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.

Saw Stop Orientation

How to Become Certified

Becoming certified to use the SawStop table saw requires the following steps:

Be a member in good standing that is certified to use the Wood Shop.
Pass the SawStop Orientation Quiz <insert link here>
Attend an in-person, hands on certification class ($50)

Getting Started

By using this tool, you accept responsibility for safe operation and agree to pay for any brake and blade replacements required due to activation of the safety system.

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.
Make sure you have no loose clothing, jewelry, or hair that will be anywhere near the blade.
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.

Powering on the SawStop

The SawStop table saw will not turn on without scanning the RFID card of an authorized user.

Make sure the disconnect switch is ON and the power cord is plugged in.
Scan your door card on the TESLA box to enable the saw and wait for the ready-to-operate lights to turn green.
Use the blade switch to turn on and off the blade.
After use, drop the blade into the cabinet, clean the saw, and log off using your RFID.

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.

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.

Introduction: The SawStop is a powerful and precise table saw with advanced safety features. Only members who have completed the Table Saw Class and received RFID authorization are permitted to use the saw.

Safety First: The purpose of the class is to promote safe use of the SawStop and develop safe habits. Communication is key - inform other users in the workspace before operating the saw and make sure the area is clear. Report any damaged tools or safety incidents to the Woodshop Captains.

SawStop Basics:

The SawStop must only be used by members.
Familiarize yourself with the SawStop flier to understand the terms and orientation of the saw.
Always unplug the power cord before making any adjustments to the blade.
When ripping plywood or long stock, ask for help or use the outfeed stand.
Keep the blade height set between 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the workpiece or up to near the bottom of the gullet.
Kickback can occur when ripping boards. Keep to the right of the blade line to avoid injury.
Use the blade guards and clean them after each use with compressed air.
Don’t damage the accurate fence by cutting too close to it. Riving knives or blade guards are not required for dado cuts.
Always provide support with a miter gauge, rip fence, or crosscut sled.
Don’t use wet, painted, or pressure-treated wood on the SawStop. Use a metal detector and moisture meter if necessary.
Don’t cut metal on the saw.
Don’t make adjustments to the saw or alignments. If the brake trips, contact the Woodshop Captains.
Use the metal detector to ensure that the wood is free of nails, screws, and staples.
Lower the blade into the cabinet after use and clean the saw.

Instructor-led Demonstrations:

The normal blade guard is used for rips and crosscuts.
The instructor will show you how to install the riving knife for non-thru cuts or rabbets.
The limit rod should remain on the blade guard.
The kickback pawls can be enabled or disabled depending on your needs.
The blade height should be set so that the gullet is above the wood piece.

Operating the SawStop:

Make sure the disconnect switch is ON and the power cord is plugged in.
Use your RFID to turn on the saw and wait for the ready-to-operate lights to turn green.
Use the blade switch to turn on and off the blade.
After use, drop the blade into the cabinet, clean the saw, and log off using your RFID.

Cleaning Up:

Dust off the surface and clean around the base after each use.
Close the dust door below the table surface.
Don’t leave any scraps - dispose of them in the bin or dumpster.
Log out and clean up after each use or risk losing access to the saw.

SawStop Flesh Detection

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.

Avoiding False Triggers

Although uncommon, it is possible to have a false flesh detection. If a false trigger occurs for any reason, you are responsible for the replacement cost of the cartridge and blade (about $150).

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.
1. Use the 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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/Engraved Wood can cause false triggers and should not be used on the tablesaw.
Treated Lumber can cause a false trigger because of the copper used in the treatmentl.

Access to the flesh detection bypass keys may be requested to a shop captain.

Tips

SawStop TIPS & TRICKS

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!)
Picture	Item	Manufacturer	Model Number	Power Requirements	Manual	Estimated Value	Owner

Donations Received

Wish List

A SawStop table saw (delivered 02/05/23!)

Benefits and Policies

PPM members enjoy discounts at the following local merchants:

(walk in, show 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):

Fusion 360

VCarve

Member Showcase

For even more member projects, visit our #showcase channel on Slack, or follow our social media links.

Curated Links

Links to other sites (external links):

LibraryThing -- Our wood working-related books

Other Fun Stuff