Save time money and your fingers with these proven table saw tips!
A table saw is one of the most popular tools among woodworkers, and is considered by many as the most important tool in their shop. But like any power tool, a table saw can be a dangerous instrument in the hands of someone who has not been properly trained or uses careless practices during its operation. Therefore, it is prudent that carpentry hobbyists and professional woodworkers alike follow important table saw tips to ensure that they stay safe around their table saw to avoid any problem, both foreseen and unanticipated.
One of the most important table saw tips is to always wear the proper eye and hearing protection while operating your table saw. Dust and other projectiles can cause damage to the eyes in a split second, and hearing loss can occur from continued exposure to the loud tones of a table saw.
- Keeping your workshop or work area clean and free of piled up saw dust and other debris is an important table saw tip to prevent tripping and other dangerous falls around sharp blades and other tools.
- Never wear gloves when operating your table saw. You will lose gripping power, the ability to sense things properly with your fingertips and a loose glove may be grabbed by a table saw blade.
- Dress appropriately when operating your table saw. Always wear short sleeves and avoid loose fitting clothing that might become entangled in your table saw blade. Wear shoes with non-slip soles. Keep longer hair tied back from around your face. It also goes without saying that those who might be inclined to wear a tie while working in the wood shop should avoid this as well, for obvious reasons. Also avoid any dangling necklaces or jewelry.
- Take a comfortable stance with your feet far enough apart from one another to allow for good balance. Avoid operating your table saw in awkward positions to avoid losing your balance and possibly becoming injured. Your body should not be in line with the table saw's blade - this will keep your face free from flying sawdust while minimizing the effects of any kickbacks from the saw.
- Never touch the blade or reach behind or over the blade until you are 100% sure that it has stopped turning. There are lots of people running around with less than ten fingers that learned this the hardest way possible.
- Disconnect the power to your table saw before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or changing of the table saw blade. You can accidentally trip the power switch and become injured.
- Avoid kick backs by keeping the rip fence parallel to the blade. Your stock won't bind on the blade and cause a kick back.
- Inspect the stock that you plan to work on before beginning to cut. Things to look for: knots, nails, screws, etc. that may become projectiles that can cause you injury or damage your table saw blade.
- Under most instances, you should not use the miter gauge and the fence together. Never touch the fence adjustment while your table saw is in operation.
- Perhaps one of the most important things that any operator of a table saw should keep in mind (and perhaps the best table saw tip of all) is that if something feels wrong, awkward, or unsafe while you are operating your saw - don't do it.
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