As you might have known, the table saw is a very important piece of equipment in every woodshop.
You should also be aware that a table saw, like any kind of power tool, is also responsible for seriously debilitating woodworking injuries.
So, does that mean you should quit woodworking because you can't use your table saw? Of course not! If you take note of some of these simple and clearly common-sense table saw safety tips, you'd successfully reduce the likelihood of getting injured when using your table saw.
Here are a few things you'd better remember to keep yourself safe: Cleanliness is a Must! Whenever you use your table saw, always make your table and its surrounding area free from any cutoffs, stock, and even excess volumes of sawdust as these can easily get in the way of your ability to do clean, and safe cuts.
Keep the area free from all sorts of loose stock since they'd easily be dangerous projectiles if they come in contact with a moving blade.
Safety Measures - Double Check these Always Before starting work, always check your table saw's safety features and ensure that they're all set and working properly.
The ever useful anti-kickback pawls, riving knife, and the saw blade guard are all designed to protect you so adjust them properly before you even switch the power on.
When Appropriate, Use Outfeed Tables or Stands When you're planning to cut bulk pieces of stock, take of example an entire plywood sheet, position your stand or outfeed table properly to create a stable support for the stock.
When You're Changing Blades: Disconnect the Power Before you even think of changing the blade or doing internal adjustments on the table saw, disconnect the power so that you'll eliminate the likelihood of accidentally turning it on while you're working on it.
Don't Start the Saw if you Have an Engaged Blade Always ensure that the blade can spin freely before you start your work so always be sure that it isn't engaged with the stock.
Also, before you start cutting your stock, you also need to allow your blade to reach its full speed.
Proper Body Positioning and Alignment No matter what your skill level is, always balance your body by creating a wide base of support before you begin cutting.
This is among the basic table saw safety tips so, don't ever stand right in front of your blade because you'd like to avoid getting hit by the stock if ever a kickback occurs.
Don't Ever Try Reaching Over the Moving Blade Avoid injuring yourself by not making any kind of adjustments if your blade hasn't completely stopped turning.
Check for Bits of Foreign Objects Before you start on cutting, check your boards for all kinds of foreign objects like nails, staples, screws, or anything that gets attached to the wood because again, they're dangerous projectiles if they hit a moving blade.
If ever you're using any kind of recycled material, a special type of metal detector will help locate hidden fasteners.
Use a Push Stick All the Time When you're cutting your boards that are less than six inches in width away from the blade, always have a handy push stick to help you get everything through it safely.
You can opt to buy a push stick from a fine woodworking supplier or you can even make it in the shop.
Armed with your new knowledge of simple table saw safety tips, you'd be happy to work efficiently, while keeping all of your fingers intact and ready for your next woodworking project.