Safety is very important when handling table saw. Table saws can be dangerous if you don’t handle them with care. It’s much needed to know how to use a Table Saw safely,
That is why safety precautions must be followed at all times. In this article, we will be discussing how you can stay safe when using a table saw.
Table of Contents
5 Simple Steps of How to Use a Table Saw Safely.
Step 1: Use All The Safety Equipment Before You Start.
Notice that here we are talking about the safety equipment or tools, and not safety gears. The safety gears are worn on you, while the safety equipment is attached to the table saw.
So, when you purchase a new table saw, you will notice some parts, which are actually the safety equipment. Parts like the blade guard, which we covered in the Quick Tips section, anti-kickback pawls, and riving knife, are necessary for your safety. The riving knife is also called a splitter.
As long as you are still new to using the table saw, ensure that all the safety parts are in place at all times. When you gain more experience, you can start removing the parts gradually. While the safety equipment will protect you against injuries, it will limit you from making complex cuts.
The complex cuts are only made by professionals that can use the table saw without the safety parts. But even if you want to remove the safety features, at least ensure that the riving knife remains in place. The riving knife will prevent any possible kickback that could lead to some serious injuries.
Generally, a kickback is when the piece of wood, plastic, or metal sheet twists or binds as you are cutting it on the table saw. In the event of a kickback, the workpiece will not be parallel to the blade. In turn, the teeth of the blade will grab onto the workpiece and toss it forcefully towards you. You don’t want to risk removing the riving knife.
Step 2: Always use a Fence or Miter Gauge When Making Cuts.
Each table saw brands like Dawalt, Bosch, shop fox, skill, and Powermatic all are feature a rip fence. The rip fence is a long block that runs parallel to the blade.
Whenever you want to make a rip cut, make sure that you press the workpiece up to the rip fence. This will allow the workpiece to slide through the blade at a parallel angle. Rip cuts are when you cut wood lengthwise.
Also, when making cross cuts or cutting wood widthwise, ensure that you use a miter gauge. In most cases, some table saws will come with the miter gauge. But you may have to buy it separately if your table saw doesn’t have it.
A miter gauge and a rip fence will prevent the workpiece from binding or twisting in the middle of a cut. In the long run, this helps to prevent a possible kickback. Furthermore, the rip fence and miter gauge help you to achieve perfectly straight cuts. you can have this Table saw.
Step 3: Practice the Cuts Before You Make Them.
Having the necessary safety equipment and gears is one thing, and using the saw accordingly is another. Before you start making cuts, you must ensure that you visualize and practice them accordingly. As the workpiece is sliding through the table saw blade, you will have to readjust your hands. Here, you must place them in the right position.
If you don’t place them properly, you might end up cutting yourself or getting injured in any other way. That is why you should visualize and practice those cuts beforehand. Try to imagine how the cutting process will look like and where you should be placing your hands or the push stick. Make sure you practice the motions of the whole cutting process so that you are ready enough.
Once you are more accustomed to it, you can proceed to make the real cuts. As you practice, make sure that the saw is switched off. You may injure yourself if you practice when the blade is running.
Step 4: Remember That The Machine Is Still Dangerous.
Even though it is okay to remove some safety features from the table saw as you get more experienced, you must still handle it with total care. A table saw is still a machine that has no intelligence. This means that it can harm you even if you are the most experienced.
That is why you must handle the table saw with respect and care at all times. A lot of people get too comfortable when working with the table saw as they get more experienced. While this is not a crime, you must always be extra careful even when you get comfortable with the table saw.
Remember that this is not America’s Got Talent. So, nobody would want to see your daring acts.
A table saw is a power tool, and it must be handled with total care, even with the professionals.
Step 5: Don’t Forget About the Ear Protection.
At the start of the article, we stated that goggles and gloves are among the protective gear that you should wear. But ear protection is another important gear that you should not leave behind.
Make sure you wear it whenever you use the table saw, especially when you are cutting hard materials.
For ear protection, you can either go with earmuffs or earplugs. Whichever you go for, make sure that it offers the needed protection for your eardrums.
Quick Safety Tips
On how to use beginner or contractor table saw safely, the first thing you need to keep in mind is to wear the necessary protective gear. This includes a pair of gloves, goggles, and any other necessary protective gear.
1. install the blade guard to the saw.
The first thing you should do is install the blade guard on the saw. This will usually come with the saw. For further safety, adjust the height of the blade in that the bottom of the saw blade gullet is even with the wood’s surface.
2. Use a push stick to protect your fingers.
Use a push stick to protect your fingers. The boards must be kept tight to the fence for further safety. You can hook your thumb behind the board as you keep the pinky finger in contact with the best fence. A push stick or a shoe will help to guide a thin board through the spinning blade. Therefore, ensure that the shoe or push stick is within your reach as you use the saw.
3. An outfeed table/support will support long rips.
An outfeed table/support will support long rips. You can also purchase manufactured stands that feature rollers or any other device that can support outfeed lumber.
4. For thin strips, always use extensions.
For thin strips, always use extensions to help you with that. Here, you can clamp the L-shaped plywood extension to the fence.
But that is not all. Let’s explore further how to use a table saw safely;
FAQ
Q. How to Cut Angles on a Table Saw?
Ans. Learning how to use a taper jig on a table saw is the same as how to cut angles on a table saw for the job site. Why is that so? The reason behind this is that a taper jig allows you to make angled rip cuts on a table saw.
This is a simple tool that is easy and safe to use too. Always make sure you make a few dry runs before you start cutting angles with the taper jig.
Final Verdict
That’s all about how to use a table saw safely. Don’t ever try to use your table saw without ensuring the proper safety guideline, It may cause serious injury. Happy working and run the economy for the country.