Nice video. I'd be interested whether you think there's a correlation between experience and injury rate. I suspect that most accidents with these things happen to medium-experienced woodworkers who get complacent / careless. The first few times you turn on a table saw you KNOW it's really dangerous. After a few hundred cuts you start to forget that, and that's when you get hurt.
That's an interesting question. I think in the beginning, there's a safety learning curve where it's important to at least understand what can potentially happen and how to avoid injuries. With a solid base, you are probably hyper-aware of everything you do. Then as you get more time in, it's easy to get complacent. You might be right: that medium-experienced zone is probably the most dangerous time. That said, plenty of injuries happen to experienced woodworkers. We might be well aware of safe procedures and do everything right, but one moment of losing focus can lead to an injury. It's the very definition of an accident. Kind of like how you can drive a car for years but still space out and run a stop sign. I strongly believe in making dry-runs a habit. I honestly, seriously do this all the time. There have been procedures where I've made dry-runs and just didn't feel 100% confident. That's when I know I need to come up with a different strategy for making the cut. I'd love to hear what other people have to say about this question!
I think the more experienced get hurt more often. I know this from experience lol. I feel that the more wood working you do the more you get into "the zone" and start letting your guard down because it starts becoming like second nature. That's all it takes then, bam, you get hurt.
You can get injured regardless of your level of experience. When you're starting out, you make mistakes due to lack of knowledge. When you have some experience, you get complacent and lose focus for an instant and have an accident that way. Then you get lots of experience, you start to thing that the rules don't apply to you, and again... an accident.
I just got a table saw and from first cut to the last one i did i did a dry-run and i always will be. Thank you so much for making this video! I'd like to keep my fingers and hands!
"Don't fear that power, but always respect it". Great nugget of wisdom, Steve. Applicable to other aspects of life, not just woodworking. I love your videos.
AWESOME video. I recently bought a craftsman 8 1/4" table saw and learned more in your 13:17 video than a month of watching videos on the correct way to use it. THANK YOU SO MUCH for explaining it in layman's terms and not given a 30-minute lecture on your life before getting to the actual part on using the table saw. this video was straight to the point and I now feel comfortable in using my machine safely thank you again
50yrs old single and decided I want to make a gazebo! Designed it myself, have all my measurements all my wood bought a used table saw and now thanks to you I'm going to go make my first cut! I will be power watching all your video's starting tonight! Thanks
Steve, your videos are truly in a class of their own. Packed with relevant information and very fun to watch - with a positive attitude from start to finish. You will get my vote for the title planet earth's first ambassador of woodworking.
Superb video. I’m an old guy who has recently bought a table saw and soon realised how dangerous they are so taking it slowly. These tips are brill ! Thanks George U.K.
So many videos touch on safety but only as an after thought. As a beginner I am so grateful this video focused on safety alone. I would love to see a series of safety videos for all power tools if you havent done it already. You do them very well! Thanks
Thanks ! for the refresher .... I’m an experienced table saw owner ... never hurts to go over good safety instruction and keep your ten fingers and your two eyes ..
@@johntaylor1359 I’ve found a guard more troublesome than helpful for accurate woodworking to be honest. I still use my riving knife, but I’ve cut off the top that attaches to the guard, so I can do rabbets and groves with it still in place.
Hey man! I’m a 13 year old, with your help I started woodworking with just Leftover wood from home refurnishing Cheap chisel Cheap hammer Electric sander Some 4 dollar clamps from Walmart. This just goes to show how much you can make with so little, and such good of a teacher! Stay safe!
I’m taking a construction class in my high school and this actually helped me a lot on how to work a table saw, thank you so much for this video and the help!
I need this. I have had a table saw, in a box for 3 years. Scared to open it up. LOL Had a kick back years ago and it scared the heck out of me. Last time I ever used the table saw. Time to be brave!
I had a similar experience about 8 years ago when I first started using a table saw... but that’s because no one taught me how to properly use it! Kickback is actually very easy to prevent, even without a riving knife (although that will certainly help). Some tips: 1) Make sure your blade is spinning at maximum rotation before you try to push material through. 2) For rip cuts, expect the blade to want to push material towards you. Your job is to provide resistance to that movement as you move the material against the spin. This is a very nuanced dance as pushing too much or too little can be dangerous. Kickback can sometimes occur when you try to push material through but you aren’t providing ample resistance with your right hand as you push. This takes a little practice because it’s kind of a “feel” thing. It is nerve racking the first few times, but as long as proper resistance is there, it will not kickback. 3) Make sure you are maintaining a steady pressure into the fence as you rip material. The material will not naturally travel through the blade in a straight line and if it wavers too much, the pieces can pinch the blade, causing kickback. The table saw will work with you but only when you keep your material locked into your fence. 4) Push material into the fence beneath the blade (closer to you). Avoid pushing material against the blade as this can also create a pinch that might cause kickback. 5). Never ever pivot material as it goes through the teeth of the blade. Always keep your material pushed up against your fence and as straight as possible. 6) This one is the least intuitive, but incredibly useful. Keep calm and (as long as your hands are clear from the blade) you can actually stop moving material while maintaining resistance in both directions (against the teeth and against the fence). You can hold material still as the blade spins in the middle of a cut and, if you are applying enough resistance, It should remain still. This is a great default if you are feeling overwhelmed mid cut. It should also enable you to turn off the power as the blade only kicks back if it’s meeting resistance. Keep watching table saw videos to get a better idea of how to position your body and learn technique. Good luck!
Steve, You are one of the excellent but rare instructors who can teach without droning on and on but keep your students hanging on every word. Good thing you’re thin. You’d be able to walk through my shop. 😊
Its nice to see you making these "basic" videos again. There really hasn't been anything else out there as detailed and straight forward as your videos. As a beginner, I can't tell you how empowering and confident your videos have made me feel over the years. I have completed more than I ever believed I could and I have you to thank for that.
My Son in Law gave me his table saw and he explained to me how to use it (but I needed a refresher and I found your video and I'm so glad I did. I watched a few videos and yours is the best, you explained what side to cut and how to line it up and all the safety tips. Thank You!
Steve: seeing one of your recent posts, I’m a bit bummed. You don’t give yourself enough credit. Perhaps you’ve been immersed in this for awhile and can’t see the forest for the trees. You are literally one of, if not THE best UA-camr in your category. The video quality, sound and camera angles are absolutely on point. Your confidence is comforting and your experience is super obvious. Keep on making videos man. I look forward to all of them.
Echoed - I'm doing my own floors for the first time and just sent a link to the video to my sister saying how helpful, useful, and well thought out it was. Especially the planning and doing a dry run. Thank you for your videos
Just got my 1st table saw, 1st project is building workshop/laundry room wall cabinets. Made a few cuts a little off, but now I see why they were off. Thanks my friend for easy knowledgeable video....I'm still learning at 72 😅
I work with my tools very infrequently, so I like reviewing these kinds of videos before I start on any project. You're helping me stay safe and professional. Thank you for your time and effort, it does a lot of good!
Just want to give credit where it’s due. Thank you so much for all your woodworking/safety videos. Calm voice and presentation with tons of info. I really cannot thank you enough. I hope all is well and thank you !
Just bought a home with the wife and we wanted to fix some things and save money. Bought me a table saw bc I also wanted to try picking up a woodworking hobby during covid. I took shop in middle school so basically I dont remember anything. This video is super helpful!
I absolutely love this! I'm almost 24 years-old, avid computer/office guy, but I've always loved getting my hands dirty and handsy. I worked at Home Depot as a stocker for a year and stocked everything imaginable including the heavy table saws, routers, sanders, blades, sand paper bands, etc. I've thought about doing woodwork for years but never seriously considered it. But now as I have a very nice job with an above average income and a yearn to get away from the computer, I plan on investing $1,000 to $1,500 into the equipment he listed as well as tools, materials and etc. I want to start small and steady and advance and make furniture as a hobby, for family/gifts and possibly to sell! These videos are astounding and I plan on following all of them - thank you for this video, it was great to find your channel!
I got interested in woodworking about 6 months ago. I had wanted some custom organizer boxes for my kitchen drawers, and the cabinet store wanted my firstborn and a kidney for them. I thought it coul8be THAT hard to build a simple box...and that is how I found your video about building a wood box! You made the idea of woodworking something attainable, even for me, who hadn't ever used a drill, much less a saw! I've spent the last 6 months reading and learning everything I could, and have done a few super simple projects that I could accomplish with just the circular saw. And have really found a sense of pride and accomplishment and just PEACE working in the garage. Thank you.
Steve, I hope you read this because I just wanted to say you have single handedly encouraged me to get in to wood working. The way you explain things and your walkthrough is simply amazing. The learning curve was so great and the tools and equipment was so intimidating. That is, until I found your page. Thank you so much, Steve. I am building night stands this weekend and I couldn't have gotten to my current skill level without your encouragement. I never comment on videos but I wanted to let you know my deep appreciation for your passion and the time you take on your videos to help people like me. Please, keep making your videos because there are thousands of people out there like me that need these videos to teach and encourage.
"Imagine the cut you're about to make... make it a habit." I remember the first time I watched one of your videos when you mentioned this. I've followed it since, and it's now just part of my workflow: dry run before the saw goes on. In another video (maybe that same one), you said something along the lines of "if it doesn't feel safe, don't do it." I do this as well as part of that dry run. I'm more than two years into this woodworking journey and can't seem to learn enough. Thanks Steve!
Great tip to imagine the cut before making it. Whenever cutting long heavy stock I like to do a practice run with the saw off and the blade down. I want to know ahead of time if I'm going run out of outfeed space or if something is going to get unstable during the cut. If so, make it right and do another practice run!
Mr. Steve Rumsey, i have watched lot of your videos and have learnt lot of woodworking tips and guidelines as woodworking is one of my favourite hobby. I consider you my virtual teacher and have great respect for you. God bless you. Thanks
Steve is the man. I'm a pro woodworker and all his info is right on the money. I always recommend new woodworkers to check out Steve's channel. And I have to mention that to my knowledge he is not related to either Gordon Ramsey, or Dave Ramsey...
This is exactly the kind of video series I’d love to watch more of! It’s really great to get a better guide for absolute beginners. One change I would like to see you make for future versions of this is to slow down your presentation in the first half, and also to get a bit more detailed (or maybe more visual guides like graphical overlays) when giving terminology. I myself am very new to this hobby and loved this video. Can’t wait to see more like it from you.
Steve, I've been binge watching all your videos and I literally JUST bought a table saw today, perfect timing! I know you have another table saw video but this really broke it down and explained every aspect to getting started and I really appreciate it! Your videos are great and I've very excited to start working on some of my own projects!
Okay, how did you know that I just bought my first table saw two days ago and set it up?! I have also been watching your videos over and over again for at least two years and have learned so much. I even bought your weekend class. I haven't plugged it in yet because I am a little afraid of it. I did add the guard as well as the anti kick thingy. My Gripper came yesterday but I haven't assembled it yet. Perfect timing on this video! I needed that boost of encouragement. Thanks Steve!
Janine Lew I’ve only got an impact driver and drill made by dewalt, but i can’t wait to grow my collection. Wow, you’ve got quite the collection. Have you made any videos with them yet?
Love your videos !! Definitely giving me alot more confidence on using the table saw for the first time ! I've been using a circular saw for every cut which hasn't been the easiest for a first timer! Thanks again!!
Hey my name is victor I know this is long but I'm new to all this I'm 55 and been a wood worker since I was 11 years old I've built all kinds of things including homes from rehab to new construction its nice to see that our trade is not dead everyone wants to buy everything premade these days it drives me crazy ....in philly I'm known as the guy u go to for all your custom work stairs, handrails and such oh from scratch non of.that prefab stuff I started making a video on hum ow to build a powder room but my camera man quit on me and was not able to finish the video ,I'm going to learn how to do it myself .if u want u can look at it its victors powder room on utube just not finished anyway I really love your site and look forward to seeing more of u.
Thank you for the videos! Because of you, I've taken the leap into woodworking. Appreciate the REAL candid advice. Amazing how you still remember how it feels to be a newbie and how table saws can be intimidating. I feel much more comfortable after watching your videos (over and over) :)
This video came in perfect timing! I just got my first table saw this week and I’m going to be using it this weekend. I was really intimidated by it, but I feel a bit more confident after watching this video. Thanks!
Remember the dry-runs! When i did it for my first cut there were several potentially disastrous things i noticed! A habit im starting after watching stumpy nubs accident is to have my cell phone on a table so i can at least call emergency number. Not easy pulling a phone out of your pocket with two fingers while also bleeding...
Great video! For the part where you demonstrate usage of the push sticks, it should probably be explicitly mentioned that the the 2nd push stick you use (with your left hand) shouldn't exert pressure towards the blade on the piece you're cutting. Last thing you'd want is for it to bind with the blade.
Father was a boat builder and woodworker. I have been around table saws and other tools my whole life. The table saw and jointer is the equipment that still scare the heck out of me.
just made a cross cut with a rip fence and got a stern lesson that I should probably learn how to operate a tool before operating it... who would've thought?
just bought my 1st table saw, after years of wanting to upgrade from a handsaw. while i feel like a lot of this is common sense, i feel confident enough to use it now. thank you
Literally every part of this video spoke to me from finally jumping in after watching videos to being startled by the sound. I really appreciated learning the tips about imagining your cut and watching the rip fence and board rather than the blade. I think these tips will help alleviate some of the fear I still have towards the tool ! Everything was so well explained too, coming from a beginners perspective!
Best video I’ve seen so far because one of the first things he says is to use eye protection and ear protection AND he says to get a feel for how it sounds and turning it on and off. I agree 10000%!! It can be scary the first time you turn one on and hear the noise and see the blade. Get comfortable with that feeling!
Great video, Steve! I just bought my first table saw today and this video gives me some confidence- I especially appreciate the recommendation to visualize each cut. Keep up the great work!
I just took the plunge and finally bought a table saw after watching videos of them for about a year. And yes, it is intimidating 😀 Perfect video, thanks Steve
Steve, have you/can you do a video about improving a table saw, miter saw, router, etc station ie building a fence, jig, slide, or whatever that makes your woodworking experience so much better?
The first thing I built with my table saw was a crosscut sled. The second thing I built was a 45-degree sled. (FWIW: I used plans from the website Family Handyman.)
This is exactly what I needed. I'm left handed and my uncle saw me cut wood on the table saw and he said, "WHOAH!" I learned my body placement was very dangerous.
I'm left handed as well. I don't have a table saw yet. I'm close buying one (already for years). From time to time I use an upside-down mounted circular saw but as Steve says, it's far from ideal. I still don't know if I should try to learn to use a table saw (when I finally will have one) as a left-hander or as a right hander. I'm 100% left handed. With my right hand I'm not able to write, open jars, use a knife or any one-hand-operated handtools such as a hammer, screw-driver, wrench or whatsoever.
@@hansdegroot8549 Same here. I was reading that moving the fence to the other side of the blade can help. Since I share the table saw with right handed folks this really isn't an easy option. Oh well, something will work out. Have a good one
Depending on your saw, you may have the option to mount the Rip Fence on the left and use the Mitre on the right (although, from what I've seen, most saws that allow the fence on the left have less rip-width available compared to the right)... this may allow you to use your saw comfortably and safely without right-handed conventions...
I had a tablesaw injury this week and it was from a hazard that is not mentioned often. I was swapping blades. The saw was unplugged. I had removed the blade and set it aside. I was reaching into the saw to clean some of the build-up of sawdust. I cut my arm on the sharp edge of the table casting. It was a minor cut, but it could have been worse. Remember that the internal parts may have sharp edges.
I just bought my first table saw on friday and made my first cuts today. Yesterday I put it together and got it all setup, well mostly but that's another story. Today I just made my first cuts using 12mm (yep, I'm metric, sorry) MDF, ripping it down to 300mm by 180mm. The cuts went extremely well, not perfect but that I think is more about my skill than the saw. Having watched this and a load of other youtube content, I felt confident that I knew what the parts of the saw are, why they are they and how to use them. In addition I've been watching safety videos and can understand the safety aspects of the saw. Thank you for putting this content up, as it has helped me greatly.
STEVE!!!!!! You made this video especially for me!!! I have watched many, many videos (including yours of course)!!! I have purchased my table saw (Fury 6 - duo chop saw/table saw), and I tried it out and switched it off VERY QUICKLY, and don't want to touch it again!!!!! So when I saw the thumb nail - I thought, I NEED TO WATCH THIS VIDEO!!! Thank you very much for all your invaluable advice - I really appreciate it!😜
Thank you for this. I always wanted to do woodworking, but when I was young, girls were not allowed. As a result, i have been intimidated to learn. I built electronic circuits, to my parents dismay, but never owned the tools to do woodworking until now. My ex-boyfriend was teaching me, but he got cancer and died. Thank you for making these videos!
Good job 👍 demonstrating. Bought a new one in 1985. Just a hobby then and now. The rules for safety haven't changed. Still have ALL 10 fingers and never been gut punched by flying wood. If I were developing a video curriculum for Woodworkers this would be on the list.
Being able to turn off the saw without removing your hands from the workpiece is a great advantage. Should the saw start bogging down or the piece behaves oddly, you can quickly turn off the saw with your leg or knee and hopefully avoid an accident. Having to move your hands to turn off the saw can be dangerous and result in an accident
If I cannot get the saw to turn off, should I use it to cut its own cord❓ (That happened. Not a stuck switch, but did not see where the cord was. Good thing I had a spare cord on hand)
Should I use my table saw to make exactly sized French fries, and if so, which is better for a push stick, a stalk of celery or a carrot? I ask because slicing bologna on the miter saw had some issues. FYI, bologna in a dust collector, well let's just say...........
As a machinist who is getting into hobby woodworking I love you envision or as I would call visualization. That is extremely important. It's been instilled into me. Plan the entire process first and act it out. This comes in handy when torch press fitting parts. Spending hours machining a part that needs to be heat press fit to where it will never come out makes you very aware of the entire process. Poor preparation can scrap an entire job.
one tooth above the cut. alot of excess blade seems to reduce accuracy. also depends of the blade and what your cutting for combo blade and real wood i find it gives less tearout and burns.
I've often heard that you want the blade one tooth width higher than the wood. You get a smooth cut and the chips can clear the blade. However, in harder woods this can lead to burning because the teeth spend more time in the kerf. If your work is getting burn marks, try raising the blade a bit and see if you get better results.
Just bought a table saw, no prior experience! This basic video should be required to buy one! It answered almost every question I had, and stopped me from making several mistakes I would have made, possibly causing injury!!
I get all heeby jeeby when I watch John Heisz's videos, he always just uses his fingers along his fence and as much experience as he has, I still just see him losing a couple of those fingers one day
While I’m used to working with power tools, I just recently purchased a Makita 2704 table saw for work that needs to be done around the house. This is a perfect refresher video, Thank you so much!
I've been watching woodworking videos for a while now and I've finally decided to dive in and I went out and bought my first table saw. And now that I've got it out of the box and I set it up it looks a little intimidating.
Nice video.
I'd be interested whether you think there's a correlation between experience and injury rate. I suspect that most accidents with these things happen to medium-experienced woodworkers who get complacent / careless.
The first few times you turn on a table saw you KNOW it's really dangerous. After a few hundred cuts you start to forget that, and that's when you get hurt.
That's an interesting question. I think in the beginning, there's a safety learning curve where it's important to at least understand what can potentially happen and how to avoid injuries. With a solid base, you are probably hyper-aware of everything you do. Then as you get more time in, it's easy to get complacent. You might be right: that medium-experienced zone is probably the most dangerous time.
That said, plenty of injuries happen to experienced woodworkers. We might be well aware of safe procedures and do everything right, but one moment of losing focus can lead to an injury. It's the very definition of an accident. Kind of like how you can drive a car for years but still space out and run a stop sign.
I strongly believe in making dry-runs a habit. I honestly, seriously do this all the time. There have been procedures where I've made dry-runs and just didn't feel 100% confident. That's when I know I need to come up with a different strategy for making the cut.
I'd love to hear what other people have to say about this question!
I think the more experienced get hurt more often. I know this from experience lol. I feel that the more wood working you do the more you get into "the zone" and start letting your guard down because it starts becoming like second nature. That's all it takes then, bam, you get hurt.
You can get injured regardless of your level of experience. When you're starting out, you make mistakes due to lack of knowledge. When you have some experience, you get complacent and lose focus for an instant and have an accident that way. Then you get lots of experience, you start to thing that the rules don't apply to you, and again... an accident.
I just got a table saw and from first cut to the last one i did i did a dry-run and i always will be. Thank you so much for making this video! I'd like to keep my fingers and hands!
@@vileguile4 Please do! I'm recovering from a very fortunate accident, where I lost focus and only required three stitches (and lost two fingernails!)
The "imagine your cut" or "do a dry run" advice from Steve is the first thing that I do everytime.
Same.
Yes!! Such good advice!
Still no guard........WHY,!!
The best way to do it! Yup!
Fundamentally changed how I work now. Priceless advice.
"Don't fear that power, but always respect it". Great nugget of wisdom, Steve. Applicable to other aspects of life, not just woodworking. I love your videos.
I am 67 years old retired amateur just started using table saw, your video is so interesting, I love it.
Steve is like the Bill Nye of woodwork. So inspiring, helpful and fun!
AWESOME video. I recently bought a craftsman 8 1/4" table saw and learned more in your 13:17 video than a month of watching videos on the correct way to use it. THANK YOU SO MUCH for explaining it in layman's terms and not given a 30-minute lecture on your life before getting to the actual part on using the table saw. this video was straight to the point and I now feel comfortable in using my machine safely thank you again
50yrs old single and decided I want to make a gazebo! Designed it myself, have all my measurements all my wood bought a used table saw and now thanks to you I'm going to go make my first cut! I will be power watching all your video's starting tonight! Thanks
I used my table saw today after watching this video. Thanks for your help.
Steve, your videos are truly in a class of their own.
Packed with relevant information and very fun to watch - with a positive attitude from start to finish.
You will get my vote for the title planet earth's first ambassador of woodworking.
Haha...well thanks Niklas!
I agree. I love his approach/attitude. He makes it enjoyable.
Greetings from the Maldives,
Steve is a good actor and flawless woodworker
Still no guard!!!
3400 SKIL SAW BLADE NUT --LEFT OR RIGHT THREAD ?
Superb video. I’m an old guy who has recently bought a table saw and soon realised how dangerous they are so taking it slowly. These tips are brill ! Thanks George U.K.
So many videos touch on safety but only as an after thought. As a beginner I am so grateful this video focused on safety alone. I would love to see a series of safety videos for all power tools if you havent done it already. You do them very well! Thanks
Thanks ! for the refresher .... I’m an experienced table saw owner ... never hurts to go over good safety instruction and keep your ten fingers and your two eyes ..
You’re such a great presenter to the camera and everything is so well thought out to make it seem flawless. Well done mate.
Well thank you. I really appreciate that!
100% agree! You’ve taken the mystery away and set some great guidelines for safety which is paramount of course.
Yes but Steve forgets one vital?? No guard......dear chap never replies to this comment....
@@johntaylor1359 I’ve found a guard more troublesome than helpful for accurate woodworking to be honest. I still use my riving knife, but I’ve cut off the top that attaches to the guard, so I can do rabbets and groves with it still in place.
Abso rubbish why no bloody guard Steve. Please answer
I might be overcautious but I'm an ER RN and see the damage these things can do, the video is exactly what I needed to get started, thanks!!
Greatest table saw video on the internet.
Hey man! I’m a 13 year old, with your help I started woodworking with just
Leftover wood from home refurnishing
Cheap chisel
Cheap hammer
Electric sander
Some 4 dollar clamps from Walmart.
This just goes to show how much you can make with so little, and such good of a teacher! Stay safe!
I’m taking a construction class in my high school and this actually helped me a lot on how to work a table saw, thank you so much for this video and the help!
I need this. I have had a table saw, in a box for 3 years. Scared to open it up. LOL Had a kick back years ago and it scared the heck out of me. Last time I ever used the table saw. Time to be brave!
I had a similar experience about 8 years ago when I first started using a table saw... but that’s because no one taught me how to properly use it! Kickback is actually very easy to prevent, even without a riving knife (although that will certainly help). Some tips: 1) Make sure your blade is spinning at maximum rotation before you try to push material through. 2) For rip cuts, expect the blade to want to push material towards you. Your job is to provide resistance to that movement as you move the material against the spin. This is a very nuanced dance as pushing too much or too little can be dangerous. Kickback can sometimes occur when you try to push material through but you aren’t providing ample resistance with your right hand as you push. This takes a little practice because it’s kind of a “feel” thing. It is nerve racking the first few times, but as long as proper resistance is there, it will not kickback. 3) Make sure you are maintaining a steady pressure into the fence as you rip material. The material will not naturally travel through the blade in a straight line and if it wavers too much, the pieces can pinch the blade, causing kickback. The table saw will work with you but only when you keep your material locked into your fence. 4) Push material into the fence beneath the blade (closer to you). Avoid pushing material against the blade as this can also create a pinch that might cause kickback. 5). Never ever pivot material as it goes through the teeth of the blade. Always keep your material pushed up against your fence and as straight as possible. 6) This one is the least intuitive, but incredibly useful. Keep calm and (as long as your hands are clear from the blade) you can actually stop moving material while maintaining resistance in both directions (against the teeth and against the fence). You can hold material still as the blade spins in the middle of a cut and, if you are applying enough resistance, It should remain still. This is a great default if you are feeling overwhelmed mid cut. It should also enable you to turn off the power as the blade only kicks back if it’s meeting resistance. Keep watching table saw videos to get a better idea of how to position your body and learn technique. Good luck!
@@stephenschaffenberger6765 Thank you so much! Yes, I binge watch tool movies constantly and read many magazines. Thank you so much for your advice&
@Fist Bump Thank you so much for the tips!
Steve,
You are one of the excellent but rare instructors who can teach without droning on and on but
keep your students hanging on every word. Good thing you’re thin. You’d be able to walk through my shop. 😊
Its nice to see you making these "basic" videos again. There really hasn't been anything else out there as detailed and straight forward as your videos. As a beginner, I can't tell you how empowering and confident your videos have made me feel over the years. I have completed more than I ever believed I could and I have you to thank for that.
My Son in Law gave me his table saw and he explained to me how to use it (but I needed a refresher and I found your video and I'm so glad I did. I watched a few videos and yours is the best, you explained what side to cut and how to line it up and all the safety tips. Thank You!
As someone who is beginning to work with wood, I loved your presentation of each small step. This was extremely well done.
Good video -- I just got a free table saw tonight and made my first rip cut thanks to you!
Steve: seeing one of your recent posts, I’m a bit bummed. You don’t give yourself enough credit. Perhaps you’ve been immersed in this for awhile and can’t see the forest for the trees. You are literally one of, if not THE best UA-camr in your category. The video quality, sound and camera angles are absolutely on point. Your confidence is comforting and your experience is super obvious. Keep on making videos man. I look forward to all of them.
Echoed - I'm doing my own floors for the first time and just sent a link to the video to my sister saying how helpful, useful, and well thought out it was. Especially the planning and doing a dry run. Thank you for your videos
All very chummy but still no guard
Just got my 1st table saw, 1st project is building workshop/laundry room wall cabinets. Made a few cuts a little off, but now I see why they were off. Thanks my friend for easy knowledgeable video....I'm still learning at 72 😅
I work with my tools very infrequently, so I like reviewing these kinds of videos before I start on any project. You're helping me stay safe and professional. Thank you for your time and effort, it does a lot of good!
I just wanted to say thank you for this series. I just bought my first table saw, and of course I’m watching your table saw series. :)
I've watch this video a hundred times, like 20 times everytime I'm about to make a cut , you are making me feel more comfortable with it
ive seen this video 3 times. and i already have used my saw for the past 4 months! THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK!
Just want to give credit where it’s due. Thank you so much for all your woodworking/safety videos. Calm voice and presentation with tons of info. I really cannot thank you enough. I hope all is well and thank you !
Just bought a home with the wife and we wanted to fix some things and save money. Bought me a table saw bc I also wanted to try picking up a woodworking hobby during covid. I took shop in middle school so basically I dont remember anything. This video is super helpful!
I absolutely love this! I'm almost 24 years-old, avid computer/office guy, but I've always loved getting my hands dirty and handsy. I worked at Home Depot as a stocker for a year and stocked everything imaginable including the heavy table saws, routers, sanders, blades, sand paper bands, etc. I've thought about doing woodwork for years but never seriously considered it. But now as I have a very nice job with an above average income and a yearn to get away from the computer, I plan on investing $1,000 to $1,500 into the equipment he listed as well as tools, materials and etc. I want to start small and steady and advance and make furniture as a hobby, for family/gifts and possibly to sell!
These videos are astounding and I plan on following all of them - thank you for this video, it was great to find your channel!
That sounds great dude! how you getting on?
I got interested in woodworking about 6 months ago. I had wanted some custom organizer boxes for my kitchen drawers, and the cabinet store wanted my firstborn and a kidney for them. I thought it coul8be THAT hard to build a simple box...and that is how I found your video about building a wood box! You made the idea of woodworking something attainable, even for me, who hadn't ever used a drill, much less a saw! I've spent the last 6 months reading and learning everything I could, and have done a few super simple projects that I could accomplish with just the circular saw. And have really found a sense of pride and accomplishment and just PEACE working in the garage. Thank you.
Wow, I remember when you got your PC table saw. That means I’ve been watching your videos for more than ten years. You do a great job of teaching.
Steve, I hope you read this because I just wanted to say you have single handedly encouraged me to get in to wood working. The way you explain things and your walkthrough is simply amazing. The learning curve was so great and the tools and equipment was so intimidating. That is, until I found your page. Thank you so much, Steve. I am building night stands this weekend and I couldn't have gotten to my current skill level without your encouragement. I never comment on videos but I wanted to let you know my deep appreciation for your passion and the time you take on your videos to help people like me. Please, keep making your videos because there are thousands of people out there like me that need these videos to teach and encourage.
Thanks Austyn! I really appreciate that! 👍😀
"Imagine the cut you're about to make... make it a habit." I remember the first time I watched one of your videos when you mentioned this. I've followed it since, and it's now just part of my workflow: dry run before the saw goes on. In another video (maybe that same one), you said something along the lines of "if it doesn't feel safe, don't do it." I do this as well as part of that dry run. I'm more than two years into this woodworking journey and can't seem to learn enough. Thanks Steve!
"use your common sense" i love it!
that is the number 1 important of all aspects!! nice to hear that from you sir.
Great tip to imagine the cut before making it. Whenever cutting long heavy stock I like to do a practice run with the saw off and the blade down. I want to know ahead of time if I'm going run out of outfeed space or if something is going to get unstable during the cut. If so, make it right and do another practice run!
Mr. Steve Rumsey, i have watched lot of your videos and have learnt lot of woodworking tips and guidelines as woodworking is one of my favourite hobby. I consider you my virtual teacher and have great respect for you. God bless you. Thanks
I just got my first table saw. Very good timing! Greetings from Belgium. 👍
Steve is the man. I'm a pro woodworker and all his info is right on the money. I always recommend new woodworkers to check out Steve's channel. And I have to mention that to my knowledge he is not related to either Gordon Ramsey, or Dave Ramsey...
This is exactly the kind of video series I’d love to watch more of! It’s really great to get a better guide for absolute beginners.
One change I would like to see you make for future versions of this is to slow down your presentation in the first half, and also to get a bit more detailed (or maybe more visual guides like graphical overlays) when giving terminology.
I myself am very new to this hobby and loved this video. Can’t wait to see more like it from you.
The Bill Nye of woodworking, really enjoyed the energy you brought to this video!
Steve, I've been binge watching all your videos and I literally JUST bought a table saw today, perfect timing! I know you have another table saw video but this really broke it down and explained every aspect to getting started and I really appreciate it! Your videos are great and I've very excited to start working on some of my own projects!
Oh that's awesome! Stay safe and have fun. You'll be making all kinds of things really soon! 😀
"Stay safe" how about using a guard Steve
Hi from Greece I just start woodworking and I can not stop watch your videos!!! thanks for all the help and tips
Okay, how did you know that I just bought my first table saw two days ago and set it up?! I have also been watching your videos over and over again for at least two years and have learned so much. I even bought your weekend class. I haven't plugged it in yet because I am a little afraid of it. I did add the guard as well as the anti kick thingy. My Gripper came yesterday but I haven't assembled it yet. Perfect timing on this video! I needed that boost of encouragement. Thanks Steve!
Janine Lew great to hear you’ve bought your first table saw. What make did you go for ?
O.G.B Woodwork It’s a Dewalt DWE7485.
Janine Lew very nice. I love dewalt tools. That’ll be extremely precise. 😁👍
@@o.g.bwoodwork I watched a lot of reviews before I made my decision. I already had a Dewalt miter saw and scroll saw and I like them as well.
Janine Lew I’ve only got an impact driver and drill made by dewalt, but i can’t wait to grow my collection.
Wow, you’ve got quite the collection. Have you made any videos with them yet?
This man is the Bill Nye of woodworking!!! Thanks man! Im such a newbie and you provide vital info
Love your videos !! Definitely giving me alot more confidence on using the table saw for the first time ! I've been using a circular saw for every cut which hasn't been the easiest for a first timer! Thanks again!!
Hey my name is victor I know this is long but I'm new to all this I'm 55 and been a wood worker since I was 11 years old I've built all kinds of things including homes from rehab to new construction its nice to see that our trade is not dead everyone wants to buy everything premade these days it drives me crazy ....in philly I'm known as the guy u go to for all your custom work stairs, handrails and such oh from scratch non of.that prefab stuff I started making a video on hum ow to build a powder room but my camera man quit on me and was not able to finish the video ,I'm going to learn how to do it myself .if u want u can look at it its victors powder room on utube just not finished anyway I really love your site and look forward to seeing more of u.
Thank you for the videos! Because of you, I've taken the leap into woodworking. Appreciate the REAL candid advice. Amazing how you still remember how it feels to be a newbie and how table saws can be intimidating. I feel much more comfortable after watching your videos (over and over) :)
This vlog did help to take the anxiety out of using my saw for the first cuts. Very Nice.... Let me watch again, Can't hurt; actually may prevent it.
This video came in perfect timing! I just got my first table saw this week and I’m going to be using it this weekend. I was really intimidated by it, but I feel a bit more confident after watching this video. Thanks!
Miranda Cutler what make did you go for?
Fantastic! On Monday, you'll be imagining all the things you want to make! Stay safe and happy woodworking. 😀
Remember the dry-runs! When i did it for my first cut there were several potentially disastrous things i noticed!
A habit im starting after watching stumpy nubs accident is to have my cell phone on a table so i can at least call emergency number. Not easy pulling a phone out of your pocket with two fingers while also bleeding...
@@vileguile4 i always have my phone where i could easy pick it up just in case.
Ditto Miranda! I feel so relieved to have this video
Thanks for the lesson! I will help me with my new saw and upcoming projects.
Great video!
For the part where you demonstrate usage of the push sticks, it should probably be explicitly mentioned that the the 2nd push stick you use (with your left hand) shouldn't exert pressure towards the blade on the piece you're cutting. Last thing you'd want is for it to bind with the blade.
I often get shitty watching DIY tip videos that confuse the hell out of me but this is a good one. Everything I needed to know. Thanks
The best table saw introduction I've ever seen!
Father was a boat builder and woodworker. I have been around table saws and other tools my whole life. The table saw and jointer is the equipment that still scare the heck out of me.
just made a cross cut with a rip fence and got a stern lesson that I should probably learn how to operate a tool before operating it... who would've thought?
just bought my 1st table saw, after years of wanting to upgrade from a handsaw.
while i feel like a lot of this is common sense, i feel confident enough to use it now.
thank you
I've used a table saw for years, but found this to be a good reminder of how to use it safely.
Literally every part of this video spoke to me from finally jumping in after watching videos to being startled by the sound. I really appreciated learning the tips about imagining your cut and watching the rip fence and board rather than the blade. I think these tips will help alleviate some of the fear I still have towards the tool !
Everything was so well explained too, coming from a beginners perspective!
2:25 You got that saw 10 years ago? How is it even possible that I've been watching your channel for more than 10 years??
Best video I’ve seen so far because one of the first things he says is to use eye protection and ear protection AND he says to get a feel for how it sounds and turning it on and off. I agree 10000%!! It can be scary the first time you turn one on and hear the noise and see the blade. Get comfortable with that feeling!
Great video, Steve! I just bought my first table saw today and this video gives me some confidence- I especially appreciate the recommendation to visualize each cut. Keep up the great work!
I just took the plunge and finally bought a table saw after watching videos of them for about a year. And yes, it is intimidating 😀 Perfect video, thanks Steve
imagine the cut? I dont even have a table saw, I'm just imagining being a woodworker.
Careful! That's the first step!
Still no guard
hahaha thanks for the laugh
Go for it try some woodworking it’s very good feeling once you set out to build something and you finish go have fun and the possibilities are endless
LMFAO
GOOD ADVICE STEVE FOR EVERY BODY ESPECIALLY FOR US WHO START WORKING WITH A TABLE SAW
Steve, have you/can you do a video about improving a table saw, miter saw, router, etc station ie building a fence, jig, slide, or whatever that makes your woodworking experience so much better?
The first thing I built with my table saw was a crosscut sled. The second thing I built was a 45-degree sled. (FWIW: I used plans from the website Family Handyman.)
I am so excited to start this
DONT FEAR THE SAW RESPECT IT
What I needed to hear to get up and do what I've always wanted to!
This is exactly what I needed. I'm left handed and my uncle saw me cut wood on the table saw and he said, "WHOAH!" I learned my body placement was very dangerous.
I'm left handed as well. I don't have a table saw yet. I'm close buying one (already for years). From time to time I use an upside-down mounted circular saw
but as Steve says, it's far from ideal. I still don't know if I should try to learn to use a table saw (when I finally will have one) as a left-hander or as a right hander.
I'm 100% left handed. With my right hand I'm not able to write, open jars, use a knife or any one-hand-operated handtools such as a hammer, screw-driver, wrench
or whatsoever.
@@hansdegroot8549 Same here. I was reading that moving the fence to the other side of the blade can help. Since I share the table saw with right handed folks this really isn't an easy option. Oh well, something will work out. Have a good one
@@hansdegroot8549 Probably should learn to use it the way he uses it in the video. Unless you don't like
your balls, or thighs..
Depending on your saw, you may have the option to mount the Rip Fence on the left and use the Mitre on the right (although, from what I've seen, most saws that allow the fence on the left have less rip-width available compared to the right)... this may allow you to use your saw comfortably and safely without right-handed conventions...
@@hansdegroot8549 try moving the fence to the other side of the blade also there are some right tilt saws out there
I've been watching Steve for long, a professional presentor.
I had a tablesaw injury this week and it was from a hazard that is not mentioned often. I was swapping blades. The saw was unplugged. I had removed the blade and set it aside. I was reaching into the saw to clean some of the build-up of sawdust. I cut my arm on the sharp edge of the table casting. It was a minor cut, but it could have been worse. Remember that the internal parts may have sharp edges.
I am so grateful for people like you taking the time to do a video like this. Thank you for all the awesome tips!
Where's the micro-jig ad?! This is a perfect opportunity!
11:06
@@Asmuk Not the same, I want an OG micro-jig ad, while Steve is in mid-sentence :)
"This video is _not_ sponsored by---"
"THE GRRRRRIPPER, FROM MICRO-JIG!..." 😎
Nor is it sponsored by hospital.......NO GUARD
I just bought my first table saw on friday and made my first cuts today. Yesterday I put it together and got it all setup, well mostly but that's another story. Today I just made my first cuts using 12mm (yep, I'm metric, sorry) MDF, ripping it down to 300mm by 180mm. The cuts went extremely well, not perfect but that I think is more about my skill than the saw. Having watched this and a load of other youtube content, I felt confident that I knew what the parts of the saw are, why they are they and how to use them. In addition I've been watching safety videos and can understand the safety aspects of the saw. Thank you for putting this content up, as it has helped me greatly.
14 seconds in, you have no idea how relatable that intro was haha
This is one of the best videos I have seen for table saws.
I saw a video you made a few years back where you gave the same dry run advice. It's something I ALWAYS do.
10:57 I miss the micro jig ads :( They were really funny.
I agree. Those were great. And, I bought one.
I've been think that for the last couple of videos!
I chuckled at the knowing smile on Steve's face!
I came to the comments section to say the same thing!
Steve, you've got to make the Micro Jig ads again, we love them!
Just got my first Tabke Saw..great advice and delivery..
Anyone else think its funny how Steve looks like he's gotten younger over the past 10 years rather than older?
For real dude! It's crazy. Lol
definitely
No kidding!
Must have a skin product channel too lol
Healthier for sure!
It's been a couple years since I used the saw, and also since I watched this video which made a great refresher.
Great video as usual! I missed one important piece of advice though: never go past the blade with your against-the-fence push stick.
Good point. Keep it pressed toward the fence in front of the blade so you aren't pushing against the blade.
You can only push whilst holding stick?? No fingers no hold......NO GUARD
Hi Steve. Why do you not use a guard.......and why do you not comment on my multiple comments regarding ' no guard
STEVE!!!!!! You made this video especially for me!!! I have watched many, many videos (including yours of course)!!! I have purchased my table saw (Fury 6 - duo chop saw/table saw), and I tried it out and switched it off VERY QUICKLY, and don't want to touch it again!!!!! So when I saw the thumb nail - I thought, I NEED TO WATCH THIS VIDEO!!! Thank you very much for all your invaluable advice - I really appreciate it!😜
Thank you for this. I always wanted to do woodworking, but when I was young, girls were not allowed. As a result, i have been intimidated to learn. I built electronic circuits, to my parents dismay, but never owned the tools to do woodworking until now. My ex-boyfriend was teaching me, but he got cancer and died. Thank you for making these videos!
Good luck I hope everything works out for you!
Good job 👍 demonstrating. Bought a new one in 1985. Just a hobby then and now. The rules for safety haven't changed. Still have ALL 10 fingers and never been gut punched by flying wood.
If I were developing a video curriculum for Woodworkers this would be on the list.
Was shutting the saw off with your knee part of the tutorial? It was very vague. I need every detail on this tool. 😉
It really depends, I'm shorter so sometimes I kick my foot up there for shut-off.
@@tessabuesgens5831 okay so anything other than your hands sounds like it should work
Being able to turn off the saw without removing your hands from the workpiece is a great advantage. Should the saw start bogging down or the piece behaves oddly, you can quickly turn off the saw with your leg or knee and hopefully avoid an accident. Having to move your hands to turn off the saw can be dangerous and result in an accident
@@KellyConcepts I'd tell you what I use to turn mine off but it wouldn't be very appropriate lol
@@MC-zr7hl Hahahaha I think I see where you're going with this
Just opened my first table saw, been looking at it with confusion and hesitation for 2 weeks. Thank you so much for this video
"Theres no dumb questions when taking about powertools"..... Challenge accepted :-)
😂
"Should I touch the blade will spinning to see if it is sharp?"
If I cannot get the saw to turn off, should I use it to cut its own cord❓
(That happened. Not a stuck switch, but did not see where the cord was. Good thing I had a spare cord on hand)
"Should I lick the blade while moving to clean it?"
Should I use my table saw to make exactly sized French fries, and if so, which is better for a push stick, a stalk of celery or a carrot?
I ask because slicing bologna on the miter saw had some issues.
FYI, bologna in a dust collector, well let's just say...........
As a machinist who is getting into hobby woodworking I love you envision or as I would call visualization. That is extremely important. It's been instilled into me. Plan the entire process first and act it out. This comes in handy when torch press fitting parts. Spending hours machining a part that needs to be heat press fit to where it will never come out makes you very aware of the entire process. Poor preparation can scrap an entire job.
When asking how high the blade should be above the stock, ask yourself how much of your finger you want to cut off!
I find when cutting melamine, the higher the blade the less chipout that I seem to get. Though a piece of masking or painters tape usually reduces it.
the only reason for having a high blade is trying to get a cut close to 90 degrees, but in that case, you might want to use a jigsaw or bandsaw
one tooth above the cut. alot of excess blade seems to reduce accuracy. also depends of the blade and what your cutting for combo blade and real wood i find it gives less tearout and burns.
I was told that the gullet should just clear the thickness of the wood
I've often heard that you want the blade one tooth width higher than the wood. You get a smooth cut and the chips can clear the blade. However, in harder woods this can lead to burning because the teeth spend more time in the kerf. If your work is getting burn marks, try raising the blade a bit and see if you get better results.
Just bought a table saw, no prior experience! This basic video should be required to buy one! It answered almost every question I had, and stopped me from making several mistakes I would have made, possibly causing injury!!
No guard no fingers
Am I the only one that misses the gripper "commercial"
I miss them too. I imagine there are a lot of us that do.
Just bought a Rigid table saw last night and now I'm learning to use it! Great guide, ill be watching your videos for now on!
I get all heeby jeeby when I watch John Heisz's videos, he always just uses his fingers along his fence and as much experience as he has, I still just see him losing a couple of those fingers one day
While I’m used to working with power tools, I just recently purchased a Makita 2704 table saw for work that needs to be done around the house. This is a perfect refresher video, Thank you so much!
Never assume your table saw blade and slots and fence will be square “out of the box” check and adjust as needed first thing.
Yeah, just got a used one... can't get it to cut straight... no idea what to do...
Square the blade to the mitre slots?
I've been watching woodworking videos for a while now and I've finally decided to dive in and I went out and bought my first table saw. And now that I've got it out of the box and I set it up it looks a little intimidating.
Just ordered my first tablesaw. I am having anxiety now.
@George Glass Being a weeb is good, better than being an ass.
@George Glass Still marginally better than any lifeless loser tries to provoke random stranger.
Now now gents. Less of weeb talk.....how about. Chatting reference no guard
I got my table saw out of the trash it's from the 50's and is a beautiful piece of history and works like new !