Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Safety on kickback w/table saw

About the kickback issue on this thread:

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=315991

Basically I haven't had any experience using a table saw and I "want" to. Eventually, I'd like to get a table saw too. I was going to have my dad cut the 2 x 4's for me on the table saw, however I just experienced using a circular saw and feel comfortable using it now. I've experienced the kickback with it as well. No problemo.

When a kickback happens, is it similar to what would happen when using a table saw? I'm now debating whether or not to DIY..only b/c I love using tools and eventually, I'll have to DIY on using tools since I can't have my dad do it my entire life. :D

Most/all [?] table saws come with a rip guard that covers the blade. This helps to prevent injury when ripping wood. The problem is the guard is always in the way and often gets discarded - mines hanging on my shop wall somewhere - I think :p There are various attachements to be used with a table saw, some are mostly for safety while others just make the job easier.

You ALWAYS want to use a push block [store bought or homemade] anytime the end of the wood gets to the table. Many years ago after making a bunch of cuts and removing the jig I was using, I realized I needed 1 more cut. I decided :thumbdn: to make it freehand - before I knew what happened the saw ripped that piece of wood out of my hand and sent the wood flying out the door and across the fence. I was lucky and uninjured although one of my fingers felt like it was broke for a little while.

My grandfather was a carpenter back when the only power tool they used was a table saw. Like many carpenters from his era, he had many fingers that were shortened :eek: from using the saw with no safety features.

I'm not trying to scare you from buying a table saw. They are great! I don't know why I didn't buy one earlier than I did :D You just need to give them all the respect they deserve!

:o

Now I'm more worried! :D I think I'm going to be brave and try it. I just have to! I'll just remember all my safety gears/tools and keep my brain on, head focused and maybe wear a helmet, pads, etc. Nothing I can do about my fingers though. :D If you don't see me typing here in the near future...you know what happened.

Nice lil story you got there. I totally imagined it. :o Glad you're ok!:thumbup:

You are worried about the saw because you do not know what to expect.

You CAN do something to protect your fingers!
Make sure the guard is on the saw and if there isn't one don't use it.
Also, there is a safety rule that says you should not have your hands or any other part of your body any closer than six inches to the blade.
If you are working with small pieces there are ways to use push sticks or attaching the small piece to a larger piece of wood.

Here are a couple of sites with safety info:

http://www.powertoolinstitute.com/safety/tablesaw.html

http://home.att.net/~waterfront-woods/Articles/Tablesaw/tablesaw.htm

Whoa.

Thanks GregH :)

I didn't know there were so many safety tips and instructions on tools (or table saws). That's excellent info that I'll definitely read over and over before I do anything. :thumbup: Really good stuff. If I'm still afraid, I won't use it. ;)

Maybe this is a stupid question but if you have multiple pieces to cut why don't you watch your dad do the first one, then have him help you do the next couple, then just supervise while you cut the rest just to make sure you come out with all your fingers.

Kick back occurs on a table saw if the board being ripped gets on top of the blade. This will not occur if the board is held down firmly while being fed through the saw. Make sure the push sticks you use not only push the board through but hold it down as well. The problem piece is the one between the blade and the fence. Good luck and be safe.

All good ideas.

Kickback also occurs on a table saw if a piece gets cocked between the blade and a rip fence.

Have your dad give you a training program on the table saw. Start with easy cuts. Learn how to set up and use the rip fence. Learn how to make cuts using the miter gauge.

Always use the safety guards and push sticks!

Above all, I make it a point to think, think, think when I start my saw up. Where are my hands/fingers in relation to the saw blade? How do I need to orient my push to keep the work against the fence and move the stock through the blade? Where is my push stick? You can't afford not to think when running a table saw.

Great, great ideas all.

I'll take a lesson or 2 and let you know how it goes. In the meanwhile, the project itself may be on hold for a little bit, but I'll get there.

Will be taught, will be focusing, thinking and protecting and have all the right equipment and will be safe :thumbup:

Thanks all!

Just an update guys. I finally got around to using the table saw. No problemos! No kickbacks. Whew!:thumbup:

However, I don't really like that thing! That is probably one of the most powerful tools I've used so far and it IS more scary to use than I thought. I did take my time with it, but... I don't think it's something I'd prefer to use often.

DIY - No need to fear a table saw, just be sure to give it a little respect. My table saw guide and anti kickback device are gathering dust somewhere in my shop - for the last 20 years. Just like Mark's. IMO they are more dangerous than cutting w/o them. I still have all my fingers.

I use my table saw almost daily and I make it a point to never, ever get distracted or complacent. Learning the tool and paying attention to what you are doing is the safest way to operate.

BTW - Lots of things can cause kickback. The most common is probably a pinched kerf caused by a misaligned rip fence. Force feeding wood against a dull blade can also get you.