Wood Shop -- SawStop
The Wood Shop Area at Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) consists of
both Level 2 and Level 3 equipment.
Additional training and certification is required to use any of our Level 3 equipment.
Wood Shop Area hand tools should be marked with green tape or paint or powder coating.
The information on this page is incomplete.
Please post your suggestions on our Slack channel #ppm-wiki.
SawStop Orientation
PPM has a 5HP SawStop table saw. It is a high-quality saw that is designed for safety and performance.
It features a flesh detection technology that can quickly stop the blade in the event of accidental contact with a user's skin.
- In the event of flesh detection, a single use cartridge fires and seizes the blade before damage to the user is inflicted.
- Both the cartridge and blade must be replaced before the SawStop can be used again.
- It is important that the user be aware of ways the SawStop can be triggered accidentally, as the user will be responsible for the cost of a new blade and cartridge.
Getting Started
Before using the SawStop table saw, read the user manual and become familiar with the saw's controls and features.
- Make sure to properly adjust the height and angle of the blade to match the requirements of your cutting task.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye and ear protection, and a dust mask.
- Be familiar with the location of the Emergency Stop Button, and practice reaching for it from your cutting stance to commit the motion to muscle memory.
Operating the SawStop Table Saw
- Always use the SawStop guard and splitter (riving knife) to keep the wood from binding and kicking back during the cut.
- Never reach over the blade or make contact with the blade while it is in motion.
- Use push sticks and push blocks to keep your hands at least 4" away from the blade.
- Turn off the saw and unplug it before making adjustments or changing the blade.
III. Avoiding False Triggers
- Moisture in the Wood
Moisture in the wood can cause false triggers in the SawStop's flesh detection technology. To avoid false triggers from moisture, it's important to properly test the moisture content of the wood before cutting and to ensure that the moisture content is below 10%. Here are the steps to properly test the moisture content:
Obtain a moisture meter: You will need a moisture meter to accurately measure the moisture content of the wood. There are a variety of moisture meters available, ranging from simple pin-style meters to more advanced meters with digital displays.
Test several locations: It's important to test several locations on the piece of wood, as the moisture content can vary from one area to another. Aim to test at least 3-4 different spots on each piece of wood.
Take readings: Place the moisture meter probe on the surface of the wood and take a reading. Repeat this process for each of the test locations.
Evaluate the results: Compare the readings from each location to determine the average moisture content of the wood. Ideally, the moisture content should be below 10% to reduce the likelihood of a false trigger. If the moisture content is higher than 10%, allow the wood to dry out further before cutting it on the SawStop table saw.
It's important to note that moisture meters are not foolproof and can sometimes give inaccurate readings. However, they are still a valuable tool for monitoring the moisture content of wood and reducing the risk of false triggers.
By properly testing the moisture content of the wood before cutting and ensuring that the moisture content is below 10%, you can reduce the likelihood of a false trigger due to moisture and ensure a safe and successful cutting experience with the SawStop table saw.
- Laser-Cut Wood
Laser-cut wood can also cause false triggers in the SawStop's flesh detection technology. This is because laser cutting can produce a large amount of heat that can cause the wood to temporarily expand and contract.
To avoid false triggers from laser-cut wood, it's important to allow the wood to cool down and stabilize for several hours after cutting before using it on the SawStop table saw. This will give the wood time to return to its normal size and reduce the likelihood of a false trigger.
V. . Maintenance and Safety Tips
- Keep the saw's blade and guards clean and free of debris to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Check the tightness of all bolts, screws, and other fasteners regularly to ensure that the saw remains securely in place.
- Replace worn or damaged parts as soon as possible to maintain the saw's performance and safety.
- Regularly inspect the saw for any signs of wear, damage, or other issues that could impact its performance or safety.
Tips
For Additional Help
- Use the PPM Slack channel #wood-shop
Equipment List
SawStop Equipment List
| Picture | Item | Manufacturer | Model Number |
Power Requirements |
Manual | Estimated Value |
Owner |
 |
SawStop
10" Industrial Cabinet Saw  |
SawStop | ICS53480 | Three Phase | SawStop on YouTube | ? |
PPM
(delivered 02/05/23!) |
Number |
Requirements |
Value |
Donations Received
Wish List
- A SawStop table saw (delivered 02/05/23!)
Benefits and Policies
- PPM members enjoy discounts at the following local merchants:
- (bring proof of membership)
| Company | Website | Benefit | Directions to |
 |
Woodcraft of Colorado Springs | 10% discount | 4438 Austin Bluffs Parkway |
 |
CO Lumber Specialties | 10% discount | 3636 Stone Avenue |
 |
GENERAL AIR | 10% discount | 3031 N Nevada Ave. |
 |
ACE Hardware Uintah Gardens | 10% discount | 1830 W Uintah Street |
- Map of stores that provide PPM member discounts
- Map of helpful local resources curated by our makers
- At home LightBurn subscriptions can be purchased at a discounted rate for being a PPM member.
- The discount code is saved as a Pinned Message in our 'laser-cutter' channel in Slack.
Equipment Reservations
Materials
- Donate for "Sheet Goods" via PayPal: bit.ly/ppmstuff
- Or, leave donations in a black payment box, or use a QR code.
Red Tags
Scrap and Trash
- Trash day is MONDAY
- Recycling day is MONDAY (96 gallon tote)
- Single Stream Recycling provided by Waste Connections. Paper, cardboard, cans, glass, and one time use plastics.
- Empty recycling and trash into our dumpster at the back (south side) of the building.
- Always leave the space better than you found it.
Software
Links to other PPM Wiki pages (internal links):
Member Showcase
- For even more member projects, visit our #showcase channel on Slack, or follow our social media links.
See Also
Links to other PPM Wiki pages (internal links):
Curated Links
Links to other sites (external links):
- LibraryThing -- Our wood working-related books
Other Fun Stuff
Links to other sites (external links):
Search the PPM Wiki — include Content pages as well as Multimedia.
Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.