We all think 'safety' when we use the table
saw. The question is, do we practice safety. More importantly, do we do all we can
to ensure safety.
I am guilty of not always doing all the safe things...after all, "I
only have to make one quick rip, and I'll be done." What I want to do in the these pages is to cover all those things I
think go into having safety at the table saw. Do you have to do everything to be safe? Yes
and No. It is sort of like a question of probabilities. If you don't do any of these
things, you are more likely to have a table saw accident.
Practice them all, and you will have the best probability of having a totally
safe table saw experience. Here are the elements I include of my table saw safety list:
the blade — it should be the right one, clean, and sharp;
alignment — this includes blade-to-miter slot, miter-slot-to-fence and more;
splitter — some are better than others; none is just plain dangerous;
zero clearance plate — there are times when this can be important;
blade guard — often not used, it does have a purpose;
pushsticks and shoes — a secure wood pusher can keep your fingers out of harm's
way. Some can be dangerous;
hold-down devices — for some ripping operations, they can be a great help;
table top — a clean, polished top can let you "feel" the wood being
cut. That is good;
the wood — some wood (wet, warped, twisted, very figured) can really be
dangerous to cut;
dress — eye protection, hearing protection and right dress is important;
some general good ideas — sort of a miscellany but still important, like not
reaching over the saw blade, or having both feet securely on the floor, or unplugging the
power when changing blades...and more.
My point is not to scare anyone. I hope
to cover all the factors that enter into table saw safety and in sufficient detail for you
to be able to include the ideas in your method.
Do remember, that the list above is NOT one of those "Pick Any
Three" type lists. Fact is, it is easy to include them all in your daily practice
— and you will be the safer for it.
So, let's get started.
