Subscribe to Lincoln St. Woodworks on YouTube
Every nine minutes, there is a table saw injury in the U.S., resulting in over 60,000 accidents per year, with 3,000 leading to amputations.
He will demonstrate the safe usage of a saw, explain the differences between portable and stationary machines, and shed light on the importance of having a saw stop. Additionally, he will be giving away a saw stop to one lucky individual.
Two common causes of table saw injuries are kickback and impatience. Kickback occurs when the workpiece rides up the back of the blade and is flung toward the operator within seconds, sometimes resulting in severe injuries.
MICROJIG GRR-RIPPER GR-100 3D Table Saw Pushblock
Click Here To Check Price On Amazon
This can be prevented by using a riving knife or a splitter, although a riving knife doesn’t guarantee complete safety. Impatience, often experienced by more seasoned woodworkers, occurs when attempting to grab an off-cut workpiece before the blade stops spinning.
Proper setup principles apply to everyone using a table saw, regardless of the type of saw owned. The fence should be parallel to the miter slots or toed out slightly away from the blade to avoid kickback.
The blade should also be parallel to the miter slots, and regular waxing of the saw bed ensures smooth material movement. Wearing appropriate protective gear such as hearing and eye protection, along with avoiding loose-fitting clothes or draw cords, is vital for safety.
Want To Improve Your Woodworking?
Discover 1,000 Hours Of Step-By-Step Woodworking Videos
It’s called Woodwork101. A database of detailed videos and blueprints in crystal clear, mouth-watering HD that will take you by the hand and show you that DIY home projects done the right way are easy, fun, and always of top quality… turning dream into reality in a heart-beat. Getting you that perfect build each and every time.
Selecting the right blade for the table saw is crucial. Stock blades that often come with a new saw are generally of poor quality and may pose a safety hazard. It is recommended to use a general-purpose blade for most work and a dedicated rip blade for cutting dense species.
Crosscuts, which involve cutting across the grain, can be made using the fence with a stop block or a crosscut sled.
Safety measures like blade guards and feather boards are highly effective in preventing injuries, although they may not always be utilized. Blade guards are essential for reducing table saw injuries, while feather boards offer additional pressure towards the fence for more accurate cuts.
MICROJIG GRR-RIPPER GB-1 Grr-Rip Block Smart Hook Pushblock For Router Table, Jointer
Click Here To Check Price On Amazon
However, choosing the right safety measures depends on personal preference and the nature of the work being done.
When using smaller portable table saws, it is important to set up a stable and proper working height surface to avoid reaching while cutting. Outfeed rollers can provide support for longer and heavier cuts. When it comes to the controversial topic of seeing SawStop, it is an individual choice.
While the SawStop is not the only safe option, it provides an additional layer of insurance against accidents, making it a worthwhile consideration.
It is also important to note that accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of experience, and it is always better to prioritize safety.
[Video] 3 Most Common Mistakes
When Setting Up Shop
A woodworking friend of mine shared this video by Ralph Chapman with me that helped him set up his workshop.
The video explains the benefits of Ralph Chapman’s guide about setting up an affordable workshop and avoiding the most common mistakes offers to anyone interested in woodworking.
FAQ
1. How many table saw injuries occur each year?
Approximately 60,000 table saw injuries occur in the U.S. annually, with around 3,000 resulting in amputations.
2. What are the common causes of table saw injuries?
The two common causes of table saw injuries are kickback, where the workpiece is flung towards the operator, and impatience when grabbing off-cut pieces before the blade stops spinning.
3. How can kickback injuries be prevented?
The primary prevention method for kickback injuries is using a riving knife or a splitter to prevent the workpiece from riding up the back of the blade. Blade guards can also be helpful.
4. What are the essential setup principles for table saws?
Ensuring the fence is parallel to the miter slots or toed out slightly away from the blade is crucial. Additionally, keeping the blade parallel to the miter slots and waxing the saw bed regularly are important for safe operation.
5. What type of blade should I use for my table saw?
It is recommended to use a general-purpose blade for most work and a dedicated rip blade for cutting dense species. Using thin kerf blades is advisable for smaller saws.
