One of the most efficient method for establishing a workshop in any area ►
In this video is a basic list I want you to observe and follow whenever you utilize your table saw. Download the list here:
Why do so many individuals remove their blade guards?
MY PODCAST:
The Woodworking Talk Program: Conversations with YouTube Woodworkers ►.
Register for my totally free month-to-month newsletter ►.
PATREON ► ►.
TOOLS I UTILIZE ►.
WWMM TEE SHIRTS ►.
FACEBOOK ►.
INSTAGRAM ►.
MAILING ADDRESS:.
WWMM.
448 Ignacio Blvd. # 237.
Novato CA 94949.
—————-.
Woodworking for Mere Mortals ® is a registered trademark of ZRAM Media, LLC.
#woodworking #tablesaw #woodshop.
Woodworkers Secrets Revealed – Click Here to Discover the #1 Woodworking Resource!
I just made my first cuts with mine over the weekend – two 81” lengths of plywood at 2 3/4” wide. It was a bit intimidating at first, but I had my husband act as my “spotter” and catch the offcuts and my workpieces as they came off the saw and everything went smoothly. (It’s a little Harbor Freight cheapie, but it was a gift when I couldn’t afford to go buy what I wanted.)
I actually used your “Golden Rule” beforehand, without having heard it prior to this video. I lowered my blade and did a dry run through to be certain we had enough clearance, that I could reach everything easily, etc.
Great video, as always. Thanks, and keep ‘em coming. 🙂
One other thing: Plan your cuts and mark the pieces to minimize the number of times you have to setup your saw. I tend to rush when I am constantly moving the fence, stop blocks, height, dado stack, etc.
That’s an excellent tip and something I really need to work on.
I took some classes at the Woodworker Academy in Alameda several years ago. Their primary rule was: before you turn on any power tool, ask yourself: am I doing this in the safest way possible? If the answer is ever no, stop and change your approach until the answer is yes. It helps you remember safety glasses, mask, hearing protection, body position, push sticks, all the things you know but sometimes forget.
Such a great video of reminders! Thank you!!
Totally agree with the “Rehearse your cut” and the “Listen to your instinct” parts. If it feels weird or plain wrong, it’s usually because it is. I would add wear a sturdy apron to the PPE list. When (not if) a kickback happens, it’s a good additional protection. Personal experience…
Hadn’t used my old Craftsman’s saw for a while- it doesn’t have a writhing knife but has one on the kick back protector which flips away or comes off completely. I use it more now. I have fine tuned the fence (previously I only did outdoor redwood work) now I’m doing more fine work. Got a new miter and built two sleds. I’m amazed how much better the experience is when you pay attention to your machine and your fingers. I appreciate your list Steve and pretty much go through all safety precautions. Never be in a rush! Still have all my digits! Your videos are always useful reminders. Thanks!
Thank you for always having the heart of a teacher for those that watch.
Such a simple channel but genuinely good information. I’m not an expert, but competent enough to have worked with a couple contractor companies. But I still find a good number of his videos a learning experience
SOLID ADVICE! I always do dry-runs, like you; esp. with big or unwieldy pieces. A rule I introduced for myself: never rush, ‘oh just one more’, do ‘a quick cut’. In situations like that I am most likely to make mistakes or end up in a dangerous situation. Take your time.
One other rule that I go by on the times that I don’t have my blade guard on is “Never ever reach over or across a spinning blade”. Even if you have turned the saw off and really want to get that piece you cut to go on to the next part of your project the blade that has not spun all the way down can cause you injury. I have a mental no-go zone around the blade of about 5 or 6 inches that I won’t put my hand into when the blade is in motion and the blade guard is off.
Great video. Take it from someone who cut off a thumb, your advice is essential and very helpful. It only takes one small mistake!
I have a couple of other rules to add:
If you are working in an area that other family members might enter, let them know what you are doing and ask them to stay clear. People are often attracted to the noise and may distract or startle you.
Unplug the saw as soon as you’re done with it. The power switches are usually located at a height where they can accidentally be bumped on.
I made a mobile 4’x8’ table saw table last year. Having 6 feet of outfeed behind the saw is wonderful. I can move the saw if I need a different set up but it made such a difference having a nice wide outfeed table attached.
As usual, Steve, your tips, advice, etc are invaluable. I always take some new nugget of knowledge away from every video you put out. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us, and please keep the videos coming. 👍👍
Great video Steve. Something that I always do not that it’s a safety thing but just checking for accuracy, even though my fence is quite accurate as it is, is just taking a measurement with a tape. I also always make a dry run whenever I am cutting longer pieces just to make sure anything that might be sitting on my bench that’s on the back side of my saw isn’t going to interfere with my pieces. I have an older Powermatic tablesaw that doesn’t have a connection for a riving knife or blade guard as far as I can tel. However, this saw was something that I got used and it only came with the miter gauge, table insert, and blade. I ordered a manual for it about a year after I got it but I don’t recall seeing anything in it regarding a riving knife/splitter or a blade guard. What can you do in that kind of situation?
Excellent tips – I always plan my cuts to make sure that I can do all of them safely. If I have doubts, then I choose another method to make the cut. When needed, I’ll create a jig to help support the board through the cut.
Once again Steve…. Excellent safety video. My Grandfather lost part of his thumb to the table saw so I’m always so cautious around it. I always try to find another way to make the weird cuts to make them safer. Awesome video from the best woodworking teacher ever!! Thank you so much for all you do for our woodworking community.
Your Golden Rule is so important, and practicing cuts has helped make it clear for me when my planned cut is not as safe as it could be. That little voice in my head is a good partner in the workshop.
I love your channel and have learned so much from it.
One thing that I encounter every so often is being in the middle of a cut and having the wood pinch the blade and/or riving knife because of an internal twist. You know this is happening because you can feel the increased resistance from the wood as it travels over the blade.
What I’ve done is stop the saw and find a small piece of scrap to wedge in the far side of the wood that has already been cut.
Steve, I love your “Rehearse your cut” _Table Saw Golden Rule_ – ever since you recommended the table saw “test run” safety tip years ago, it was a light bulb moment for me that really got me to use my table saw. Yes, I was that guy who bought a brand new table saw, set it up, and let it sit for over a year because of pure intimidation. Thanks for all you do, Steve!
Thanks for the helpful reminders! Even though I’ve been doing woodworking as a beginner for several years, the table saw still scares me. I appreciate the reminders of how to be safe when using the table saw. Definitely going to print out the reminder checklist to post in my shop! 👍