Table Saw Safety Tips
It seems like every year I come across an article of someone seriously hurting themselves while woodworking, if not from kickback, “biggest injuries suffered from using a table saw”. Or either from something that could be prevented if proper precautions were taken. If you have been working with wood for any period of time you have experienced some form of kickback, and if you’re new to woodworking, you will eventually get there. I don’t say this to scare you. All woodworking accidents can be avoided if proper safety concerns are taken into account beforehand. Even with all the risk woodworking is by far one of my fondest hobbies. Whenever you buy any new equipment please read the instructions and understand all the safety features before use.
Common Sense, Isn’t So Common
Use common sense. Most accidents that will occur while woodworking will result from rushing to get a project finished and either not paying attention or cutting corners and seriously hurting yourself. If you noticed the saw is still plugged in don’t assume it won't turn on; unplug it. Change your blade, then plug it back in. It may take an extra 15 seconds, get over it. No horseplay, I’m very playful and would drink any of you under the table, but there are no pranks, drinking, or horseplay in my woodshop. It only takes a split second for someone to lose an arm or, worst, their life from playing around.
Use a Riving Knife
A riving knife is the best gadget on your table saw to prevent kickback. Kickback commonly shows up when a piece of wood becomes wedged on the back end of the saw blade, forcing whatever your cutting to fire back with such force that could be deadly in some cases. If your riving knife is in place, it will help prevent the board your cutting from rotating and getting into the return of the blade.
Always Wear Safety Glasses
We were all given two eyes. Protect them! Don’t be stupid, I think we’ve all jumped on the table saw a time or two thinking it won’t take long and, I don’t need my safety glasses, WEAR THEM! No matter how simple the project is, get into the habit of putting your safety first. Each time you don’t wear your glasses, you’re only opening the door to shards of wood and other unneeded problems that could be easily prevented.
Use A Pusher
When your fence is only three or four inches from the blade, don’t be an idiot; use a pushing stick to push the board through the cut. These can be made or bought at a reasonable cost. You only get one set of fingers; don’t lose them.
Watch Where You’re Standing
Whenever you use a table saw, you need solid, secure footing. No, loose cords, clean up the junk on the floor, regardless of how cute your dog or kid is, not today, buddy! If people are in the shop with you, no one should stand behind you, in front of where the saw feeds out to. Basically, all I’m saying is prevent tripping hazards. No one is allowed to stand in the kickback zones which are in front or behind the saw. Don’t stand with your toes together or lean to one side. Tie your damn shoes, and don’t wear baggy shit that could get caught in the blades. Do not lean over the saw as you cut, again use common sense.
No Gloves
Being able to grip your project is so important. Gloves prevent you from being able to do that. The slickness of a pair of gloves and the power a table saw can generate could cause you to lose your grip. Plus, I believe in prevention, why take the risk of a loose string getting caught in your saw blade and destroying your arm?
Pressure Through The Cut
It doesn’t take a lot of pressure, simply maintain the board is going in straight and you’re good. Just like a golf swing, allow the saw to do the work, and you be the guide.
