The core of almost all woodworking shops is the table saw. Even if you have choices such as a panel saw, track saw, circular saw or any other miter saw, the table saw is still the leading tool for most wood artisans. The reason for this is that table saws provide a great deal of versatility. With the correct jigs, you can cut spline joints, box joints, tenon joints, tenons for mortise, and many others. We have this table saw guide to get you started regardless of your knowledge and skill level.
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Your Hands and Fingers should be away from the blade.
The cardinal rule for table saw safety is to avoid placing your hands in line with the blade while maneuvering the saw. You may be seeing tons of internet DIYs that ignore this principle, but some people do not know that a table saw can cut your fingers so quickly and cleanly that you will not even notice you have just severed your fingers.
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Avoid Simultaneous use of Miter Gauge and Rip Fence.
When you use these two tools at the same time, it can cause a kickback because the wood pieces you cut off can get trapped between the fence and the blade. A safer way to do this is to move the rip fence far away from the saw blade every time you use the miter gauge. In short, use these tools one at a time.
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Doing a Freehand Cut on a Table Saw is a big NO.
This safety rule cannot be emphasized enough, especially for beginners.
Miter gauges, table saw rip fences push sticks, or other jigs can prevent you from getting injuries from using table saws as these tools can guide and hold the wood tightly in place. Always make or do a cut with these additional tools.
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Hold the wood Firmly to the Table and Fence at the same time.
This point in our table saw guide eliminates backlash while providing the most accurate, straight cuts. You can hold the wood in your left hand like a pool cue, with your pointer finger and thumb on top of the board and a few fingers wrapped around the left edge. Your left hand can push the wood down and veer it towards the right in the direction of the fence in front of the blade, while your right-hand feed the wood forward.
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Rip Fences are not for Cross-cutting.
The rip barrier on a table saw is for tearing. For miters and crosscuts, use the miter gauge. When you employ the incorrect tool for the job, you increase your risk of receiving a kickback in addition to getting inferior outcomes.
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Make a Habit of Checking your Materials
Verify your material for any metal. The wood you are using may have a nail stuck in it. Table saw blades and metal should not mix. It is dangerous, and even if you avoid getting hurt, it will unavoidably damage the instrument. Make sure you pull out any nails stuck in the wood before starting any cutting work.
Wrapping Up
Overall, it’s crucial to understand how to use a table saw safely and effectively because it may increase your productivity and enhance your experience. Regardless of the type of table saw you have in your home or workshop, it can only perform the task equivalent to its design if you utilize it appropriately.
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