Keeping your fingers

[formariz 11,849]

 I have worked a big portion of my life at a table saw. I have and still occasionally do things at it that I will not even mention for it will make most cringe. I am however perfectly aware at all times of the possible consequences and try to minimize them as much as possible. Those insane instances are reserved for the seldom “ impossible “ task. I was only hurt at it once luckily not losing any digits cause being distraction from a damn cell phone ringing in my pocket. 
 I have recently watched a few people using table saws and it brought back memories of all the reasons that cause injuries most of the times.

They are always simple reasons and causes of trouble ;

Most common and important Is the lack of understanding of the physics of a blade turning in your direction at 3500 RPMs. Much to be learned here. 
 

Second it will be the relationship of fence to blade. Most misunderstood or ignored point of that is that one should never use a full length fence to rip solid wood but instead adapt an attachment that will only act as a a guide only to the front or to the center of blade preventing wood from pinching back of blade. That along with a splitter behind blade is essential for safely and efficiently ripping of solid wood . Full length fence is good only for sheet material.

Fence alignment in relation to blade is also important. 

 

 Using incorrect type or dull blades. Different materials require different blades from the number of teeth, to teeth cutting angle or set. Safety part of those differences has to do with chip ejection and blade overheating. Just as with a hand saw the mechanics and material properties of ripping vs cross-cutting are totally different.

 

 Lack of , insufficient or inadequate material support inbound, outbound or at side of blade. Material must be fully supported such as not to move unless moved by you through blade. One should only be pushing material and not supporting it in any manner whatsoever. 

 

Incorrect and improper stance or body placement at table saw. Specifically never stand directly in front of blade but to the left side of it if you are right handed. Never reach over blade to retrieve a cut off , support a piece ,or push through. 

 

One can spend lots of money in all kinds of gadgets to make things easier and safer but there is no need . You can build everything needed with simple at hand items. Just a little time and ingenuity and understanding is needed. Below are some examples that I use to overcome the above listed issues with my humble contractors saw that has served me for almost 40 years. 
 

 

 

Infeed table. A simple board 7”x6’-0” that attaches and slides on the fence rail. It is located side to side as needed as fence is moved. When not in use just pulled out and stored not taking any floor space. I cut full 10’ long plywood sheets using it. No drama and no effort.
 

Out feed table. Table is canted to right just enough to make rollers push material tight against fence. At end of table another hinged section provides an additional 4 feet of support when door is open. 
 

Side extension pulls out up to 4 feet for side support such as when cross-cutting an entire plywood sheet.

 

Above blade dust collector acts as a guard. Not possible to place hand on blade while cutting , it’s totally enclosed. Guard also keeps material from coming up from table such as in case of kickback. Material is locked onto table until guard  is released.
 

Switch is strategically placed in front at left of blade.

As I cut switch is placed exactly where I stand with my left thigh placed agains it. I can switch saw off without taking my hands off the top

or moving from where I stand. I merely push switch with my thigh. 

 

Simple trough on fence keeps the always missing pencil and ruler at hand. It is more importantly the vehicle for about a dozen attachments some listed below.

 

Push stick is always in the right spot ready to be used. It fits into trough which then slides back and forth on fence.

 

 

Push stick rides as part of fence maintaining total control.

 

Hand rests safely and comfortably on moving block with only thumb pushing down on actual push stick. Hand never in danger since blade is also entirely enclosed. 
 

Heel of hand pushes down on stick back releasing it from work piece.

Every single different blade has their own insert. This one has a replaceable splitter built in.

Ripping attachment for fence.

Fence only goes to front or center of blade depending on circumstance but never past the center for ripping.

Simple and effective adjustment of fence forward location and locking in place.

The ultimate achievement. No possible way to touch blade with hands and no possible way for piece to be thrown at you. 

Edited January 26, 2022 by formariz

[Pullstart 59,716]

Such crafty and simple tools you’ve built for such a handy tool in itself!

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,044]

Thanks for your photos and advice. Saws are dangerous and safety is very important . My former brother in law ripped his index finger from tip to palm by being careless. 

[peter lena 8,067]

@elcamino/wheelhorse my father was terrified of electrical tools , many of his friends had fingers and related removal injuries. would not drill a hole  or anything related with electrical help ,  hand auger drill , hand saws , chisels. everything by hand , obviousely that was long ago . today just the oposet  ,  have to pay attention when doing anything , pete

[8ntruck 6,374]

Great tips and ideas.  Inspiration for making my saws safer.

 

Point of reference - the blade tip speed of a 10" diameter blade is about 107 miles per hour.  When something bad happens, it will be over before you can react.

 

I was making a relatively narrow rip cut on a piece that was about a foot long.  Fortunately, I was using a plastic Craftsman push device that had setup guides, rulers, etc on it.  The saw kicked back with a loud bang, and I found myself standing there with just the handle portion of that push stick in my hand.  The workpiece was gone, the pieces of the push stick were gone.  Yup, I bumped the off switch with my thigh - but by that time, the shrapnel had bounced a time or two and landed. 

Edited January 26, 2022 by 8ntruck

[Achto 26,551]

 

No one ever wants to be this guy.

[Jeff-C175 7,195]

About 45 years ago I had a mishap with a band saw.  They were able to sew my right thumb tip back on.  I was lucky it 'took'.

 

 

RESPECT THE SAW BLADE!

Edited January 26, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[Rusty Tinsnips 477]

I have been working with saws for 40 years, mostly skill saws, outside on the jobsite in never great conditions. Had many close calls but still have all my parts attached. Your table saw setup is awesome.