In this manual on care and use of the tablesaw, Kelly Mehler calls on his two-plus decades of
woodworking experience to explain the tool, its maintenance and its wide-ranging capacity to take center stage in the workshop.
Clear black and white photography and line drawings illustrate Mehler's points in teaching tablesaw
joinery, jig-building, dust collection and workspace. Besides describing types of tablesaws and what might be a best purchase
for an intended use, the author goes into cleaning and lubrication of the machine, adjustments, alignments, and the use of many
accessories.
Mehler illustrates and discusses safe procedures for ripping long stock, sheet stock, narrow stock
and short pieces. He discusses miter gauge work, but recommends a sliding cross-cut box for cross-cutting, and gives a detailed
plan to build one for your tablesaaw.
A thorough presentation of advice on sawblades takes up a full chapter, with descriptions as to
different types and each one's use and effectiveness. Another chapter is dedicated to safety, with full descriptions and
photographs of the Biesmeyer Blade Guard, Delta Uniguard, Excalibur Overarm Sawblade Cover and the Brett-Guard. Splitters are
presented and compared as well.
I think it is safe to say that study and use of the advice in Kelly Mehler's Tablesaw Book will
make your woodworking a safe and productive experience. The book is indexed, and has a long list of sources of supplies,
including manufacturers and hardware suppliers. Taunton also has produced a companion video: 'Mastering The Tablesaw with
Kelly Mehler.'
...Barb Siddiqui
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The revised edition of Kelly's tablesaw book will be forthcoming from Taunton Press in the Spring of 2002.]
