When using a table saw, one of the biggest dangers you face is kickback. Kickback happens when the saw kicks the workpiece back at you, potentially causing serious injuries. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most effective ways to prevent kickback on a table saw. So whether you’re a carpenter who relies on your table saw for everyday projects, or if you’re just starting out and want to learn how to stay safe while using this tool, keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about preventing kickback on a table saw.
What is the table saw kickback?
To understand how to prevent kickback on a table saw, it’s important to know exactly what this dangerous occurrence entails. Kickback happens when the teeth at the back of a circular saw blade grab the edges of a piece of wood and lift it up at a high speed. If you’re not holding down your workpiece, it can cause nasty injuries. In some cases, kickback can cause the wood to fly as far as six feet away from the saw, potentially hitting other people. So if you work in a shop or on a job site where there are others around, it’s critical to learn how to prevent kickback on a table saw.
What causes kickback?
There are two main causes of kickback. The first is when the workpiece binds between the fence and the saw blade, or if it binds between the wood and an outfeed table. If you are ripping a piece of plywood that’s wider than your saw blade, for example, there’s a possibility that this can cause binding which leads to serious injuries. The second cause of kickback is when the teeth at the back of your saw blade grab your workpiece and push it away from the fence. When this happens, you might lose control of your circular saw causing it to lift off the table surface or even go airborne. Kickback can be prevented by following proper cutting procedures and using good-quality saw blades.
How to prevent kickback on a table saw?
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to help prevent kickback and other accidents on your table saw is to make sure that your blade guard assembly and splitter are engaged at all times.
If you don’t use these safety features, you’re much more likely to experience kickback which can lead to serious injuries.
The next thing you should do is adjust the bevel of your blade so that it’s at about 45 degrees, or as close as possible.
This will help prevent any bindings that might occur when ripping narrow pieces of wood.
Finally, make sure that your rip fence is tightly secured because this can also cause binding and kickback if it isn’t fastened down securely.
FAQ’s
Do you need anti-kickback pawls?
The general consensus from the majority of professionals is that anti-kickback pawls aren’t entirely necessary for most table saw applications. However, they can add a layer of safety when ripping narrow pieces of wood. If you feel more comfortable using them, it’s fine to have a pair on hand.
What if my blade binds?
Sometimes your blade can get stuck in the wood, which can cause kickback. If this happens to you, shut off the saw immediately and wait for the blade to stop spinning before removing your workpiece or touching anything else on your table saw.
Never try to free the blade with your hands by pulling backward because kickback can still occur even if you think it’s stopped.
Safety tips when using Table Saw:
One of the most important things you can do to stay safe while using your table saw is to make sure that your miter gauge and fence are properly aligned. If they’re not parallel, it’s possible for the teeth at the back of your blade to catch on one or both of these components which will increase the risk of kickback significantly.
Another important tip is to make sure that your rip fence and blade guard assembly are both in good working order. If there’s any damage, it’s wise to get these fixed before using your saw again.
Conclusion:
This article has covered a lot of information on how to prevent kickback, but there are many other ways you can do this. What have you found that works for your table saw? Share in the comments below!