The tablesaw is one of the most intimidating tools in a woodshop, and with good reason. Even people with experience may not understand the tool's potential danger points, or how to avoid them.
Here are some our top safety tips for basic tablesaw use. As with any tool, you'll be safer if you plan for safety ahead of time.
Tablesaw Safety Tips
1. Make sure the saw is in good working order before starting any project. Check that the blade is sharp, clean, and firmly mounted. Clear obstructions from the workspace. Ensure power cord and on/off switch function safely.
2. Plan your cut ahead of time, from start to finish. Don't get stuck in the middle of a cut because you didn't think it through. Always have the off switch within reach, and STOP your cut if anything seems wrong!
3. Check that your fence is parallel to the blade every time you re-set it. A fence that isn't parallel can cause "kickback" that may result in serious injury.
4. Set the blade height about 1/8" to 1/4" above the thickness of the material you're working with. If something unexpected goes wrong, this may mean the difference between stitches and a lost digit.
5. Stand in a strong, balanced position where you can see and control the entire cut. A closer stance to the tool will actually give you more visibility and control. (See photo above.)
6. Focus on the material that's between the fence and the blade. Keep material firmly against the fence, prevent the front edge from lifting up, and continue pushing it forward until it's completely past the blade.
Remember that you're in charge of your own safety and knowing your own limits. If you're unsure of how to make a cut safely, ask someone to teach you so you don't learn "the hard way."
Hopefully this was a useful refresher for past students and other tablesaw users. If you're looking for hands-on experience and instruction, consider joining us for a class.
- The ReBuilding Center Education Team
education@rebuildingcenter.org
https://www.rebuildingcenter.org/education/
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