: Thanks to Xmas-and a Sears charge card-I now have a table saw and will begin
: cutting strips soon. The saw has a provision for dust collection,
: basically just a short section of PVC under the table, which I understand
: can be hooked up to a shop vac. I was wondering how effective this is-have
: any of you used this method? I will be doing this in a finished basement
: and need to keep the dust down as much as possible.
: Thanks in advance.

Hi Tom

As a general rule, you don't get much DUST from a table saw. Mostly bigger chips, that fall and are easier to clean up. However,I agree with George. I have never used the type of hookup you have, but the dust coming down through your saw is being blown around under there by the blade and doesn't go in any particular direction. I used to use plywood sides around the saw stand and a box that slid under from the front. It worked until the box got about half full and then the dust started blowing up around and back out the blade opening. THAT is major league annoying. Either you can empty it more,use the trash bag or leave it off and just clean up the pile of sawdust whenever you are done. Good housekeeping is a major plus in woodworking. If you are cutting wood that has a lot of moisture in it, the sawdust may collect up around the blade and cause the same problem. Occasionally, when you aren't useing the saw, pop the plate off and knock the dust down and clean it out.

Before you use your saw, do a few checks to be sure everything is square and true. You may be O.K. but a lot of saws are not preset at factory but, put together at the store. You will be much happier if you start off with the perfect setup. I listed some of the checks a few days ago, but can't remember under what posts, so if you would like a rundown, email me and I'll give them to you. They may be listed in your manual also.

Be sure to purchase or make yourself a couple different push sticks and use whenever you have to cut something that will put your hands within two or three inches of the blade. Another plus is a 0-clearance throat plate. You can make them yourself, if you have a router. Keeps small, 1/4" material from trying to go down the hole in the stock plate.

Good luck and enjoy your saw. I hesitate calling it a new "toy."

Rehd