How to Use a Table Saw | Ask This Old House
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- Опубліковано 27 жов 2024
- Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva gives a general overview of a table saw and the best techniques to use it safely and effectively.
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Cost: $500
Skill Level: Moderate to Advanced
Steps:
1. Modern table saws come with a variety of safety features to ensure safe use.
a. Table saw guards - plastic shields that help keep the dust down and act as an additional barrier between you and the blade.
b. Riving knife - two blades on both sides of table saw blade. Their teeth point in the opposite direction so that if the piece of wood kicks back, the teeth will bite down and prevent them from shooting out of the table saw.
2. There are a handful of cuts that can be made with a table saw.
a. Rip cut - cuts made with the grain of the wood.
i. Before making any cuts, ensure the rip fence on the side is perfectly lined up with the blade. Do this by measuring the distance between the rip fence and one tooth on the blade on one end of the rip fence, then turn that same tooth towards the other side of the table and measure again. If you get the same number, the rip fence is perfectly lined up.
ii. Set the height of the saw blade using the crank to a height just slightly above the thickness of whatever wood is being cut.
iii. When making a rip cut, watch the rip fence on the side instead of the blade to ensure you’re making a straight cut.
b. Cross cut - cuts made against the grain of the wood.
i. Do not use the rip fence when making cross cuts. It can cause kickback, and if it does, your hand is likely to get dragged across the blade based on the way you hold the board for cross cuts.
ii. Insert the cross cutting guide into the groove on the table saw and use that as a guide to make a cross cut.
iii. To make multiple cross cuts the same length, attach a scrap piece of wood to the rip fence and set the distance between the scrap and the blade to the desired length. That way, you can use the rip fence as a measuring guide without having the board against the rip fence.
Resources:
Tom demonstrated some best practices and techniques on the M18 Fuel Table Saw w/One Key [amzn.to/2Q61zw4], which is manufactured by Milwaukee Tools [amzn.to/2HoNLKt].
Tom also mentioned the larger table saw he uses in the workshop, which is a SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw [amzn.to/2YzuwDz].
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How to Use a Table Saw | Ask This Old House
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A couple important things that weren't discussed in the video. One, keep your hands a minimum of 6" away from the blade at all times by always using a push stick or block to feed material through the blade. Two, given job site saws are small and light by design, make sure to fasten them securely to something to keep them from moving around while you're feeding stock through them. A saw that can move around during use ups the chances of kickback big time, and also makes getting accurate cuts difficult. Clamp the saw down to a larger table or buy a dedicated saw base to go with it.
One very important tip when operating a table saw: Stand off of center of the saw blade (out of the kick back zone) as much and as safe as you can..... typically slightly to left of the blade (that's operators left). If there is a kick back hopefully you are standing clear of the kick back zone. Also worth noting: Some kick backs may not simply kick back laterally; the wood may kick up and back.
What if you are left handed? Should you
stand to the right?
I didnt know about not using the fence for those cuts,extremely useful information to keep all your fingers safe and in one piece.
Just got a table saw and the best tip from Tom was the use of a small block at the starting point to give clearance from the fence to the saw blade when doing cross cuts.
Thank you Tom.
I have that really enjoy This Old House show for years now that I have a new 10 inch table saw the show is still helping me out with my tools. Thanks This Old House.
40 years old and just got my first table saw. Saw my dad lose his thumb print to one when I was a teen. Glad the videos are around to learn before use.
About to use my tablesaw for the first time... Good thing I went to have a look at YT first :D
Good for TOH to show such a great how-to on what is kinda a minefield!! 👌 Just got a table saw for a big project and this was good basics. I've read that you should also use a pusher whenever you can and not reach across the blade 🤔
I have been using a table saw for many years. I feel it is always good to review the safety issues associated with table saws just to have them fresh in my head. I have several friends with Very Bad table saw accident "scars". Thanks for a visual reminder. I was always taught to "belly up to the off side of the table saw when doing a rip cut" for some extra measure of safety. Again, thanks for the video and keep them coming.
Well done! I am a newer and fairly good Woodworker whom just received a Tablesaw for Christmas. I am inspired by your tips to make myself a safer table saw user.
Sleds are a great accessory to a table saw for safe cuts as well!
This video was helpful especially the part about using fence parallel to the blade makes it less chance for kickbacks.
For me...great review of table saw safety! I probably always eyeballed that 1/4 to 1/2 inch, but good to review. My problem was crosscut safety. I use push sticks, but I had a small piece of wood rocket back at me, but I had stood to the side of the blade, so it missed me. Later, talking to friends I realized I wasn't making a crosscut correctly...not using the miter guide...having the material on the fence. Made the adjustment and feel more comfortable and I'll make a crosscut sled soon. I just wasn't getting enough shop time to review these things, but as I get more projects I review my safety steps before I begin. I really don't want a table saw cut...for me or anyone in my shop! Thanks for sharing! :)
Almost enough knowledge for a beginner turning the tablesaw on for the first time. This is great info though and thank you
this was the best advise I have heard for a bigger thank you!!!
Just happened to have bought my first table saw today!
Be careful. What kind did you get?
P.s. Don't ever wear gloves, it'll snag and you'll lose your hand. I'd recommend The Grr Ripper
@@twes619 I bought the Dewalt
15 Amp 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw
@@vegasboy7 nice. Get The Grr-Ripper, best push block ever, you'll need two if you cut long stock. I'm not sure how experienced you so I won't go crazy with recommendations, but I'd also recommend a feather board.
@@twes619 I'm new to this, so any advise is welcome! Thanks!
@@vegasboy7 okay. Don't wear gloves ever, try not to stand directly behind the saw when cutting Incase something kicks back, know the difference between a cross cut and rip cut like covered in the video, know what you're going to cut before you power on your saw, once you cut, turn it off, don't leave the blade running any longer than you need to after you've cut your piece, wear eye protection and never turn your head away during a cut, pay attention every time and you should be fine!
I don't recommend battery operated table saws, especially for any 2X cuts i returned an $800 saw after a week, it's just not strong enough, there's nothing like electrical current saws to do the best work
Nope, I am sure he meant alternating current haha
I have that exact Milwaukee Table saw and have no trouble with 2X lumber. You may cut a bit slower, but it is still no issue as is 1 inch hardwood no issue.
Agreed. I had that Milwaukee saw and it swallowed batteries faster than you can charge them while also having less power. Convenient if you are doing really small stock and just a few cuts, but you need a cord if you are doing any serious work on the table saw.
I saw someone lose a finger in a shop using the table saw. When he came back out for a time, eventually admitted he wasn't paying attention doing repetitive work. I learned from that when using a table saw you have to keep your mind on the saw and don't let it wander or stop for a break, if you feel tired. Saws are unforgiving and like they say about motorcycles any accident is serious. All this happened when I was a kid working after school, best safety lesson that stayed with me every time I use one.
Thanks for this very helpful information and cutting tips.
Thank you for this! I realized months ago i was cross cutting so dangerously. I used the fence for support with both hands as you just shown not what to do........still got all my fingers though!
build a crosscut sled. Go to William Eng and use his five cut method to get the sled tuned in for accurate cross cuts. There a dozens of great designs on UA-cam l liked Nick Ferry's build.
its best to understand that each tool has its own JOB. lots of people choose to use table saws for dado cuts & thin rips, where they toss away the blade guard & riving knife. all my dado cuts get done by using the router table & my thin rips get with a circular saw & straight guide or tracksaw.
understanding what causes kickback, not pushing right next to the fence with your push stick or block, using your riving knife, anti-kick back pawls & blade guard, along with something not mentioned in this video, which is SUPPORTING your workpiece, will all but erase any chance of kick back or other serious damage.
pushing too close to the fence will cause the back-end of the workpiece to slide into the blade at an angle & the teeth will grab hold of the workpiece & shoot it back towards you at over 100mph. riving knives prevent this, along with the anti-kick back pawls, by allowing the piece to run along them INSTEAD OF back into the spinning blade.
the blade guard is there to always remind you to not get close to the guards & blade. it's there in case your hands ever slip into or on-top of the blade, or pulled into the blade.
jobsite & portable table saws have little room for feeding & outfeed, meaning your workpiece will possible enter or exit the saw UNSTABLE, which will either cause the piece to be cut not straight, kickback, or both. look into a proper outfeed tables or adjustable stand rollers.
These are great informational videos. Thanks!
Super informative! Thanks for sharing!
These days; not only should shop class return to middle and high schools, but it should allow women in the class.
I cut my hand on a tablesaw a decade ago and still can't get myself to use one again. Be careful everyone
What was the damage to your hand?
@@DAminovLaw He would tell you but it takes him about 2 hours to type a sentence with 2 fingers.
I got lucky and just cut the top of my finger in a couple places. It went through the start of my finger nail and nicked the bone. My fingernail actually grew back (all the doctors said it probably wouldn't), it does look a little funny though. Finger is totally fine
@@jim1550 Not really funny you know... :(
Good thing you weren't in an automobile accident...
Just got a Kolbot saw from Lowe's and first time user. Thanks for the vid . But I'm still going to ask my father in law, who used one , to give some advice .
I read the comments. I watched TOH videos (grew up watching the original Tv shows) and many others and it seems that my generation of shop classes in high school gave us much knowledge and confidence. Soon after I graduated from high school computers replaced the shop classes. People these days are still interested in using tools, but lack the basic knowledge we took for granted. Safe operation isn't sold with a tool. Bring back shop classes America. More tools are finding there way into hands of all types of people with out the background. No longer do you need to be what you do (people these days need not sleep, eat and live tools etc to have access). Dangerous.
Boy let me tell you, Online Woodshop Class is quite the doozy.
yup
I'm just so very pleased to see an old Missouri vanity plate on the wall. Our current design isnt nearly as cool as that old design
thanks for this video, I needed these tips!
I never really use mine I use my miter more than anything if you talking about stationary power hand tools is another level
Nice video and teaching us about that machine
Nice tips , thanks.
Wow this Tablesaw have way more features than mine mine does not have finger guides near the saw and kick back teeth basically just a electric motor belt going to the saw blade it has now on and off switch just plug it in when you want to use it it seems kind of scary to use it now
5:46 - Having just watched another table-saw safety video, I think the advice on cross-cuts is incomplete, because as StumpyNubs' channel said, the diagonal of a square board is much greater than the side, meaning that if the board twists enough after the crosscut it can rub against the blade and fly up or back.
I've seen a kick back in wood shop last year in 9th grade before corona they were cutting straps for are cutting boards and all we heard was a big clunk and I looked and seen the strip go acrossrd the room
Can there be kick back with riving knife and blade guard both in place?
The problem with the safety guards and the gripping "blades" on the back end is that you CANNOT lower the blade down to a low enough height for some of the thinner boards.
Thank you great advice :)
Hi! this Jane Peters Justin’s mom so I see you have new videos it’s been so long since we seen your show ?
After 25 years of running my table saw I made a mistake and lost some meat. I was lucky. It took me a month before I could go back to the basement again.
What mistake did you make, 2pugman? I'd like to learn from you so I don't make that same mistake. I am new to the table saw and am gearing up to make my first cut, so I am doing my research now!
@@ThriftDiving I was using my left hand to push thru the last three inches of a rip.
I think it was just a bad move to use my non-dominate hand to work with. TG it was quick ! Today, before I turn the saw on again, I stop and remind myself of what could happen ! The recovery was a nightmare 'cause I cut into bone and it takes time to heal. I had a great surgeon and today it's hard to see. Stop and think first !
FIRST MOVE - put your SAFETY GLASSES ON before you ever hit the switch, if you don’t like wearing them leave them on the table when you are done cutting ?
Got all my know how from Paul Timberman’s workshop as I type this with my last finger.
Right
Funny how they have shield and kickback device while filing this, but in the field he doesn’t use either. (Proof is on other videos)
BIG BAD RED MACHINE aka Milwaukee!!! 👊🏽
I'll take a Bosch. Anytime
what if the blade has a bend?
Since most material is 2x or thinner I suggest changing your 10" to a 7 1/4" regular 24t framing blade for a circ saw. Thinner kerf and less strain. There are videos about it on youtube. I had a 12" table saw and went to a 10" blade and it is way smoother. You lose a little height but again it'll do 2x material easy and blades are cheaper. Kind of off topic but interesting concept.
Here's a video from Bob Chase on it.
ua-cam.com/video/lVO7BkA6CN4/v-deo.html
My table saw is kick back proof from factory it's a harbor freight one so it's like a circular saw and you can do rough cuts with circular saw and they basically out one upside down so my table saw doesn't kick back but I don't really use my table saw or circular saw much
I know its recommended to use a guard on a saw, but in everyday practice, you'll be hard pressed to find a guard on any job site saw. They're just way too big a pain to deal with. And the Powermatic cabinet saw I've had in my workshop for over 20 years has never had a guard on it. Riving knife yes. Guard no. Manufacturers spend far too little R&D trying to design a guard that doesn't completely torment users, so most guards get removed and discarded almost as soon as saws are set up. Saw safety is a mindset, and is usually insured through common sense and good practices, not via a flimsy piece of plastic and steel that torments the user every time they turn on their saw.
“Use the blade guard” doesn’t use it in the end grain cutting board video 🤣 lmfao safety guy
He said he was removing it to show you the contact between the wood and the saw. Try to keep up.
I was a professionally trained commercial cabinet maker for years. It surprises me just how many diy videos there are out there that make me cringe when watching them use power equipment. It makes me wonder just how many accidents happen based on some of these diy'ers videos. I just want to reach out and slap them for putting others at risk of injury because of their ignorance and stupidity....
I saw a kid in wood shop in 7th grade cut his finger on the band saw we were making a band saw box and that teacher was a joke we had a good one but the partner quit then he took that then we got a sub and he slept most days in class now I'm in 10th grade and a year ago I got my first shop in the base isn't I'm so cluttered
With all due respect. Keeping one foot under the saw is the most important thing to remember. People make this mistake all the time.
Daniel Dunham it’s due respect
@@davidgarfinkel7033
Thank you David
Ooooooohhhhh..Thats how.
C'mon Tommy, be honest, do you really have a guard on your shop saw?? I still have all my fingers.
lol wtf my tablesaw has none of these features. I guess that's because it was a 200 buck home despot special
I'm always scared I'm gonna cut a finger off
Stealthy Mongoose you should stick to watching videos then..
Certainly a machine that needs respect. The video didnt touch on push sticks, but I make use of those. Also there are cross cut jigs to keep your hands clear.
Aka
Who the hell is this old guy talking? He doesn’t know much about wood working that’s for sure
Please Goal Zero Yeti 3000(no need gas) Back up power test it out
200w solar2 panels GOALZERO
On the next episode of This Old House: "How to Use a Crescent Wrench"
Or....you can do what every other real professional does which is add/subtract a saw blade width, which is 1/8” by the way, and go from there. If you’re worried about wobble, you shouldn’t be using a tablesaw in the first damned place! Get this hack off your channel..!
LOL you need to chill
I just built a full crosscut sled yesterday, which extends over each side of the table. Isn't that safer than that little sled you were using?
My, aren't you the angry little keyboard warrior?
Patrick is cranky