Two Must-Know Table Saw Safety Techniques

Issue: Issue 210
Posted Date: 11/18/2008

A good table saw is the centerpiece of a woodworker's shop. Proper table saw technique is one of the keys to craftsmanship. Here we explore proper techniques for two common table saw cuts.

Before You Begin
Safety: protect your. . .	Proper alignment:
Hands and Fingers: Place a top guard on the saw blade; use push sticks. Hearing: Wear earmuffs or earplugs. Vision: Wear safety goggles or glasses to block flying debris. Body and Hands: Prevent kickback with proper machine setup, correct operator technique and a splitter to guard the blade Breathing: Wear a dust mask or use an exhaust system (optional).	Blade: Use a straightedge tight to the blade to check alignment of the blade with the miter slots. Insert: Level the insert with the table surface, measure with a straightedge, and adjust the leveling screws as necessary. Fence: Lay a straightedge tight to the blade and adjust the fence until it is parallel. Using a try square, adjust the fence so that it is at a right angle to the table surface.

Ripping Solid Lumber

Set the fence to the width of the cut and place your push sticks so they are within easy reach when they are needed. Stand comfortably in front of the saw, left of the line of cut. As you approach the table saw, press your hip against the edge of the table to anchor yourself and keep your balance. Keep your eyes mainly on the contact line between workpiece and fence. The front end of the board must always be flat on the table as you cut.


Keep the stock flat on the tabletop as it approaches the blade. In this photo, the push sticks are awkwardly placed. The primary push stick should be closer to the left hand.	When the back, or trailing, edge of the wood that you're ripping reaches the front edge of the table, that's the moment to call your push sticks into action.	As the cut reaches the trailing edge of the wood, maintain contact against the fence with the left-hand push stick.	Push the workpiece through the blade (retrieve it by walking around the table). Use the left-hand push stick to move the falling stock once it has passed the splitter.
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Ripping Sheet Stock

First, it's always good to break the sheet down into manageable pieces with a hand saw, jigsaw or circular saw. Always use the splitter and top guard when sawing sheet goods. With pieces 12" or wider, you don't need push sticks, but keep your hands at the outer edges of the sheet. Stand far enough away to the left of the blade to get your right hand on the trailing edge of the sheet, and your left hand on its left edge. Both hands help support the sheet so it remains flat on the table.


The sheet's guide edge should be tight against the fence and its leading edge flat on the table.	As you advance, focus on the contact line between workpiece and fence. Notice that your hand position has changed.	If the workpiece is less than 12" wide, use a push stick to push it past the blade.
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