How to Use a Table Saw Safely
A table saw is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in the workshop — and also one of the most dangerous if not used properly. By following safe practices every time you use it, you can protect both your work and yourself.
1. Prepare Before You Cut
Wear safety gear: Always use safety glasses, hearing protection, and avoid loose clothing or jewelry. It is best to take off rings, bracelets and anything that can get close to the blade.
Inspect the saw: Make sure the blade is sharp, clean, and correctly installed. Check that the blade guard, splitter, and anti-kickback pawls are in place. Your saw will come with safety equipment…..use it. A dull blade will cause a lot of problems. Also, make sure you fence is parallel to the blade. This is critical
Clear the area: Remove clutter, scrap wood, or anything that could interfere with your work piece or footing. Duh….
2. Set Up for Accuracy and Safety
Blade height: Raise the blade so the teeth are just 1/8"–1/4" above the surface of the wood.
Fence and miter gauge: Only use one at a time to guide your wood — never both, or the board can bind and kick back. Always make sure the long edge of the wood is on a fence.
Support long boards: Use outfeed tables or rollers to keep long or wide boards level.
3. Use Safe Cutting Techniques
Keep hands clear: Maintain at least 6" of distance from the blade.
Use push sticks or push blocks: Especially when ripping narrow boards, so your hands stay far from danger. I use this for all widths of wood. It is just a good practice.
Feed steadily: Apply even pressure; never force material through the blade. Let the saw do the cutting. If it is hard to cut, something is wrong. You have a pinch or a dull blade.
Stand to the side: Not directly behind the blade, in case of kickback.
4. Finish Safely
Wait for the blade to stop: Don’t reach across the table or remove scraps until the blade has completely stopped spinning.
Turn off and unplug: When changing blades, making adjustments, or leaving the saw, always disconnect the power.
Quick Safety Recap
Protect yourself — wear safety gear.
Prepare your saw — check blade and setup.
Position your body — stand aside, use push sticks.
Proceed slowly — never rush the cut.
If you would like hands on experience, consider a beginner class where we build a table or bookcase. These classes go over all the safety for all the basic tools while we build a great project….no stinkin bird houses….. :)
Tracy