When installing a flip-over saw, selecting a suitable location to work from that is level, flat and free of loose material and debris is essential. Also, verify that the flip-over saw is stable and doesn’t move.
The power supply you choose to use should come at a safe distance and has enough power to handle the initial explosion of a strong motor, usually about 2000W. This power source should be equipped with at least one type of circuit protection, typically a breaker with a high sensitivity that can be triggered in the case of an accident. For example, if you use a 110v transformer, place it next to the power source and connect the appropriate 110v extension leads to the saw’s flip-over. Do not connect an extension lead of 240v directly to the 110v transformer near the saw!
Make sure that the power cable is routed to the saw with the flip-over away from the work area, and do not suspend it off on the floor in any manner that could cause a trip risk.
Setup and preparation
Get your protective equipment (PPE) that should include, at a minimum, safety glasses and a suitable push stick for you using the flip-over saw with cutting on tables. Ear protectors are a great option if you work in an enclosed area or when using the saw for prolonged periods. They are also essential when cutting aluminium (a special blade is required) (as they can make a lot of noise produced by these blades is incredibly loud!) If you are not using the dust extraction system, dust-related face masks for the eyes should be considered, particularly if cutting large materials or operating in an enclosed area.
Always wear sturdy steel-toed shoes and sensible clothes, and put away anything loose that might be drawn into the blade. Wearing rings or other jewellery is not suggested also. However, wearing hard hats is recommended when there is a risk from above or when passing long lengths of wood over the top.
Your stock of materials should be stored near the point of use and stacked safely; taking one length of stock should ensure that the stack does not fall!
This writer prefers to position the saw to avoid walking around to carry the newly cut piece back to the workplace and then move the workpieces to the left for ease of use. This allows for a straight line between the flip-over saw and the work area. Effective means getting more work done with less effort!
Some side support is likely needed if you cut more than 1 meter. These could be commercially-made supports or custom-designed saw horses’. This writer uses the folding type of metal and saw horses fitted with an edging piece of timber attached to the tops, which makes them the same size as the mitre saw bed. Three is the best three, two to the right and two on the right side to catch the scraps cut. Two on the left are necessary as the workpiece could become smaller and smaller when cutting multiple sections from the same length. This is crucial for safe cutting and to avoid cutting the workpiece while cutting through.
Make sure you reduce the number of times you’ll need to flip the saw from table mode and then back again in table mode if you can. For example, make all cuts on the table first, then switch to cutting mitres. It’s not always practical, and most flip-over saws are easy to switch over.
Utilizing a flip-over saw
If you’ve set up in the manner described above, you will be easily and efficiently working and secure!
Mitre cut saw
The material should be placed carefully on the saw’s flip-over and then slid over the area to be cut or marked. The weight of the material that is dropped onto the bed of the saw will eventually cause damage to the flip-over saw’s precision settings and may harm the saw.
Long lengths must be drawn from the left side, and shorter lengths, for example, less than one millimetre, should be drawn on the other side. This will ensure that the longest portion of the material being cut is towards the left since this is the one you will hold while the saw is doing its job.
The material should be placed underneath the blade and held on the handle using the blade guard release. Do not press the Power Switch at this point.
Then gently pull the saw down until the blade has almost touched the material. Adjust the material side-to-side until the saw is on the waste or off-cut side of the mark.
Releasing the saw to its original position and, while keeping your grip tight on the working piece, turn off the motor.
While you wait until the motor is at its maximum speed, listen to the sound it makes. Be familiar with how the motor sounds and stay alert to any unusual sounds. For example, sometimes small pieces of materials get stuck within the guard mechanism and may be pushed against it until the motor starts to explode without warning! So make sure to stop, disconnect the power, and immediately look into any suspicious sounds!
With the blade running at maximum speed and good sound, gently pull the saw towards the workpiece. First, learn how the blade feels and cuts, then learn to determine the appropriate amount of pressure and be sure not to reduce the speed of the blade too much. Approximately 10% is about the right amount. After you’ve cut through the material, you can gently bring the saw back to its original position. Finally, turn off the motor and allow the saw to stop completely.
Once you’ve finished, you’ll now have the proper dimension workpiece. It is now ready to be moved to the work area for fixing.
Do not leave a flip-over saw running between cuts. In a busy area, an engine running could be extremely dangerous and deceivingly silent.
It cuts from a table saw.
The head of the saw is folded down and secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions (they differ slightly), then turn the saw back and wait for the catch on the locator to click. Always double-check that the bed of the saw is secure in its position.
Always use the riving knife and blade guard when cutting down wood, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This prevents the wood from binding the blade following cutting and stops the blade from ‘throwing’ the wood back at you quickly!
Install the fence when cutting in a parallel fashion using the marked lines of the graduated table bed or measuring the distance between the fence and the blade with tape measures.
If you’ve set up the saw following the earlier directions, you must have plenty of space in the front of the flip-over saw (it is tempting to pile up materials behind the saw, however, as you will discern, this is not the best idea).
Once you’re done, turn on the flip-over saw and step away from the machine, holding your materials in hand. Please keep your eyes on the motor as it speeds up, and then place the material on the front of the table. Finally, line it with the fence.
At this point, the blade will be operating at maximum speed. Gently but firmly insert the material into the blade, maintaining a firm downward and sideways tension on the materials as it enters the fence that guides it and into the table bed. If you’re halfway through, you will stop by removing the material, then turning it from end to end and then continue to run the second half until you reach your first cutting. Less long lengths could be run directly through the blade in one pass by keeping your hands far from the blade or using two or three push sticks.
I do not like getting any closer to running blades than 100mm, or four” Sure, I’ve seen some who run further to this, but I’m a fan of all my fingers!
Off-cut management
Be aware of where your off-cut will go. Small ones could fly away when not properly handled, and longer off cuts could be tipped or trap blades creating trouble. Support is essential before, during and after the cut.
Limitations
If you’ve got the proper size saw to complete the task at hand, it can cut through the material physically. The only drawback you’ll face when using a flip-over saw is switching between two modes when the job demands it, or you do not plan the cuts. Flip-over saws suggest you think ahead and be aware of your work.
Like many combination machines, some compromises are needed to get flexibility. For flip-over saws, this might indicate that the table’s bed isn’t as big as the mitre see’s capability is smaller because it doesn’t have an arm that slides.
However, it is true that using a flip-over saw is simple and has high-quality capabilities and versatility. This means that a flip-over saw can be used for various tasks at hand, whether on-site or in the home workshop.
Further reading
Amazon stocks a variety of books on this topic. Search for the table, power, or mitre saws for optimal results.
Reviews are available on the majority of tool supply websites nowadays.
Conclusive instructions
- Pick a safe and secure location to install the flip-over saw, preferring to be in a location away from other workers.
- Check that the flip-over saw is set on a solid base and is not moving.
- Make sure you have a secure power source and sensible cable routing. *
- Ensure you have your “push stick” and personal protective apparatus (PPE) in your bag.
- Set up your materials close to your hand and stack them securely towards your left (when you’re facing your saw).
- Make sure the route you take from the saw’s flip side to your workplace is clear and safe.
- Set your action plan, splitting work into mitre and table saw mode.
- Use side supports when materials are more than 1 meter long.
- Mark the material starting from the left unless the cut falls under 1 meter. If it is, mark it from the right.
- Securely hold the workpiece, but ensure the blade isn’t in contact with the material until it has risen to speed.
- Don’t let the saw run between cuts.
- Make sure to use the riving blade and blade guard when cutting down materials.
- Ensure your fingers and hands are at least 100mm from a blade running.
- Remove any sawdust, then pack away securely for the next time.
- Make sure to clean the blade using oil if you have not used the saw for some time.
- The storage area for the saw should be secured, and place the saw on a blanket or sheet.
Warnings
The power supply you are protecting must be located at a secure source with enough power to support the initial power of a strong motor, typically about 2000w.
If you are using a transformer 110v, place it next to the power point and then connect an extension lead of 110v to the flip-over saw. Don’t connect the extension lead with 240v voltage to the transformer near the saw!
It is recommended to route the power cable to the saw with the flip-over away from the work area and not suspend it off on the floor in any manner that could cause a trip risk.
Put together your safety equipment (PPE) that should, at the very least, include safety glasses and a sturdy push stick when using the flip-over saw when in the table cutting mode.
Ear protectors are a great idea in a closed area, or you are using the saw for long durations. They are essential when cutting through aluminium (a special blade is needed; the sound from the blades could be a nightmare!)
Think about dust masks for your face If you do not have an extraction device.
Always wear sturdy steel-toed shoes and sensible clothing, and remove any loose items that may be pulled out of the blade.
Rings and other jewellery are not advised either.
Also, hard hats are required in the event of a threat from above or when the timber is being pushed above.