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Is it unwise to run an SPT such as the belt sander if, on the opposite end of the headstock, the table saw is set up and a blade is on the arbor and the saw guards are in place? Thanks, Hank

hjlssfor1 wrote:Is it unwise to run an SPT such as the belt sander if, on the opposite end of the headstock, the table saw is set up and a blade is on the arbor and the saw guards are in place? Thanks, Hank

If everything that is being driven by the common drive shafts can operate SAFELY at saw speeds, I see no reason to worry. I often leave the blade on the table saw when I use the jointer.

Don't ignore the fact that the blade is there. I usually slide the carriage and table to the left to cover the exposed blade.

I have done the same, just make sure the blade is not exposed because you can forget it is there.

I've done it and I won't do it again after messing up both tools with the wrong speed setting!

I suppose if you had a dual operation where you needed to repeatedly go back and forth between saw and SPT, yes, it can be done and as noted head the safety and speed warnings, but otherwise my feeling is it only takes a couple seconds to use an allen wrench and remove the blade/arbor, which results in a safer working environment and also reduces the likelihood for speed changer mishaps etc., so why take the risk?

The most likely thing to run simultaneously with the saw is the jointer and it's operating speed is the same(speed dial setting). Always be mindfull of the saw blade when doing that.

As for other SPTs, doing so is less compatible. The band saw especially is not a good candidate for simultaneous operation with the circular saw, nor is the jig saw though it is not as scary.

Usually to connect to the SPT, the headstock must be moved. That requires either moving the table carriage also or raising the table away from the blade. Might as well also remove the blade. Now that becomes more onerous if blade guards are in use.

From a safety standpoint, tis a bad thing to do.

However for brief operations tis ok as long as brain is properly engaged also.

TTWISI

Other then the saw and the jointer at the same time, I would not do it. I don't even do that. If you are a SS user, IMHO, for safety sake, you should get used to the switches.

hjlssfor1 wrote:Is it unwise to run an SPT such as the belt sander if, on the opposite end of the headstock, the table saw is set up and a blade is on the arbor and the saw guards are in place? Thanks, Hank

I used to do that often. Now it's seldom. There are just too many things that can go wrong. Interrupted by phone call, FedEx delivery, nature, whatever.

HOWever, if I have a specific batch of stuff to run thru the jointer, I may leave the table saw blade on if I have the Incra on or some other jig or complicated setup. And here's one more little step for those occasions: buy a cheap roll of painter's tape. Just a few bucks and it'll last you about twenty seven years, give or take. When you move the headstock to the SPT, and the carriage etc. with it, of course, run a big ugly length of that tape from the left side of the table, over whatever's on it- fence, guard, whatever- to the other side of the table, tape wrapped around each edge and stuck good.

If that aint enough to remind you to disconnect the SPT before using the saw, sell your SS.

;-)