by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: June 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 02, 2009

A table saw is a potentially dangerous piece of equipment. In the wrong hands, or used without attention to safety, this machine has the potential to chop off fingers or to cause splinters to damage vision. This article is written to help woodworkers who are new to using a table saw to understand the significance of safety when using the saw. While much is common sense, this article is written from experience in a workshop environment and based on practice and constant use of a table saw.

Clothing.

The clothing you wear when you use a table saw should not have loose material which may be caught in a blade. Sleeves which have loose cuffs or shirts which are left open are not suitable for use with a table saw. Avoid any clothing which allows material to dangle over the saw during the working practice.

Approach.

If you are working with a table saw, remember that concentration is paramount. Don't be tempted to work when you are too tired and lack concentration, since one slip is all it takes to harm you. Make sure that the approach to the table is sufficiently clear of obstacles. Look at the size of the wood to be cut and ensure that there are no electrical leads or dust extraction pipes in the vicinity which you may trip over going from one end of the table to the other. Any distraction while using a table saw threatens safety.

Setting up the saw.

All adjustments should be made while the machine is turned off. The blade height should always take account of the height of the stock to be cut, and be set a little above this height to ensure clean cuts. The width required will also need to take account of the width of the blade which is usually clearly marked on the table gage.

Ensure that the table surface is clean of sawdust before starting the work. Ensure also that the safety guard is in place as this covers the blade and is essential to safety. Adjust the fence to take the width of wood being used.

Marking your wood and setting up.

Mark your wood clearly. When at this stage, also look at the lengths you will be using. This allows you to decide whether you need to place roller stands to take the wood as you pass it through the blade. The stands should be adjusted to the same height as the table so that the operation will be smooth.

Use of the saw.

Having established that your saw is correctly adjusted, switch on the saw. Never put your hands in the area of the blade. Pass your wood through slowly keeping it parallel

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