheel counter-clockwise. To lower the blade, turn the handwheel clockwise. Loosen the blade tilting locking knob to tilt the blade.

The blade can be adjusted to be parallel to the miter gauge groove. While standing at the rear of the saw, use a medium-size flat blade screwdriver to gently pry the rear of the blade. Tighten the arbor nut with a 10mm open-end or 10mm combination wrench.

The bevel stop can be adjusted by first raising the blade fully by rotating the handwheel counter-clockwise until it stops. Loosen the bevel angle locking knob and rotate the blade to the desired angle. Tighten the bevel angle locking knob.

Operation

Operating the Tradesman 10" table saw requires a number of safety precautions and set-up steps to be taken. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to operate the saw:

Safety Precautions:

Before using the Tradesman 10" table saw, it is critical to follow these safety precautions:

• Always use the saw blade guard, splitter, and anti-kickback pawls for every through sawing operation.
• Provide adequate support to the rear and sides of the saw table for long or wide workpieces.
• Ensure the power saw plug matches the electrical wall outlet and never modify the table saw's power cord plug.
• Do not use an adapter plug with an earth-grounded table saw.
• Keep the table saw away from rain or wet conditions to prevent the risk of electric shock.
• Check the power cord for any damage before use and repair or replace if necessary.
• When using the saw outdoors, utilise an extension cord rated for outdoor use to prevent electrical shock.
• If operating in a damp location or near a water source, use a GFCI-protected power supply.

Set-up and Assembly:

• Assemble the table saw by following the instructions in the owner's manual. This includes fastening the saw to a sturdy stand or workbench using the mounting holes in the saw base.
• Install the blade to the arbor by first disconnecting the saw from the power source. Remove the table insert and loosen the blade tilting locking knob.
• Assemble the blade guard and splitter by ensuring the splitter is aligned with the saw blade and securing it with the blade guard mounting screws.
• Adjust the miter gauge and rip fence as per the owner's manual to ensure accurate cuts.
• Check the blade tilting mechanism and adjust the blade parallel to the miter gauge groove if needed.
• Ensure you have read and understood the safety precautions and set-up instructions before turning on the saw.
• To turn on the saw, move the switch located on the front panel of the saw base to the up position.
• For ripping, adjust the blade height and angle as needed, ensuring the workpiece is secure and the fence is in the correct position.
• Use a push stick when ripping narrow workpieces to maintain a safe distance from the blade.
• For crosscutting, adjust the blade to the desired angle and lock it in place. Ensure the workpiece is secure and the fence is in the correct position before cutting.
• For bevel crosscutting, follow the same steps as crosscutting but set the bevel angle to the desired value other than 0.
• For miter cuts, lock the miter gauge at the desired angle and push the workpiece past the blade, ensuring it is secure and the fence is in the correct position.
• Always use the correct blade for the type of cut and material being worked on.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

• Regularly lubricate the screw rod with a dry lubricant such as graphite or silicone.
• Consult the troubleshooting section of the owner's manual or a trained repair technician if any issues arise.

Frequently asked questions