Woodworking Machines - Table Saws

What should you do before using a table saw?

A table saw can be dangerous if not used properly. Refer to Woodworking Machines - General Safety Tips for general safety precautions.

• context Read the owner's manual carefully.
• context Make sure you understand instructions before attempting to use any tool or machine.
• context Learn the applications and limitations before use.

What safety procedures should be followed when using a table saw?

• context Wear safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
• context Wear hearing protection that is suitable for the level and frequency of the noise you are exposed to in the woodworking area.
• context Wear protective footwear when required.
• context Wear respiratory protection when required.
• context Pay particular attention to the manufacturer's instructions on reducing the risk of kickback (when the wood can be violently thrown back toward the operator).
• context Choose the proper blades for the type of work being done.
• context Keep the blades clean, sharp, and properly set so that they will cut freely without having to force the work piece against the blade.
• context Use the guards provided with the saw or ones designed for use with the saw that you are using. Keep them in place and in good working condition.
• context Use a guard that is high enough to cover the part of the blade rising above the stock and wide enough to cover the blade when it is tilted. The blade height should be set so it does not extend more than about 3 mm (1/8 in) above the height of the piece being cut.
• context Ensure that the fence is locked in position after the desired width has been set.
• context Hold the work piece firmly down on the table and against the fence when pushing the wood through.
• context Ensure that there is adequate support to hold a work piece. Use extension tables or roller supports at the side or back for larger pieces. If an assistant is at the back (outfeed) end of the saw, an extension table should be in place so the back edge is about 1.2 m (4 ft) from the saw blade. The assistant should stand to one side and wait for the work piece to reach the edge of the extension table. Do not not reach toward the saw blade.
• context Feed stock into the blade against the direction of its rotation.
• context Move the rip fence out of the way when cross cutting. Never use it as a cut off gauge.
• context Use a push stick when ripping narrow or short stock (e.g., when the fence is set less than about 15 cm (6 in) from the blade, when the piece is less than 30 cm (12 in) long, or when the last 30 cm (12 in) of a longer piece is being cut). Refer to ripping applications in the manufacturer's instruction manual. See Woodworking Machines - Push Sticks for more information on push stick design.
• context Use the push stick to remove the cut piece from between the fence and the blade.
• context Keep hands out of the line of a saw blade.
• context Use a guard with a spreader (riving knife) and anti-kickback fingers for all ripping or cross cutting operations.
• context Keep the body and face to one side of the saw blade out of the line of a possible kickback.
• context Provide adequate support to the rear and sides of a saw table for wide or long stock.
• context Be careful when waxing, cleaning, or servicing the table.
• context Turn off the power and unplug (or lock out) a saw before doing any work on the saw.
• context Keep the area clean and clutter-free. Operate machines in a non-congested, well-lit area.
• context Use the proper sawdust exhaust systems as required by the operation.