The table saw is the most used equipment in the woodshop. If you are working with woods, wanting smooth cuts on different boards for your DIY projects, you can not avoid using a table saw. Likewise, it is the most dangerous tool, and if you do not use it carefully, it can hurt your eyes and fingers badly. So, you must be very careful around a Table saw, and this article might help you with the basics of how to use a Table Saw Safely.
Since the Table saw is one of the power tools, and it can invite multiple injuries with a little mistake or distraction. There is a chance to reduce the risks and take precautions beforehand to avoid any serious accident. However, why do even accidents happen? Yes. It is a powerful machine involving dangerous blades and unusual methods that require focus and practice, but despite following the safety measures, what could be short cut of remain on the safe side.
First, you can avoid accidents by having accurate information and familiarity with the Table saw machine and the features involved in getting the procedure done. Secondly, you can carry few safety measures around a Table saw or any power tool during your work.
Here are few tips and safety measures that will help you use a Table saw safely.
Essential Tips to Use a Table Saw Safely
- Make sure to keep the material flat on the table while cutting with a Table saw.
- Do not start the Table saw if you see the material touching the blade.
- Whenever you make the rip cuts, make sure to use the Rip Fence with the correct adjustment.
- For the crosscuts, use the miter gauge instead of the Rip Fence.
- A Table saw includes a blade guard. Never remove it from the machine as it makes sure you have a smooth cutting.
- Stand at the side of the blade instead of behind it, saving the risk of being hit by a material board.
- If the space is limited, never forget to wear a dust mask.
- Make sure to turn off the Table saw machine whenever you adjust the blades, reset the circuit breaker, or even when replacing a fuse.
- Make sure to unplug the Table Saw machine if not in use.
Safety Precautions
Self Protection
Before using any power equipment, the most important thing is to protect yourself because your eyes and hands directly contact the tool. It would be best to dedicate any specific clothing that you can wear anytime you work with a Table saw. Moreover, wearing safety glasses and hearing protection can also save you from any uninvited incident.
These precautions make you confident and help you concentrate on making the right cut, resulting in an incredible project result. That said, do not get scared using the Table saw machine and do not get nervous because it can distract you and put you in danger with your fingers.
Checking the Machine Features
Before using a machine, a second most important thing is to double-check the Table saw machine and, if all the features are fit, working correctly. It can save your time and effort in the middle of the work. Furthermore, setting the blade height plays a vital role in your safety and get the right cut. It is better to set the blade a little higher than the material that you are cutting. It can decrease the tattering and tear out on the bottom of the board. However, this technique demands your extra focus as it might get dangerous.
Adjust the Fence
Another interesting feature of the Table saw is the Fence that demands the right adjustment for cutting the wood accurately and safely. The Fence is easily managed from the front using a dog or lever. However, pushing the material too hard into the Fence wouldn’t help and boost the kickback risk. It could be an off chance to get the accurate cut. Also, you must be aware of a blade guard and a splitter (Riving knife). When the wood passes through the cut, the riving knife keeps the wood and blade in the right alignment. Eventually, the risk of kickback would reduce following the technique. As far as the blade guard feature is concerned, it is better to let it stay there, as included in the Table saw for your safety with blades.
Be careful setting the Blades
Besides, when setting the blades, make sure not to put your hands in line or over the edge. Remember, the blade is not your friend but a huge enemy following the Table saw.
Note: Do not try to adjust the Fence and a moving blade while working. First, turn off the machine, wait for a while and then adjust the Table saw features.
A push stick is a Great Idea
A push stick is indeed a handy tool that helps the worker push the board through the blade while being safe and sound. It is designed to protect the fingers because, at this point, there will be direct contact of fingers to the blade. It could cause danger because of any little distraction.
Inspect the Wood/Material
Similarly, the other dangerous thing that could come between your work is unnecessary objects in the wood. Before using a Table saw on the wood, check out for staples, nails, screws in the wood because while running the device. They become certainly dangerous when they get in contact with a spinning blade.
Final Words
A table saw is a precious machine for your DIY projects. It can deliver incredible cuts when appropriately used. However, it does possess risks and dangers that you can deal with by following the safety precautions.
Apart from following the tips and measures, always remember that different wood has different characteristics. And not all type of wood material requires a similar process for making the right cut. At last, getting familiar with the Table saw before starting the work may prove to be in your best interest.
Also Read: How to Make A Table Saw Fence for Homemade Table Saw?
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