While a riving knife is an indispensable safety feature for most table saw operations, understanding when Should You Not Use A Riving Knife is equally crucial for safe and efficient woodworking. This article delves into the specific scenarios where its absence is not only permissible but sometimes even necessary for achieving certain cuts.
When Traditional Riving Knife Use Becomes Problematic
A riving knife’s primary function is to prevent kickback by keeping the kerf open behind the blade. However, there are situations where this very design can interfere with achieving precise and safe results. For instance, when performing cuts that inherently require the wood to close in on the blade, a fixed riving knife can cause binding and necessitate a different approach.
Consider these scenarios:
- Dado Cuts and Grooves Creating dados or grooves, which are wider than the standard blade kerf, is a prime example. A standard riving knife, being the same thickness as the blade, will bind in the wider cut. In these instances, the riving knife must be removed, and a different type of splitter, such as a dado insert or a specialized jig, should be employed.
- Tapered Cuts or Bevels That Close Off When making complex cuts, like very steep bevels or tapers where the wood might naturally pinch the blade, a standard riving knife can obstruct the blade’s movement. The importance of adapting your setup to the specific cut cannot be overstated.
- Very Thin Stock or Delicate Materials Working with extremely thin materials or veneers can be challenging. A riving knife, while intended for safety, can sometimes mar or damage these delicate pieces, especially during operations where minimal blade contact is desired. Specialized jigs or a different approach to blade support might be needed here.
Here’s a quick summary of common exceptions:
| Operation | Riving Knife Consideration |
|---|---|
| Dado/Groove Cuts | Remove riving knife, use dado insert/splitter. |
| Complex Bevels/Tapers | May need to be removed depending on the angle and wood behavior. |
| Very Thin Stock | May cause damage; consider alternative methods. |
In summary, while the riving knife is your best friend for standard ripping and crosscutting, recognizing when Should You Not Use A Riving Knife is key to expanding your woodworking capabilities safely. Always prioritize the safety of the cut and the integrity of your workpiece.
For a comprehensive understanding of these exceptions and to learn about alternative safety measures and specialized jigs, please refer to the detailed guide found in your table saw’s owner’s manual.