In this article, The Honest Carpenter discusses the worst mistakes that can be made when using a table saw. They stress the importance of using a push stick and avoiding twisting the board while cutting. The article covers common mistakes such as cutting freehand, squeezing the cut, and ripping boards wider than they are long. The speaker also goes over less obvious mistakes like levering and failure to catch the outfeed.
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Key Takeaways
- Always use a push stick and avoid twisting the board while cutting.
- Do not cut freehand or squeeze the cut around the blade.
- Avoid levering and always catch the outfeed.
Importance of Using a Push Stick
The first thing that the speaker emphasizes in the video is the importance of using a push stick when operating a table saw. Even though many saws come with push sticks and there are numerous others on the market, beginners and even sometimes pros may forget to use them.
Using a push stick is crucial when making rip cuts that are under a foot wide. This is because pushing a board through the saw with only your hands can increase the chances of twisting the board away from the fence. When this happens, friction increases against the rigid blade and the motor may bog down. If friction builds up too much, the blade may bind, throwing the board back towards the operator, which can be very dangerous.
The push stick helps to keep the board moving in a straight line, ensuring that it stays flush against the fence. Beginners and even pros can run into problems with this, such as not having the inside edge of the board fully flush with the fence at the start or using a board with a ragged edge against the fence. These mistakes can cause the blade to bind and the board to twist, leading to dangerous situations.
Therefore, it is important to always use a push stick when making rip cuts under a foot wide. The speaker will cover the usage of push sticks soon and talk about some of his favorites.
Mistake 1: Twisting the Board
Twisting the board is a cardinal sin with any spinning blade, including table saws. Even though table saws have a rip fence that sits parallel to the blade and guides the board on a straight path, problems can still occur if the board gets twisted away from the fence. When this happens, friction increases against the rigid blade, and if friction builds up too much, the blade may bind, throwing the board back towards the operator.
To avoid this mistake, it is important to always use the fence and keep the board moving in a straight line. Beginners and even sometimes pros can run into problems with this, for instance, they might not have the inside edge fully flush with the fence at the start and begin driving at an angle without realizing it. This will leave slack at the fence, and if they swing the board to compensate, it may cause the blade to bind.
It is crucial to use the fence and make sure that the board has a clean, straight edge to push against the fence. Using a board with a ragged edge against the fence creates gaps, which can make the board wiggle enough to cause the blade to bind. Therefore, it is essential to keep the board straight and flush against the fence to prevent any accidents.
In addition, beginners may try to guide their stock by pushing it forward with one hand and pushing it towards the fence really hard with the other hand. This may seem more secure to them, but really it’s overcompensating. One hand should never be very far forward on the stall; it should always be well on the operator’s side of the blade. Part of the reason is that it can create too much sideways pressure as the blade passes deeper into the stock.
Overall, it is important to avoid twisting the board while cutting and always use the fence to keep the board moving in a straight line. This will prevent any friction and blade binding, ensuring a clean and safe cut.
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Mistake 2: Cutting Free Hand
Cutting freehand is a terrible idea when using a table saw. It creates numerous opportunities for twisting the blade, making it difficult to guide the board straight in and catching friction on the table. Your hands may fight each other for control, and it gets harder as your remaining stock gets thinner. In the end, you might create a seesaw effect between your hands, causing the board to twist, and the blade to bind.
Using the fence or a miter gauge is a much better idea. It makes everything about the cut cleaner, safer, and more effective. When using a fence, beginners may try to guide their stock by pushing it forward with one hand and pushing it towards the fence really hard with the other hand. This may seem more secure to them, but really it’s overcompensating one.
Your hand should never be very far forward on the stock; it should always be well on your side of the blade. Part of the reason is that it can create too much sideways pressure. As the blade passes deeper into the stock, the board loses rigidity, so too much outside pressure may squeeze the off-cut onto the blade, causing it to pinch the blade and bind.
Don’t let your outside hand control too much. You can keep both hands pushing forward, but use only very light force from the outside hand towards the fence. The inside hand should be the dominant force, with the outside hand just helping it keep on track. This will also keep you from twisting the board, which is just as likely with this bad technique.
Mistake 3: Squeezing the Cut
Squeezing the cut is a common mistake that many people make while using a table saw. This mistake occurs when too much pressure is applied to the outside of the board while cutting. Beginners may try to guide their stock by pushing it forward with one hand and pushing it towards the fence really hard with the other hand. This may seem more secure to them, but it’s overcompensating.
One’s hand should never be very far forward on the stock; it should always be well on your side of the blade. Part of the reason is because it can create too much sideways pressure. As the blade passes deeper into the stock, the board loses rigidity, so too much outside pressure may squeeze the off-cut onto the blade, causing it to pinch the blade and bind.
To avoid this mistake, both hands should be pushing forward, but use only very light force from the outside hand towards the fence. The inside hand should be the dominant force, with the outside hand just helping it keep on track. This will also keep you from twisting the board, which is just as likely with this bad technique.
It is essential to keep in mind that squeezing the cut around the blade is possible even when you’re using a fence. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid this mistake and ensure that both hands are pushing forward with only light force from the outside hand towards the fence.
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Mistake 4: Ripping Boards Wider than They Are Long
Ripping boards wider than they are long is a common mistake that many beginners make when using a table saw. While table saws are designed to make long, straight rips, they can be used for cross-cutting as well. However, cutting a board that is wider than it is long can be dangerous, as it is very unstable going through a table saw. The board is only supported at one end and it can be difficult to keep the narrow edge pinned against the fence.
This sideways shape creates friction, and the long offcut acts like an anchor, pulling the piece diagonally. As a result, you may overcompensate by pushing that end forward, which is hard to regulate. You may get a seesawing effect between the two hands, and both twisting and blade squeezing are likely. It’s just a very unstable way to cut on the table saw.
If you’re going to cut a shape like this, it’s best to use a circular saw or miter saw instead. Alternatively, you can make a cross-cut jig for your table saw. However, be wary of cutting like this on the fence.
Overall, it’s important to remember that table saws are designed for long, straight rips. While they can be used for cross-cutting, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and potential dangers when doing so. Always use the appropriate tools and techniques for the job at hand to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
Mistake 5: Levering
Levering is a mistake that occurs when a board is not kept flat on the table saw while making a cut. It can happen accidentally at the start of a cut, especially if the piece is long or heavy. If the weight of the back of the board tips the front up, it can cause the board to lower suddenly onto the blade, creating a lot of friction and potentially kicking back. This is why it’s important to keep the front of the stock flat on the table saw while making a cut.
To avoid levering, the user should give the board a little up and down wiggle to feel for flush contact, pin it down lightly with a finger, and then slowly drive forward to initiate the cut. It’s important to maintain surface stability throughout the entire cut.
Levering can be dangerous because it might pull the user forward towards the blade as they try to control the piece. This could cause them to lose their balance and fall onto the blade or put their hand down on the blade to catch themselves. To prevent this from happening, the user should support the outfeed by having a second person gently catch it from behind or by creating a platform for it to rest on.
Overall, levering is a mistake that can be easily avoided by keeping the front of the stock flat on the table saw and supporting the outfeed.
Mistake 6: Failure to Catch the Outfeed
When using a table saw, it is important to ensure that the outfeed of the board is properly supported. Failure to catch the outfeed can lead to dangerous situations where the board is levered upward, pulling it off the blade and table. This can cause the board to pull the operator forward towards the blade, leading to a loss of balance and potential injuries.
To avoid this mistake, it is recommended to have a second person be there to gently catch the outfeed from behind or create a platform that the outfeed can rest on. In the absence of these options, it is important to ensure that the outfeed is properly supported by the operator. This can be done by using a support stand or a roller stand to keep the board level and stable throughout the cut.
It is also important to note that pulling small pieces from the back of the saw can be dangerous and should be avoided. This mistake can cause the operator’s hand to get pulled into the blade in the blink of an eye, leading to serious injuries. Instead, it is recommended to use a push stick or a jig to safely cut small pieces.
By properly supporting the outfeed and avoiding the mistake of pulling small pieces from the back, operators can ensure that they are using the table saw safely and effectively.
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Mistake 7: Pulling Small Pieces from the Back
Pulling small pieces from the back of the saw is a common mistake made by beginners. It may seem like an easy way to retrieve the cut-off pieces, but it is extremely dangerous. The far side of the piece should never be grabbed with a hand anywhere near the blade. If the blade binds, the hand will be pulled into the blade in an instant.
Even though professionals may pull from the back in certain situations, it should be avoided, especially with smaller boards. It is almost impossible to see the cut mark on the bottom, making it difficult to guide the board down precisely.
It is recommended to use a push stick or a scrap piece of wood to push the cut-off pieces through the blade and onto the outfeed table. If the piece is too small to safely push through, it should be discarded or cut into a larger piece before being pushed through the saw.
Overall, pulling small pieces from the back is a dangerous mistake that should be avoided at all costs. It is important to prioritize safety when working with a table saw to prevent accidents and injuries.
Mistake 8: Drop Cutting
Drop cutting is a dangerous mistake that should never be done with a table saw. This type of cut starts in the middle of the board rather than at the end, and requires the operator to lower the board onto the blade with their hands on both ends. This is a recipe for disaster, as friction increases as the board comes down onto the blade, and the operator’s hands may get dragged forward very quickly, leading to board ejection.
Additionally, drop cutting makes it almost impossible to see the cut mark, which makes guiding the board down precisely very difficult. This is why drop cuts should be made with a circular saw or a jigsaw, rather than a table saw.
It’s important to remember that even if a cut is made safely, there is still a lot of temptation to reach over the saw to grab the offcut. However, reaching over a spinning blade is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury. It’s important to take the time to turn off the saw and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before retrieving the offcut.
In conclusion, drop cutting is a mistake that should be avoided at all costs when using a table saw. Always make sure to use the appropriate tool for the job, and never reach over a spinning blade. By following these safety guidelines, you can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workshop.
Mistake 9: Don’t Set Blade Too High
Another mistake to avoid when using a table saw is setting the blade too high. This is a common mistake that can lead to serious injury. When the blade is set too high, it can cause the wood to kick back, which can result in the operator getting hit by the wood or the blade.
It’s important to set the blade at the right height for the job at hand. If you’re making a rip cut, the blade should be set just above the height of the wood. If you’re making a crosscut, the blade should be set just below the height of the wood.
Setting the blade too high can also cause the wood to burn, which can ruin the cut and make the wood unusable. This is because the higher the blade is set, the more friction it creates, which can cause the wood to heat up and burn.
To avoid this mistake, always make sure the blade is set at the right height for the job at hand. Use the saw’s depth gauge to ensure the blade is set at the correct height. If you’re not sure, consult the saw’s manual or a professional to ensure you’re using the saw safely and correctly.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when using a table saw. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can reduce the risk of injury and ensure that your cuts are clean and precise.
Mistake 10: Reaching Over the Table Saw
Reaching over the table saw is a common mistake that many people make, but it can be extremely dangerous. Even if you’ve made a cut safely, there’s still a lot of temptation to reach over the saw to grab the offcut. People do it because it’s fast, but it’s not worth the risk.
If you reach over a spinning blade, there’s a chance you might lose your balance and once again put your hand down to catch yourself. This is incredibly dangerous and can result in serious injury. Additionally, loose clothing can get caught in the blade, which is why you should always wear proper safety gear and avoid wearing loose clothing.
It’s important to remember that the blade on a table saw is spinning at an incredibly high speed, and any contact with it can result in serious injury. Always use proper safety techniques and avoid reaching over the saw at all costs. If you need to retrieve the offcut, turn off the saw and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before reaching for it.
In summary, reaching over the table saw is a serious mistake that should be avoided at all costs. Always prioritize safety when using any power tool, and never take unnecessary risks that could result in injury.
Mistake 11: Ripping Narrow Widths
Another mistake to avoid when using a table saw is ripping narrow widths. While table saws are designed to make long, straight rips, it can be tempting to use them for narrower cuts. However, this can be dangerous and lead to mistakes.
When ripping narrow widths, the board is not as stable as it would be with a longer rip. This can cause the board to twist or move away from the fence, leading to potential binding or kickback. It is important to use a push stick and keep the board against the fence to ensure a straight cut.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the board has a clean, straight edge to push against the fence. Using a board with a ragged edge can create gaps and cause the board to wiggle, increasing the risk of binding and kickback.
To avoid this mistake, it is recommended to use a different tool, such as a circular saw or miter saw, for narrow cuts. Alternatively, a cross-cut jig can be made for the table saw to ensure a stable cut.
Overall, it is important to prioritize safety when using a table saw and avoid making these common mistakes. By following proper usage and techniques, accidents can be prevented and successful cuts can be made.
Mistake 12: Standing Behind Your Stock
Another mistake to avoid when using a table saw is standing behind your stock while cutting. This is a common mistake that many people make, especially beginners. The problem with standing behind your stock is that it puts you in a dangerous position if something goes wrong.
If the blade binds or the stock kicks back, you could be hit by the board or the blade. This can result in serious injury or even death. Therefore, it is important to always stand to the side of the blade when cutting.
Additionally, standing behind your stock can also cause accuracy issues. When you are behind the stock, it is more difficult to see the blade and the cut line. This can lead to crooked cuts or cuts that are not straight.
To avoid this mistake, always stand to the side of the blade when cutting. This will keep you out of harm’s way and allow you to see the blade and the cut line more clearly. If you need to support the stock as it exits the saw, use a support stand or have someone else hold the stock for you.
In conclusion, standing behind your stock while cutting on a table saw is a mistake that should be avoided. Always stand to the side of the blade for safety and accuracy.
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