1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

The table saw is the heart of most woodworking shops. This is true whether it's professional shop, or a basement hobby shop. In general, no project regardless of size is done without one. It is often one of the first pieces of equipment to be used.

The uses for them range from rough cutting lumber to creating moldings. Many complex joinery techniques can be accomplished with these tools, provided the user is experienced with the machine.

Table saws are available in many models, and range in cost from a hundred dollars, for the home owner with only an occasional need for one, to many thousands of dollars, geared towards high production shops.

In the United States alone, there are over six million units in use, and over eighty thousand units sold per year. The after market accessories for the table saw is also a huge business. There are many devices that increase the capabilities and safety of the saw.

Table saw safety is an important part of woodworking. Read and follow the safety precautions that come with the saw. Use common sense, and good judgment. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. Find another way. And always, with any thru cut, use an anti kickback device. A kickback can occur at any time and be fatal.

Due to the amount of use of these machines get, they account for a very high percentage of the injuries in a wood shop. Most often, this is operator error, not mechanical failure.

It may be surprising to note that the majority of injuries happen to professional wood workers. When you consider the fact that they are using the machines on a daily basis, often for hours at a time, this is understandable. Due to the amount of time spent using this machine, they become very comfortable with them. This can lead to over confidence. They are usually in a little more of a hurry to get things accomplished, as their livelihood depends on production. This in itself accounts for many accidents.

Another large factor in this statistic is the fact that most professionals do not use the guards supplied with the machines. They are considered inconvenient, and they do require a little extra time.

Saw Stop is a saw manufacturer which has designed a saw that all but eliminates table saw accidents. It uses a cartridge that senses finger contact with the blade and stops the blade in milliseconds. It also drops the blade below the surface of the table, rendering it harmless. The cartridge and blade must be replaced after an incident, but considering the cost of the average table saw

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Workshop tools: The table saw?
We want to hear your view. Write now!