Unsafe Cross-Cutting: Avoiding Dangerous Table Saw Kickback

Table saw safety is a huge part of woodworking, and avoiding table saw kick back is a large part of table saw safety. You may find it tempting to try and use the rip fence on a table saw for cutting multiple pieces to the same size. There are scenarios in which this works, and scenarios in which it doesn’t. You need to understand the dynamic of length versus width, and how this affects the safety of the cut. This video explains how to safely make these cuts, and what to avoid.

The danger in crosscutting

What’s the problem if you use the table saw incorrectly for crosscutting? Two issues; table saw kick back, and possible contact between the saw blade and your hand. If a table saw is used incorrectly it’s relatively easy for the material to climb up onto the back of the saw blade. If this happens, things can go very badly very quickly.

Mastering the table saw

Few woodworkers will argue with the idea that the table saw is the heart of a woodshop, and key to many woodworking projects. As a result, knowing how to use a table saw correctly is a very important part of woodworking.