Table Saw Safety

A key part of learning how to use a table saw is learning about safety. Even if you’re experienced, it’s a good idea to remind yourself of safe practices. You can break table saw safety into several areas, including the operator, the work site, the saw itself and operating techniques. We’ve got some general safety tips for each area below, but the manual should always be your main reference for operating a table saw. You must read, understand and follow the safety, use and maintenance instructions for your saw.

Most modern table saws have built-in safety features designed to address the hazard of the operator coming in contact with the blade and the risk of kickback, where the blade abruptly throws the work piece back toward the operator. Familiarize yourself with the safety features of your saw and their purposes:

• Blade Guard: This piece is designed to cover the part of the blade that’s not touching the work piece and to prevent accidental contact with the blade. It must be in place any time you’re making through cuts, where the blade goes completely through the work piece. 
• Riving Knife and Splitter: These components are set behind the blade to keep the cut portions of the work piece apart so they don’t pinch the blade or get caught by the teeth on the back portion of the blade. They must be compatible with the saw-blade width so they keep the pieces sufficiently separated. 
• Anti-Kickback Device or Anti-Kickback Pawls: This device is designed to allow a work piece to move freely toward the back of the saw but reduce the likelihood of it being thrown back toward the operator. 
• Rip Fence: During rip cuts (cutting along the grain of a work piece) the rip fence sets the width of the cut and keeps a work piece straight as it passes the blade. 
• Miter Gauge/Crosscutting Fence: This component keeps the work piece properly aligned during crosscuts (cutting across the grain of a work piece) and miter cuts (cutting at an angle across the work piece) 

Your manual will give you full precautions and procedures for preparing your saw for use, but here are a few things that you need to do before using a table saw: 

• Disconnect the saw from power (electrical outlet or battery) before any service or adjustment and when it’s not in use. 
• Clear the saw table of any debris, waste pieces, tools or fasteners so the work piece can move without obstruction. 
• Make sure the saw and the fence or miter gauge are set up properly and mounted securely to the table, stand, benchtop, etc. 
• Inspect the safety features and other saw parts for any damage. If you find damage, don’t use the saw until it can be repaired by a qualified service provider. 
• Ensure your blade is appropriate for the saw, the material and the type of cutting you’ll be doing. 
• Make sure the blade is clean and sharp, installed correctly and tightened. 
• If you need an extension cord, make sure it meets the specifications of the saw manufacturer. If you’re working outdoors, the extension cord must be rated for outdoor use. 
• When you’re ready to begin working, plug the cord into the appropriate outlet or connect the battery. If you need to operate a corded saw in a damp area, it must be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet.

When operating a table saw, there are several things you can do to work safely and efficiently. Again, check the manufacturer’s instructions for specifics for your saw. 

• Set the blade height based on the material and the blade type. 
• Don’t cut a work piece that doesn’t sit flush against the fence or miter gauge, or that might contain fasteners. 
• If your work piece is wider or longer than the table, use an auxiliary table or a roller stand to support it. 
• Don’t start the saw with the blade touching the work piece. 
• Stay out of line with the blade as you work and avoid working with the blade between your body and your hands. Work only from the front of the saw and use either the rip fence or miter gauge to make your cuts — don’t cut freehand — but never use both at the same time. 
• Don’t press the work piece into the side of the blade or feed the piece too quickly or with too much pressure. 
• Keep your hands and fingers out of line with the blade and don’t reach past the blade. For rip cuts, push the work piece from the area between the blade and the fence.
• Keep your fingers at least 6 inches away from the blade. Use cutting aides, such as push sticks, push blocks, auxiliary fences and feather boards, to move the work piece toward the blade while keeping your hands at a safe distance. Your manual should include instructions for making and using these devices (many saws include a push stick). For example, use a push stick when rip cutting to a width between 2 and 6 inches. If the rip cut is less than 2 inches, use an auxiliary fence and a push block. 
• If the blade binds in the work piece, turn the saw off and disconnect it from power before freeing the blade. 
• When you finish the cut, turn the saw off and wait for the blade to come to a full stop before removing the work piece and waste pieces.
• After the work is complete, disconnect the saw from the power and lower the blade so it’s below the surface of the table.