SawGear SGTAB04 User manual

®
®
2017 TigerStop, LLC
®
MANUAL
MANUAL

Safety First!
WARNING: Installation of your TigerStop Product must be done by a person trained in the safe
design and installation of automation products, and in the safe operation of power equipment. Ensure
that such installation meets all legally required safety requirements and guidelines, and that proper
guarding and safety devices are provided on all sides of the equipment to preclude unintended access
during operation. Consult with and follow the recommendations of a qualied safety engineer.
WARNING: TigerStop Products are components intended for use in conjunction with potentially
dangerous machinery. The use of TigerStop Products does not make other machinery safe. TigerStop
Products are not intended to substitute, in any manner, for safe operating practices in general, or for
safety features present in other machines designed to make those machines as safe as possible.
TIGERSTOP PRODUCTS, IF USED OR INSTALLED IMPROPERLY, MAY CAUSE PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH AND SHOULD ONLY BE OPERATED BY PERSONS TRAINED IN THEIR
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES. Illustrations of TigerStop Products in use do not show, and are
not intended to show, all safety features and practices necessary for their safe operation.
GENERAL
WARNINGS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE OPERATING THIS PRODUCT.
WARNING: TigerStop Products must be installed in accordance with all local, state, and federal
regulations. Only personnel properly trained in the safe design and installation of automation
machinery and related power equipment should install TigerStop Products onto other equipment, to
ensure a safe and proper work station. TigerStop Products should not be operated without proper
training, both in the operation of TigerStop Products, and in the operation of related equipment.
INSTALLATION
WARNINGS
IMPORTANT CAUTION:
The motor box (compartment) contains DC voltage with potentially FATAL amperage. NEVER attempt
any unauthorized actions inside the motor box.
WARNING: Using a TigerStop interconnect does not relieve you of the responsibility for making sure
that your saw or other tool has all the necessary safety equipment in place. All installations must
meet all legally required safety requirements and guidelines. Installation and training should be done
following the recommendations of a qualied safety engineer.
INTERCONNECTS
DANGER: This machine can start, move and stop automatically. Keep hands and loose clothing
clear of moving parts while operating. Moving parts can crush and cut. When used with a saw or
other cutting equipment, bodily injury and death may result if operated without safety guards on
all machines. Do not operate with guards removed. Operators must wear adequate eye and ear
protection.
OPERATION
DANGER! Don’t get pinched by the push feeder. Keep your hands away when in motion!
2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE OPERATING THIS PRODUCT.
Do not use TigerStop machines in a dangerous environment. Using power tools in damp or wet
locations or in rain can cause shock or electrocution.
Do not operate near ammable liquids or in gaseous or explosive atmospheres!
Wear proper apparel, no loose clothes, long hair or jewelry which could get pulled into moving
machinery or materials.
Wear non slip footwear, safety glasses, ear protection and a dust mask.
Use only 3- wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding type plugs and 3-pole receptacles that
accept the tools plug for 120VAC. Use only 5-wire cords and plugs when using 3 phase.
DO NOT operate this or any machine under the inuence of drugs or alcohol!
Do not open motor compartment or controller keypad. DC Voltage with potentially FATAL amperage!
Disconnect power before servicing. No user-serviceable parts inside.
No one should operate this machine except for fully qualied personnel.
Read the manual!
Keep the work area clean and well lighted to avoid accidental injury.
3

Table of Contents
Table of Contents......................................................................................................................................... 1
SawGear Tables............................................................................................................................................1
Trimming SawGear Tables.....................................................................................................................3
SawGear Bench Mount Brackets..................................................................................................................3
Secure SawGear in the brackets..............................................................................................................3
Dismounting SawGear from the saw stand............................................................................................ 3
Register Your Warranty............................................................................................................................... 4
Enable Your SawGear............................................................................................................................4
Miter Saw Accuracy.....................................................................................................................................5
Check Your Pivot Point..........................................................................................................................5
Adjusting the Miter Saw Pivot Point......................................................................................................6
Using SawGear to Adjust Pivot Point....................................................................................................6
SawGear Control......................................................................................................................................... 8
SawGear LCD Display.................................................................................................................................9
1st Power Up................................................................................................................................................ 9
Repeat a 1st Power Up................................................................................................................................10
Normal Power Up.......................................................................................................................................10
Start SawGear.............................................................................................................................................11
Set Sleep Mode...........................................................................................................................................11
Set Contrast............................................................................................................................................... 11
Password Protection.................................................................................................................................. 12
Change the Password..................................................................................................................................12
Deactivate the Password.............................................................................................................................13
Setting the Distance Between the Stop and the Blade................................................................................14
Calibrate Straight Cut Distance............................................................................................................14
Calibrate Miter Cut X Distance ...........................................................................................................14
Calibrate Miter Cut Y Distance ...........................................................................................................15
Calibrate Miter Cut Z Distance ............................................................................................................15
Calibrate Increment Distance.............................................................................................................. 15
Straight Cutting......................................................................................................................................... 15
Basic Operation................................................................................................................................... 15
45° Miter Cutting........................................................................................................................................15
Custom Miter Cutting.................................................................................................................................16
Using Crown & Miter Pro..........................................................................................................................17
Increment................................................................................................................................................... 20
Saving Dimensions with List......................................................................................................................20
Entering Feet, Inches and Fractions............................................................................................................21
Largest Number Display.............................................................................................................................22
Entering Feet and Decimal Inches..............................................................................................................22
Largest Number Display.............................................................................................................................23
Entering Non-Standard Fractions...............................................................................................................23
Entering Millimeters.................................................................................................................................. 24
Largest Number Display.............................................................................................................................24
Entering Negative Numbers.......................................................................................................................24
Correcting Entry Errors..............................................................................................................................25
Home Routine after Impact........................................................................................................................26
4

5

2
6

3
Trimming SawGear Tables
Some miter saws have a range of motion that would cause the saw to cut into the SawGear
table. It is ok to trim the corner of the SawGear table to accommodate saws with a wider range
of motion.
SawGear Bench Mount Brackets
SawGear comes with two (2) bench mount
brackets. To order additional, use order# BR-
BM.
Secure SawGear in the brackets
1. Make sure both bracket mounts are approxi-
mately in line. Fasten them down with the
supplied hardware.
2. Lay SawGear across both bracket mounts in the
desired position relative to the saw.
3. When SawGear is facing front, there is an
angled channel running along the full length of
the beam at the bottom. Pivot SawGear, so the
curled front edge of both SawGear bench mount
brackets fits into this channel.
4. Let SawGear lie flat against the surface of both
brackets, so the beveled back lip of the Saw-
Gear beam can be secured by the locking
knobs.
5. Turn the locking knobs to capture SawGear in
both bench mount brackets.
Dismounting SawGear from the saw stand
SawGear is easily dismounted from the saw stand by loosening the locking knobs and pivoting
it off the brackets.
Always be sure to firmly tighten the locking knobs and all fasteners before using SawGear.
7

4
Connecting the Flipaway Stop
Tighten until the flipaway stop can hold it’s position when flipped up.
Register Your Warranty
When your new SawGear arrives, you will find a warranty registration sheet in the accessory
box.
Fill out this form and fax it to TigerStop Customer Service at
[phone].
TigerStop Customer Service will contact you by phone to give
you the enable code, within the hour during regular business
hours, [phone] Mon-Fri 6am~4pm PST
(West Coast), or the next business day if faxed after 4:00 P.M.
Enable Your SawGear
To use your SawGear, you have to enable it! Your SawGear
warranty begins on the day that your SawGear is enabled!
1. Power SawGear ON using the button on the keypad.
2. The screen displays "SN=# Enter enable code, call TigerStop".
3. When you receive the enable code from TigerStop, enter the number, and press [Start] to
load it.
8

5
Miter Saw Accuracy
SawGear is an accurate measuring tool, but when cutting angles using a miter saw,
the saw must be accurate too.
•Miter saws rotate around a center called the 'pivot
point.'
•The pivot point must be in exact alignment with the
saw's back fence.
•Some miter saws have an adjustable back fence;
others do not.
•If the pivot point is not in correct alignment and the
fence cannot be adjusted, accuracy can be maintained
by adjusting the length entered into SawGear by the
amount of offset observed.
When the pivot point is in exact alignment, all your cut lengths, straight, inside
and outside miters, will be exactly equal.
Don't settle for less than perfect! Dial in your saw!
Check Your Pivot Point
This example assumes that SawGear is on the right of the saw, and that the observed
pivot point is on the right side of the saw blade.
You can check for accuracy by comparing the
straight cut and the left and right miter
cuts:
1. End trim a sample board so it has a clean,
square right end.
2. Using a tape measure mark 8" from the right end
with a pencil and square.
3. Line up the pencil mark with the right side of the
saw kerf, and clamp the sample board flat up against the back fence, keeping the clamp
away from the path of the saw blade.
4. With the saw set at 0° make a partial cut into the sample board. This is the straight cut.
5. With the saw set at -45° make another partial cut into the sample. This is the outside corner
miter cut.
6. With the saw set at 45° make another partial cut into the sample. This is the inside corner
miter cut.
9

6
7. Unclamp the board and measure carefully from the right end of the board to each of the
cuts. If the pivot point has been correctly adjusted, all three cuts should be the same. If they
are not, readjust the back fence, and repeat the test process.
Adjusting the Miter Saw Pivot Point
If your miter saw is cutting inaccurately when cutting miters, its pivot point is
either too far back or too far forward.
The examples below show in which direction to adjust the fence to improve pivot point
alignment.
Pivot point too far BACK Pivot point too far FORWARD
Using SawGear to Adjust Pivot Point
If the back fence of the saw cannot be moved, you can adjust the pivot point offset using
SawGears pivot point adjustment system.
1. Press the [D] key then press the
[W] key.
2. If SawGear calibration is
necessary, press [Stop] and calibrate as usual.
3. If calibration is correct, press
[Start].
4. Place the square end of your
stock against the SawGear and
press [Start] key.
5. Swing your miter saw left to 45
degrees. Cut the piece and then
measure the piece from the back
edge. Enter this dimension and
press [Start] Key.
10

7
6. Take a new piece of stock and
place the square end against the
SawGear. Press [Start] key.
7. Swing your miter saw right to 45 degrees. Cut the piece and then measure the piece from
the back edge. Enter this dimension and press [Start] key.
SawGear will return to the main screen.
Pivot Point is now set.
11

8
SawGear Control
[Soft Start] switches off power to save energy.
[W] Molding Width Entry for cutting 45° miters.
[X] Left Stile Inside Length Entry for miters.
[Y] Header Inside Length Entry for miters.
[Z] Right Stile Inside Length Entry for miters.
[Ft] Feet Entry denotes numbers as Feet.
[In] Inches Entry denotes numbers as Inches.
[/] Slash is used to enter fractional numbers.
[<±>] Increment adds or subtracts from current
position by a given amount.
[List] List stores dimensions for later use.
[-D-] Calibrate sets the distance from the saw
blade. Also used to set or kill sleep mode.
[STOP] Stop halts movement immediately.
[Start] Start accepts an entered dimension, and
causes movement.
[Clr] Clear backs up and erases one digit at a time to correct a data entry error.
Also used to clear a cut length.
[.] Decimal is used to enter decimal numbers in both metric and inches.
[.] [.] [.] inserts a minus sign before a dimension, allowing entry of negative numbers
[n] Number keys are used to enter dimensions.
12

9
SawGear LCD Display
Display Size:
•16 characters wide x 1 character high
Ready Screen:
•Defined as when the stop is at position and the last 2 digits are blinking (heartbeat).
Display at Position in Foot Mode:
•Fractions divided from whole inches by an under-
score.
•Feet divided from inches by "Ft" and a space.
•"in" for inches ALWAYS at end.
•"in"and "IN" blink back and forth.
Display at Position in Metric Mode:
•"mm" for millimeters ALWAYS at end.
•"mm"and "MM" blink back and forth.
Switch between Inches and Metric
•Press then press
1st Power Up
The following routine is followed only the first time SawGear is used, or whenever the interface
language, measuring system, saw side or working length must be changed.
The messages shown below SCROLL across the screen if longer than the LCD's 16 char-
acter width.
1. Plug into AC power. Press [Soft
Start].
2. Select language when prompted.
SawGear can display text in English,
Spanish, French, Dutch, German and Italian.
3. Press [4] or [6] to select measure-
ment system.
4. Press [7] if the saw is to the left of
SawGear, or [9] if the saw is to the right.
5. Press [Start] to move.
13

10
SawGear moves to the end away from the saw until it reaches maximum position.
Then it moves to the end closest to the saw until it reaches minimum position.
SawGear quickly displays the working length, +/-
0.5 inch. (96.253 is only an example.)
If the working length that displays is NOT the
working length of the machine you are using the power head on, it MUST be changed.
Enter the correct working length found on the back side of the Measuring Bar.
6. Press [Start] to confirm the SawGear working length.
SawGear backs out and stops at 6”. CUT a sample at this length and MEASURE it.
7. Enter the length of the sample and
press [Start].
SawGear is now ready to use!
Repeat a 1st Power Up
If you need to change the interface language, the measurement system, or the saw location, or
if you are moving the SawGear power head to a different measuring bar, you must perform a
1st power up.
Unplug the machine and plug it in again while HOLDING DOWN the [STOP] key.
While still HOLDING DOWN the [STOP] key, press the soft start key until the
active screen displays, and continue at 1st Power Up, step 2.
Normal Power Up
The following routine is followed whenever SawGear is used, AFTER the first time.
The messages shown below SCROLL across the screen if longer than the LCD's 16 char-
acter width.
1. Plug into AC power.
2. Press [Start].
SawGear homes itself and then
scrolls:
3. Enter length and press [Start].
SawGear instantly moves to the length you entered. Make your cut(s) and repeat the
process.
14

11
Start SawGear
If SawGear is plugged into power but does not display the active screen, start it up using the
soft start key:
SawGear will automatically power off the display when not in use, unless sleep mode is
turned off.
•When powered ON, SawGear emits a low hum, which indicates that SawGear is ON and
ready to use.
•When powered OFF using the soft start key, the hum stops, indicating that SawGear is
OFF.
•To power it ON again, push the soft start, and listen for the hum. The display will also come
on.
•If you have turned on Password Protection, then the password MUST be entered whenever
SawGear has to be powered on.
Set Sleep Mode
SawGear will automatically power OFF after ten minutes of inactivity. This puts it in 'sleep
mode.'
Start it up again using the soft start key:
Sleep mode can be turned off, or the length of time before going into sleep mode can be
changed.
1. Press and then .
2. Press [0] to turn sleep mode OFF,
and [Start] to save the setting.
Your SawGear will never automatically power OFF.
3. OR, enter a number to set how many minutes SawGear can be inactive before it powers
OFF in sleep mode, and then press [Start] to save the setting.
The smallest number you can enter is 0.25 minutes. Your entry can include a decimal
fraction.
Set Contrast
V2.08 or higher
The SawGear power head screen contrast can be adjusted to lighten or darken the screen.
Press and then .
15

12
Enter the desired contrast and press [Start].
100 is maximum contrast and 1 is minimum contrast.
Password Protection
SawGear can be secured by a password to prevent its use by unauthorized persons.
The following steps show how to activate password protection.
Once a password has been set, SawGear cannot be operated without it, so DON'T LOSE IT!
The messages shown below SCROLL across the screen if longer than the LCD's 16
character width.
1. Unplug SawGear from AC power.
2. While holding down the [/] key,
plug SawGear into AC power.
3. Press [Start].
4. Enter a password consisting of 4
to 8 digits, and press [Start].
5. Re-enter password and press
[Start].
6. Press [Start].
SawGear homes itself and then scrolls:
SawGear is now ready to use!
The password MUST be entered whenever SawGear is powered up
Change the Password
When password protection has been set, the password can be changed.
The following steps show how to change the password.
Once a password has been set, SawGear cannot be operated without it, so DON'T LOSE IT!
The messages shown below SCROLL across the screen if longer than the LCD's 16
character width.
1. Unplug SawGear from AC power.
16

13
2. While holding down the [/] key, plug SawGear into AC power.
3. Enter the old password and press [Start].
4. Enter a new password consisting
of 4 to 8 digits, and press [Start].
5. Re-enter password and press
[Start].
6. Press [Start].
SawGear homes itself and then
scrolls:
SawGear is now ready to use!
Deactivate the Password
When password protection has been set, it can also be turned off.
The following steps show how to deactivate password protection.
The messages shown below SCROLL across the screen if longer than the LCD's 16
character width.
1. Unplug SawGear from AC power.
2. While holding down the [/] key,
plug SawGear into AC power.
3. Enter the old password and press [Start].
4. Press [Start] [Start].
5. Press [Start] [Start] again.
This clears the password.
6. Press [Start].
SawGear homes itself and then scrolls:
SawGear is now ready to use!
17

14
SawGear is no longer password protected and will not ask for a password when it is powered
up
Setting the Distance Between the Stop and
the Blade
This is how to set the distance between the stop and the saw blade using the
Calibrate key:
SawGear is in Foot mode for these examples.
The Calibrate key will let you set five distances:
1.Between stop and saw blade (straight cut distance)
2.Between stop and saw blade at 45° angle miter (X distance)
3.Between stop and saw blade at 45° angle miter (Y distance)
4.Between stop and saw blade at 45° angle miter (Z distance)
5.Between stop and saw blade (stored increment)
Calibrate Straight Cut Distance
1. Cut a sample board at least 12 inches long.
2. Measure the cut board, and press [-D-].
The LCD screen scrolls:
3. Enter the actual length of the sample piece and press [Start] to return to the ready screen.
Calibrate Miter Cut X Distance
•The calibration of the X, Y and Z values uses a calculated value based on the value of W
(moulding width).
•SawGear will use whatever was the last known value of W to calibrate X, Y and Z values.
•See also Setting the Value of W.
18

15
1. Cut a sample 'X' moulding at least 12 inches long.
2. Measure the X distance of the cut board, and
press [-D-] [X].
3. Enter the actual X length of the sample piece and press [Start] to return to the ready screen.
Calibrate Miter Cut Y Distance
1. Cut a sample 'Y' moulding at least 12 inches long.
2. Measure the Y distance of the cut board, and
press [-D-] [Y].
3. Enter the actual Y length of the sample piece and press [Start] to return to the ready screen.
Calibrate Miter Cut Z Distance
1. Cut a sample 'Z' moulding at least 12 inches long.
2. Measure the Z distance of the cut board, and press
[-D-] [Z].
3. Enter the actual Z length of the sample piece and press [Start] to return to the ready screen.
Calibrate Increment Distance
1. Press [-D-] [<±>].
2. Enter the length of the desired increment and press [Start] to return to the ready screen.
Straight Cutting
SawGear has been set up on a chop saw or miter saw and has been homed and is now ready
to run.
SawGear can be used in Foot Mode or in Metric Mode.
Basic Operation
Consists of two simple steps:
1.Enter a dimension and hit [Start].
2.When SawGear moves to position, make your cut(s).
45° Miter Cutting
All miters will be 45° cuts. See also Custom Miter Cutting.
SawGear can be used in Foot Mode or in Metric Mode.
These buttons, located along the top of the SawGear control,
are used to set up your machine for miter cuts.
19

16
The most important thing to do in setting up SawGear to miter cut molding and other stock is to
correctly enter the width of the material to be cut. The movements that SawGear makes are
calculated from the width entered using the [W] key.
1. Press [W], enter the width of the molding being cut,
and press [Start].
2. Make a square trim cut with the exterior edge to fence.
3. Press [X] to set the length of the left stile, enter the
interior dimension of the casing, and press [Start].
SawGear moves to a length based on the width of the stock and the 45° angle of the first
miter.
4. Swing the saw to the left, set it at -45°, make a trim cut from the front to the back fence, and
remove the left stile.
5. Swing the saw to the right, set it at 45°, and trim off the residual miter from the previous cut.
6. Press [Y] to set the length of the header, enter the
interior dimension of the casing, and press [Start].
SawGear moves to a length accounting for the 45° angle of the two miter cut ends.
7. Move your piece to the stop, swing the saw to the left, set it at -45°, make the cut, and
remove the piece.
8. Swing the saw to the right, set it at 45°, and trim off the residual miter from the previous cut.
9. Press [Z] to set the length of the right stile, enter
the interior dimension of the casing, and press
[Start].
SawGear moves to a length based on the width of the stock and the 45° angle of the last
miter.
10.Move your piece to the stop, return the saw to 0°, make the final square cut, and remove the
right stile.
SawGear returns to the ready screen and is waiting for your next move.
Custom Miter Cutting
Miters to be cut will be at various angles.
SawGear can be used in Foot Mode or in Metric Mode.
These buttons, located along the top of the SawGear control,
are used to set up your machine for miter cuts.
SawGear can be used to cut custom angled miters for crown or other trim moldings. The
[W] key is used to input the angle of any miter that is not 45°. The following steps show how.
20