Actual Kickback (in Slow Motion), & How to Prevent It
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Let's take a look at multiple examples of kickback, including slow motion, and see what we can learn about why it happens, how it happens, and what we can do to help prevent it.
Other relevant videos:
4 Easy Ways to Align a Table Saw Fence: • 4 Easy Ways to Align a...
Table Saw Tune-Up 1: Blade Alignment: • Table Saw Tune-Up 1: B...
Matthias Wandel's Push Sticks: • Making push sticks
John Heisz's Push Sticks: • How To Make And Use Th...
All Products featured in my videos: www.amazon.com...
Products featured in this video:
Micro Jig Grr-Ripper: amzn.to/2CELfvw
Push Block - Bench Dog: amzn.to/2Fv6AJ2
SawStop JobSite Table Saw - Amazon: amzn.to/2HkawNh
SawStop JobSite Table Saw - Rockler: bit.ly/2A2Wz3o
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Safety tip.
If you work in a garage and have a wife and a couple of brats like mine who intrude on your woodworking zen time with outrageous demands, complaints, and crazy questions, put a lock on the door and make sure it is locked when using the table saw.
Kids yelling DAAAAADDDD!!!! and a spouse shouting WHY DID YO00UU!!!!! can cost you digits.
That's actually great advice - I think I'll pin it to the top. Thanks!
@@TheNewbieWoodworker put a lock on the garage inner door after the second near miss. Breaking focus mid cut is dangerous.
@@swiftjunk3692 👍
@Bamboo Training 👍
You also wouldn't want the kids walking in and coping a peice of wood to the face. I will leave it to your discretion if you need do the same for the wife.
Your skill as an orator and educator are beyond exceptional. I'm certain that even seasoned woodworkers need safety reminders like this from time to time. I'll remember to remind my friends that a shop made star knob (male or female) is useless without fingers to tighten it :)
Wow. Thanks! That was... Wow! Thanks for the compliment. And great comment about knobs being useless without fingers. 😄
The reaction time you pointed out is actually terrifying! That kickback comes so blindingly fast it is impossible to react in time to move your body out of harm's way! I don't even have my table saw yet and the fear of kickback is deeply settled in every dark corner of my brain! Thank you for putting yourself in the path of almost assured injury. Now please don't EVER do this again! (We love you too much to lose you to table saw harm!) 📐🤓👌🗜🌲
Thanks, and trust me, I won't do this again. 😄Stumpy Nubs showed an accident he had a few months back, I can't remember what tool he was using but it wasn't the table saw. It happened so fast that even in slow motion it's hard to see what happened. I think the point we need to remember is to use safe practices and always stay focused, at least as much as we're capable of. Fear isn't a good thing, but a healthy respect is definitely required. 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Band saw is safe and hence advisable.
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Agreed.
Just Like We Must Respect The Recoil of Firearms, The Same Can Be Said of Power Tools.
@@One_of_Many750 👍
I have sometimes heard people talk about what they are going to do if they are having a car accident. Been in 3 of those and trust me - you have NO time to think. Your body just reacts and it might be the wrong reaction! Same with any type of equipment - by the time your brain figures out you are in danger, you could be dead! Always plan and prepare and he safe :)
This very necessary video is invaluable for new and experienced wood workers.
"You can walk on a wooden leg, but you cannot see out of a wooden eye!"
Thank You!
Thanks, and you're welcome! 😄
Lol! Ouch!
I constantly come back and watch this and several other videos on Table saw safety. This information is invaluable. The videos by Stumpy Nubs, Gosforth Handyman and this video of course all have excellent points on this topic.
I remember seeing this unboxing video by this guy who started using his table saw out of the box and was complaining about it's accuracy. He didn't bother checking the fence to make sure it was square to the blade and table. Fortunately the worst thing that happened was an inaccurate cut. It could have been much worse.
Thanks for this demo, hopefully it frightened enough people to make sure they treat their table saw with care and respect.
Thanks, and glad I helped! 🙂
That’s the best demonstration of kick back I have watched in TH-cam, I’m a new woodworker and this video is telling something every wood worker needs to know.
Thank you so much for making this video and all the best!
Thanks, and I'm really glad it helped. I agree that we all need to know about this. Honestly, I learned so much making this video, I'm surprised I survived before knowing it! 😄
Exposed at last!! That’s a huge amount of knowledge for a ‘newbie’! I think you’re being very modest with the name in your title and I think you know a lot more than you pretend! . Can’t disagree with anything you’ve said or demonstrated and can’t think of anything to add. An excellent video indeed.
Thanks, and LOL. The truth is, I just learn things quickly. I always have, well, at least some things. :)
As a somewhat experienced woodworker I agree with Ian. The one thing that I have recently added to my table saw is the clear-cut guide that not only improves your cuts but adds to the reduction of kickback.
Thanks for the comment. I hadn't heard of the clear-cut guides before. The look really fascinating. They won't work on my current fence, because it has a knob on the top you need to be able to get to, but I'm thinking of building a new one, and I'll make sure to take those into account. Thanks again!
The Newbie Woodworker: Just had a look at the stock guides by Jessem in Canada. They’re obviously very well designed and engineered and do a good job but they’re way outside my budget as a retiree in the UK. Also, it seems to me that they wouldn’t work when ripping narrow stock whose residue width was less than the width of the roller heads plus the thickness of the push stick and a small clearance to prevent them fouling the side of the fence.
Given this limitation and the price, I think a similar benefit could be obtained using a pair of featherboards, one clamped to the table, the other clamped to the side of the fence. These would bias the stock against the fence and hold the stock firmly down onto the table which would eliminate the risk of kickback. They would also cope better with narrow stock residue. Of course, the fence may need a minor mod to accept the vertical featherboard. Alternatively, this could be omitted and replaced with the pushstick leaving only the horizontal featherboard which should still prevent kickback by keeping the stock pressed firmly against the fence in addition to any such benefit provided by the correct use of the pushstick. If in doubt, a second horizontal featherboard could be mounted beyond the blade to be really certain.
Of course, all this assumes the fence is correctly aligned with the blade or at least the gap between it and the blade doesn’t reduce towards the far end.
Yep, there's always plusses and minuses to everything, and usually ways to do it yourself also. Thanks for the info!
Every TH-cam video talk about it Kickback but you’re the first person I’ve seen make an actual video about this topic. Thanks 🙏
There are actually some other good videos out there, but I'm glad I could help! Thanks. 🙂
Kickback is a hand grabber, EJECTION is a KILLER
Comments from a lefty with about 2 years experience as a hobbyist woodworker (I def consider myself a newbie):
1. I still use the fence to the right like all you righty’s out there. I tend to stand to the right of the fence and use my right hand to complete cuts just like you did. I think I stand to the right because I want my right hand close to my center mass instead of way off to the side. I just don’t have the confidence to use my right hand extended way out like you showed.
2. Spend the time to make sure everything is perfectly aligned when you first buy a saw. I’m on my third table saw in just a few years (I keep upgrading I think I’m good for a while with the ridgid contractor saw). Each time I spent at least 4-5 hours double checking alignment and messing with it to make sure that the miter slots, blade, fence and riving knife are all parallel.
3. I found that by making a few wooden push sticks that I didn’t mind cutting into helped me with controlling the wood much better. I didn’t tip toe around the blade and compromise my grip.
4. Don’t raise the blade higher than you have to.
5. Don’t wear gloves or loose fit clothing.
6. If cutting a big piece, make sure it is supported before and after it passes through the blade.
That all sounds good to me! I have a few videos on tuning up a table saw, so I totally agree with that. And having push sticks you don't mind getting "eaten" is also a great tip. I've gotten fairly good at making new ones. :) Thanks for the comments!
I once had an instructor who insisted we wear gloves for certain jobs. I showed him some pictures of a friend of mine whose glove had a loose thread that got caught in the grinding wheel. Not a pretty sight...
He never insisted on it again.
Thanks, so much!
This is a fine demonstration. Thank you. I would suggest to make a version II that includes using a blade guard when possible. Many demonstrators show how to make cuts without the blade guard attached, suggesting to the new user that it is not possible to use the device. It would be nice to see cutting techniques with all safety features being used.
Thanks! I really only feel comfortable talking about what I know (or at least what I *think* I know). I don't use a blade guard, and I don't really like them, so I think I'll pass. But thanks for the idea. 🙂
For a 10 inch diameter saw running at 4,000 rpm - fairly typical - the tooth speed is about 120 mph - 190 kph. That's about 174 feet per second. Admittedly the piece of wood has to be accelerated up to this speed, but this is why things happen so *very* quickly. That lump of wood can cover the distance to you in something around 0.02 seconds, just over one video film frame if shot at 60 fps. It would hit long before you could dodge. Kudos for filming it and raising awareness. BobUK.
Thanks, and I totally agree. And yes, it was about 1 frame shot at 60fps. Amazingly fast. But hey, if you want to see fast, try putting something between a router table fence and the router bit. It's like a shotgun! Not that I'd know from personal experience, or anything... 🙄
@Mike Evans 😛My wife still remembers what that sounds like.
And with the average human reaction time around 0.25 seconds we're about 10 times too slow to even start getting out of the way!
@@elementboy212 Ain't that the truth! Sometimes in our minds we imagine moving faster, but the reality is, not a chance!
Acceleration is probably virtually instantaneous, it comes from transfer of momentum from the blade to the wood. For a slow motion demo, watch the change-over in a Madison bike race.
Never had a table saw but it's great to know about potential dangers, thank you.
You're welcome! 😄
This video is gold, I don't have a saw table yet but that is because I'm always intimidated by it. I have been watching videos and educate myself to be safe when one day I decide to have a table saw. My life and body is too valuable for me to handle a table saw that I have no idea how to use, be safe and always wear protective gear no matter what machine or tool you are using. Great video highly recommend to anyone that wants to learn and be safe.
Glad I could help. I would recommend a SawStop, even though they're expensive.
Wish I'd of seen this 3 weeks ago kick back caused me to lose 1/2 my thumb and hit my stomach causing large hematoma on top of recent scar tissue from major surgery. I am 65 and been using table saws since I was 15 and never got a scratch. I am now gonna find some type of riveting knife and anti kick back device . I can't afford much right now cause of social security but before i use my saw again i will out fit and also purchase the GRIPPER. regardless of the cost the hospital and surgery may have been prevented my situation. Thank you for your video. I hope everyone sees it and reacts to the safety it may provide
I am so sorry to hear that! I hope your recovery goes well. As for the riving knife, you may be able to make your own, or a splitter which is pretty much the same thing. Search TH-cam, because I remember seeing some videos on the subject. And the same goes for push blocks and push sticks - you can make your own that are quite effective. So, you don't *have* to buy anything, but I'd understand if you felt differently. Good luck, and stay safe.
By the way, the previous comment was from me. TH-cam signed me in using my other TH-cam ID without my noticing.
@@dagware I’m sorry but don’t make your own, buy one made by a professional. If you don’t have there money to be safe then probably better to find a different hobby
@@joshrosen6604 Can't say I agree with this, but OK, to each tbheir own.
The Micro-jig Grr riper is 1000% worth saving my fingers over the price. I was unemployed and I was working on my house and weighed the option of cutting my fingers or spending $70 on it. I loved it so much, I bought two. Can't put a price on safety, it wasn't too bad on my wallet.
I think you brought up some very good points and I love the demos your showed. Table saws are like cars, they're as safe or as dangerous as you want to make them, you have to be careful and paying attention while driving and pay attention and careful when you use a table saw.
I want to mention I'm new to woodworking and the table saw was the most feared machine for me where I'd ask my brother to make cuts for me. However, with videos like yours and safety push blocks like the micro jig Grr riper and having patience, I'm 90% done with my kitchen remodel and built all my doors and drawers by myself on a miter and table saw.
Again, have patience, wear ear protection and the sound of the blade won't scare you if you're new to it. It was so loud the sound alone scared me, now I can't wait to build more stuff!
Great comments! Thanks! I agree about the Grr-Ripper, and I own two also. And your analogy about cars is spot-on. Don't text and cut, either. :) Good thought about the sound contributing to the fear factor. I hadn't thought about that. I think you and I think very much alike. I *think* that's a good thing. 😛
If the table saw is your worst fear then you don't work in a shop with a shaper made in the 60s.
@@donjonson9587 LOL. It's the same with a lot of things these days. As things get safer, it's hard to believe what we used in the past! Thanks for sharing. 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker oh yeah. Old school wood workers had to have some steel cahones.
@@TheNewbieWoodworker hell. Nowadays with all the fancy cnc machines and automatic shapers humans don't even need to put themselves in danger to make quality pieces.
Thanks for the video.
Everyone that failed to give this a thumbs up, please leave your thumb on the table saw and go home.
LOL, thanks. 😄
268 thumbs so far! Not mine!
Ha ha! But the video shows it would likely careen off the cabinet.
@@jidnglo OMGosh! Now I've an image of a thumb ricocheting around the workshop.
SIMP
I've watched videos on TH-cam of individuals operating a table saw who desperately need to watch your video. I've seen people do things I was taught not to do in high school shop class.
Thanks, and I agree. And I wish shop class in high school was more common. You learn so many good habits. Although, I took shop in the early '70s, so I'm not sure how much I retained. 😄I just wish that TH-camrs would understand that people learn by example, so even if they're experienced enough to avoid injuries, their viewers may not be. I mean, when I show a bad habit in a video and someone calls me on it, I try my hardest not to repeat it. I wish others would also.
Another thing that I think you might have mentioned is being rested. Be sure to have plenty of it. Most of us work all week, and get out to the shop in evenings/weekends to unwind after working with stupid people. Get some sleep. Never work near the saw when you are tired - that is when mistakes are made... like not paying attention after you make the cut... or in my case, making a really dangerous stupid cut. My ring finger looks okay now, but I have no feeling in the end of it. I got really lucky. Know your limits, and know that they change (a LOT) as you get older.
More great points. This video was more focused specifically on kickback. I may do another video on other safety tips, and that's certainly near the top. I think it's a tie with not being in a hurry, and not being distracted. And great point about how things change as we get older. I'm "only" 61, but I've noticed that when I drive, I sometimes don't react as quickly as I used to. Not physically, but mentally. So again, great points. Thanks!
Absolutely agree with this. I experienced my first kick-back 2 days ago, and it was just from being careless because I was tired. After watching this video I realise why my husband looked so horrified when I mentioned it to him. I am so lucky I wasn't injured =(
Thanks for the comment, and I'm also thankful you weren't injured. Ignorance may be bliss, but sometimes being scared by the truth is better in the long run, right?
Yep! That was PART of my problem! I’m a night shift worker and got up too early and went out to garage to start a project! Rest is very important like you said!
@@tamrobeson1878 I like to think of power tools like "trained" tigers. After a while, it's easy to forget that they're waiting to devour you, if you don't watch them close enough. So not having enough rest is one of those ways they can get you!
I got to witness kickback in high school. The guy took a shot to the abdomen, hunched over and his face turned pea soup green. It took him about 30 seconds to become "coherent" at which point he ran outside and dry heaved for about 5 minutes. He was lucky that all he got was a BIG bruise. I was lucky to witness it, as it taught me to truly respect ANY piece of equipment, in a way a safety lecture can't.
Really enjoyed seeing it in slow motion, thanks for taking the time and risk for us.
You're welcome, and I always say that I learn best from experience - and in your case, it was the best way to learn: watching it happen to someone else! 😄
I'm new to table saws and just purchased one a couple of a months ago, this video has helped tremendously!
Awesome! That's what I like to hear, rather than "I wish I'd seen this *before* I got hit in the head!" 😄Thanks for the comment.
We all shd be thankful to this guy for putting him in harms way and showing us real time examples of kick back. This teaches us alot. Thankyou.
Thanks! 🙂
Sometimes pieces can get thrown back after making a series of small off-cuts as they stack up near the blade. My advice would be to clear every piece out as you cut it, or better yet, take it to the chop saw where it belongs. It may take longer, but it's heaps safer.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, stacking up pieces near the blade is asking for trouble.
also I have seen people on youtube reach out to move the cut off pieces close to the blade.
Yep, don't even need a pile, one little piece is enough to change your plans for the weekend. Don't ask, I feel plenty stupid already.
@@frosiaburlakova7732 I hope it isn't serious, mistakes happen, it only takes a lapse in concentration for, as my dad always says, "One-half of a split f***ing second" for something to go wrong.
@@djjazzyjeff1232 No injury, fortunately, but the cut off flew 8 feet and imbedded itself into a sturdy cardboard box. This made me stop and try to figure out what i did wrong. I did not use sacrificial fence when crosscutting, so the offcuts were not pushed clear of the blade. This one was picked up and thrown like you said in a split effing second, all i heard was a loud shot when it hit the cardboard.
I have worked 11 years with this and I always stand to the left and always use long (30-40cm) pushsticks. A few kickbacks happened over the years but my position and long pushsticks saved me every time. I also trained many others but sometimes they do not work as I tell them. All in all, this is a very good safety video. You mentioned a lot of good things. =)
Thanks! Isn't it frustrating when people don't listen to things you KNOW will protect them? I guess we all have to learn the hard way.
I have to remind myself that every tool in the shop is out to get me. There's the right way and the ER way.
Very true, and a good way of stating it. 😄
Jeez. When I was in wood shop class I didn't take kickback too seriously because I didn't know what it looked like in action, but some of these videos really open your eyes to the dangers of ignorance. Thanks for the video!
"The dangers of ignorance". That should be my tag line! 😄Seriously though, glad I could help.
I was glad that you made a point stressing that you should NEVER rip a cross-cut job using the rip fence! I am 69 years old and I learned that lesson first hand (both literally and figuratively) when I was in 8th grade shop and made that mistake! I definitely experienced kick-back that pulled my finger into the saw blade! Lucky for me it only caught the very tip of my finger! Of course there was still plenty of blood and I did get a trip to the hospital in the front seat of a police car (which did quite cool at the time) so that my finger could get a number of stitches. Of course the worst part of that experience wasn't the cut finger! There were two other aspects that were much worse! First the next day in shop, my cut finger was used as the main point of why we should not do stupid things! Like you said in the video you can't heat stupidity! The other drawback was that to this day the tip of that finger is still very sensitive to pressure and that sensitivity kept me from learning how to play guitar which is something that I would have loved to do when I was a teenager! But because of that cut trying to press the stings down onto the neck of the guitar was just to painful to endure to every really play guitar! I was extremely blessed by the grace of God that I did not have a MUCH more serious result like having lost an entire finger or possibly all of my fingers or hand!
Wow, great story. Well, not great, but you know what I mean. And sorry about not being able to learn guitar. I played guitar for most of my life, so I know how impossible it would be to play with a finger like that. But like you said, at least you didn't lose the finger.
That's sad about the guitar (frustrated musician here) but maybe you could try a lap steel with a slide. :)
I much more getting into piano, but just too busy to really pursue any music beyond being in the church choir.
Larry Coates if you’re familiar with Black Sabbath, you may be familiar with this relevant story. Tony Iommi lost the tips of his two main fingers on his fingering hand when he was a young adult. He had the same problem of excruciating pain when trying to play so he progressively fabricated fingertips out of melted plastic and pads of leather from a leather jacket. Apparently he jabbed a hot soldering iron into his nubs to get the plastic to fit on better (which was always hard to believe but that’s what he said). He started out using banjo strings as they’re much lighter gauge and easier to fret, and moved on to very light gauge guitar strings giving him his very iconic guitar tone and style. I read that he still uses the same leather jacket to make new pads a few times a year to this day and it is down to only a small strip left. I always thought that was an intriguing story. You can see them in certain photos of him playing... so get out your soldering iron and some whiskey and your dream could become a reality in only the time it takes for your finger to heal up again!
If Jerry Garcia could make it work without a finger, I'm sure you can find a way. Never give up on a dream!
I'm glad I've watched many videos like this to know what my table saw is capable of. I just purchased it and got into woodworking during the Coronavirus quarantine. Well let's just say I am more scared of my table saw than my gun. Sometimes as I am cutting I can see the block wanting to lift up off the table as I am using my push stick to finish the cut and I just press down with stick and pray that things don't go south. I am getting better with it but the amount of respect I have for this machine is unreal. I talk to her before I start her up and ask her to be nice.
LOL. It's actually a decent analogy, comparing it with a gun. If you know what you're doing, and make sure the equipment is in good shape, then you're much safer. If the stock is trying to lift up, my guess is you're using the stock push stick. Try this one - it's incredibly simple to make and will give you a lot better control: th-cam.com/video/sei4CwkP3kQ/w-d-xo.html
@@TheNewbieWoodworker thanks so much will do.
I also believe that after a kickback happens, you MUST check the alignment of the blade before using it again. I think with severe kickback the blade can be bent which can lead to more kickbacks in the future if not fixed.
I never thought of that before, but it makes complete sense. Thanks for sharing that! I wish I had included it in the video. 😄
Great video! There are thousands of adolescents every year who take shop class, this should be part of the safety training.
Thanks! 🙂
Such a wholesome video! You’re way ahead of most big how-to TH-camrs. I am far from wood working hahaha but i would like to get into it, great to know that i have a place of knowledge to get informed, thanks a ton you’re doing a great job on these videos! 👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks for the kind words - I appreciate it! 😄
I just bought a new table saw. It is still in the box. Excited to use it as a newbie. However, I can't thank you enough for your knowledge. You probably have prevented me from ending up in the ER. The chances of me operating the table saw wrong are very high. I have more respect for the table saw because of your video. Keep up the good content. Cheers.
Thanks! I still shiver when I remember all the foolish things I did when I first got my saw. Knowledge is the first best safety device, I've discovered since then. 😄
Good advice. Thank you. The access plate to your saw needs to be level so not to catch the wood. All of the table needs to be smooth and clean. I clean and wax everything including the saw blade. One big problem is keeping the area clean around the saw. A neighbor tripped on one of his cut off boards and fell into the saw. It cost him three fingers. Keep it clean and clean often. Thanks again for your great advice.
Thanks, and boy are you right. It's the little things that end up being the biggest. :)
Steve...Yes, absolutely...keep the floor around the saw where you work clear and clean...!!
Dude, this nearly happened to me today. I tripped over a piece of wood and stumbled, completely out of control away from my running saw. Alls I could think was what would have happened if I tripped toward the saw. After that I turned the saw off after every cut (if I had to walk around the saw to get the ripped board).
More work... But I like being able to do this. And I can't if I lose a finger or hand.
Wow! But good way to learn, without damage, so it ended up being a good thing. I turn my saw off almost all the time, mostly because I'm so scatterbrained that I might do something *really* stupid, like lean on the blade or something. 😮 😛
A pic is worth a 1,000 words, but this vid is even more valuable as it may prevent a trip to the emergency room. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, and very true!
Great information and very important! Your a brave man I’ve never found my self wincing watching a video as much as this. The table saw is a very dangerous tool indeed keep up the good work!
Thanks! Brave... or stupid. :)
I'm a beginner woodworker hobbyist, have a chain saw, a escrow saw, a handheld circular saw (skill saw?) a sliding miter saw, a jigsaw and a small bandsaw.
Next to be bought will be a table saw...
Just as a note, my father in law (whom I never meet) died a week after being hospitalized because a kickback from a table saw.
The piece of wood entered his belly, damaging his organs badly.
My brothers in law (6) lost fingers on the same saw.
I'm glad I saw your video.
Thanks for showing those kickbacks.
Wow! I don't know what to say about that. But I hope I helped prevent you getting added to that list.
Awesome video! Very helpful indeed. Thank's for putting it out here. And yes... as sooo many have already said: you're too humble man!!! I bet you've saved a lot of people from very nasty mistakes as much for newbies as for experts. Thanks again prof. God bless you!
Thanks! And yes, I'm my own worst critic. 🙄
Thank you for your service soldier! bravery is not about not having your hands shaking, it's about keeping going so that no one else loses them.
Great statement! Thanks. 🙂
Thanks for this video, i'm glad this video popped up on my recommendations.
Just getting started on diy woodworking and is getting interested in owning these machines, i know the table saw is dangerous, but i thought the only danger is accidentally touching the blade, had no idea about kickbacks. Would definitely research more before using any of these tools.
Glad I could help! It's a good idea to learn about the dangers beforehand. And believe it or not, most of these tools come with instructions that have good safety tips. I didn't use to read those things, but someone mentioned that often times they're fairly useful, and he was right. 😄
Entertaining and informative. My first watch but not my last. I was cutting some narrow stock some time ago on my table saw and I got a sudden kick-back that traveled about 30 feet and stuck in my garage door foam insulation. It got my attention and I've been doubly careful since.
Thanks. I'll bet that got your blood flowing! I've had something like that happen with the router table, and it actually dented the garage wall. My wife came out to the garage saying "WHAT WAS THAT?!" "Oh, nothing dear." 😄
I like your videos because I want to improve/ learn two things: My English and woodworking.
Great combination of both; thx for sharing these important facts.
😊
Thanks, and you're welcome! And sorry I talk so fast, I can't help it. I tried slowing down, but I just can't do it. 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Playback speed are available right now 😁😁
Great safety video.
After useing a table saw for 50 plus years without serious injury 3 weeks ago I got 35 stitches in two finger tips on right hand. Cutting through a knot and it jerked wood. It cut me faster then you can blink your eye.
Thankfully I didn't cut tips off and stitched back together.
Wow! It just goes to show, it can happen at any time.
could you describe how it happened when cutting the knot area? What type of cut were you doing? How could it have been avoided?
Thanks for taking the time to share have a blessed day
Thanks! 😄
One thing have to be mentioned about this video is that it was really great with all the effort you put into it to educate people thank you.
Thanks! I appreciate that!
Hello Dan. As a high school shop teacher I will show this video to all my students as part of table saw safety. You've done a great job! Several things I will comment on. Splitters and riving knives can't be used when the blade is not set to cut through the full thickness of your stock. ie: cutting a rabit or half lap joint. Also blade height. One full tooth above the stock. I teach to use 2 push sticks as you have shown but it is important to mention that the one applying pressure to keep the stock against the fence must not ever push against the blade, and it is not necessary once the stock has cleared the splitter. On very long boards, a wedge can be put into the kerf to further protect against the material from pinching the blade, and with long boards, having an assistant to "catch" the board on the out feed side of the saw to keep the board from flipping up, either smacking the operator in the face, or lifting the board until it contacts the top of the blade launching it toward the operator. For small pieces, feather boards can be an option, Lastly, I am left handed and have had to adapt to all machinery which is typically designed with lefties in mind. ( imagine using a miter saw left handed and the handles on drill presses. ). I usually start my cut and then move with the work piece to the left side of the saw out of the line of fire. Also, as a personal preference , I like the second style of push stick you showed as it keeps downward pressure on the stock closer to the blade. You demonstrate kickback far better than I can explain it and I don't need to risk an accident trying to demonstrate it. Thank you for producing this video.
Thanks, Paul, for a well-explained comment. I'm happy to know I'll hopefully be helping others stay safe(r). If you happen to see me do anything questionable in any of my other videos, should you watch any, please let me know. I've been called out on some pretty hair-raising stupidity. 😳
For blade height, I try to make it about even with the bottom of the gullets. But I may start trying it a little lower, and see if I notice a difference.
As for the riving knife on my table saw, I can leave it in while cutting rabbets and other non-through cuts, and it works fine. The height on it is perfect. At least, for the combination blade I use all the time.
I admit I'm thankful I'm right-handed. I was born with a lot of things to my advantage, and I appreciate all of them. 🙂 Every once in a while I use something that seems like it was made for a lefty, and I get ticked. Stupid me - it should remind me to be grateful the other times!
Keep up the good work. I had a good shop teacher a really long time ago, and I still appreciate what I learned there.
A properly designed and fitted riving knife should end just below the top of the blade moving up and down with the bade as its adjusted. Problem is a lot of cheaper saws come with a riving knife designed to also have a blade guard attached to the top. These designs tend to be taller than the blade causing the problem you mention. When purchasing a saw always make sure it either comes with a well designed riving knife or one can be purchased for it.
@@paulround8501 An excellent point. I wasn't aware they made saws with riving knives that don't move with the blade - that's a horrible idea. Besides the obvious problems, it also might encourage you to raise the blade as high as you can. *shudder*
@@TheNewbieWoodworker I think you misunderstand me, these riving knives do move with the blade but are designed in such a way that they always sit slightly above the blade. This is because they are essentially designed to fit a blade guard on top. It's a bad idea and some manufacturers do supply a proper riving knife in addition to this but many of the cheaper saws come with only one option to save money.
@@paulround8501 Oh, thanks for the clarification, I did indeed misunderstand. And that makes sense, and I agree with your assessment. 😄
Now I’m scared of kickback, I’ll just have my 4 year old do all the iffy cuts lol. Thanks for the great videos
LOL. You were kidding about using your 4 year old, right? 😛And you're welcome. 😄
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I have owned a jet table saw for over twenty years. It came with a blade guard and splitter when I bought it, but being young and knowing everything (or so I thought)) I did not install either one. I also wear a heavy canvas work apron when in the shop. Recently I built a new work bench which included 17 drawers. I was cutting the bottom of the last drawer from 1/4" plywood that was warped. As it came through the back of the blade, it caught the rear of it and came spinning out catching me square in the stomach. It cut my stomach (17" long incision) through my t-shirt and sweat shirt (that's right, I was NOT wearing my apron at the time). Luckily I did not need stitches, however over the next three days my entire stomach turned purple with by far the largest bruise I have ever had on my body in my entire life. After watching this video, I was thinking also about the fact that I had worked all day and was probably somewhat tired. I didn't have my apron on. It was the last drawer and I just wanted to be done with them. There are all kinds of excuses we come up with in our minds. The most important thing here is to always be alert and wear ALL your safety equipment (glasses, apron etc) and don't be stupid and throw away things like safety guards and splitters. Yesterday I ordered a guard and splitter package called the shark guard (www.thesharkguard.com). I have to be grateful my accident could have been so much worse.
That sounds like a typical accident. Tired, doing the last piece, etc. And it's a total Murphy's Law thing that you weren't wearing your apron. It seems like the universe waits for those moments to whack us, doesn't it? Ouch. If it's still looking bad, you should see a doctor right away, because there could be internal bleeding (of course, I am not a doctor). Glad to hear you're getting the shark guard.
The Newbie Woodworker that happened a month ago. It took about three weeks but it’s all healed. I did see a doctor the third day. She said what I thought. It looked worse than it was but still a good thing I went in.
@@stevenwood8805 Glad to hear you saw a doctor, and glad you're all healed. Sometimes it bugs me when doctors tell us what we already know, but in this case, it was probably a relief (at least emotionally) to have her confirm your thoughts.
Yeah, once you get kickback, you become really leery of it. I still have a bruise on my hand from 3 weeks ago. Great video...
Thanks, and so true!
I have been using a radial arm and table saw for 47 years. I watched your video because my dad taught my how to use them and said never stop learning. Well actually the motivation for watching is below. The radial saw really scares me, I respect the table saw. I have never had a kick back or close call. I saw your video and thought holy $#!t. I decided to come read all the negative comments I thought you would get for showing off. I knew was it possible and best to avoid why risk this just to make a You tube video.
I was taught very early to be careful respect stuff that can maim or kill you. I have not used any safety features, splitter or guards. I have usually used a push stick or some random piece of cutoff laying around to keep my fingers away from sharp spinning things. Then I saw the shiny new Saw Stop. I needed a good reason to convince myself that I needed one. More importantly how to convince my wife.
I have read all the comments and I now commend you for making the video. You will made anyone that is open to learning, think about what they have doing and ‘wow’ I like how you handle the negative comments.
I especially appreciate the comment about you not using a guard. I have felt guilty about not using one. It always feels like they get in my way and for some reason that makes it feel more dangerous. I keep trying them and then remove them. Maybe the Saw Stop guard will be different.
Will I get the Saw Stop? Well.. last week my wife and I went to a family event and her Nephew showed off his mangled fingers that he had just run into his table saw. He permanently lost the nail on his left index finger and has serious lacerations on one other finger the good news is they are all still the same length.
He was using a crosscut table to trim a kitchen cutting board and thought he was being very safe. This is a low risk task on a table saw. How could this happen? He said he was rushed, stood on the right side of the sled when he usually stands left side. He thought he put his hands in the usual place. Wrong. The blade exited the back of the sled and it was in line with his left hand. Off to the emergency. While he was there three other people (men) came in with table-saw hand injuries. REALLY!!
I now have a new Saw Stop at my wife’s insistence. There is a silver lining to every cloud.
Old dogs need to learn new tricks. Keep up the great videos, ignore negativity. You just added one more subscriber. Thanks.
Thanks, and that was a great comment! I really enjoy hearing stories like that (well, not the mangled fingers), and I appreciate the positive comments. I don't use the blade guard. I use a riving knife whenever possible, but like you said, the blade guard just gets in the way. And honestly, I don't feel comfortable making a lot of cuts with the blade guard, so I think I'm better off without it.
That said, I stuck my thumb in the blade a couple of weeks ago (video forthcoming). Needless to say, I'm thrilled to have a SawStop. How did it happen? I was in a hurry and my mind was on the next step. And my SawStop was due to my wife's insistence also.
Thanks for the encouragement. I have no idea why I'm handling the negativity as well as I am. I'm not like this in real life - I yell back. 😄But for some unknown reason, when I started this channel, I decided to try an experiment and give everyone the benefit of the doubt. And it's worked out better than I could have ever imagined. Not with everyone, but with a lot of people.
Anyway, good to have you aboard. If you get a chance, check out my blog at thenewbiewoodworker.com. I'd love to hear your input.
Thanks again! 😄
Some real good information and demonstration in this video....Thanks for making it. I am 66 yrs. "young" and spent most of my working career in machine shops where I learned to operate many kinds of machines and also learned good safety habits. When I retired, I built a shop where I make wood crafts that I take to craft events & farmer's markets to help supplement my SS. So...I know how to work with machines and understand how careful you must be if you want to keep all of your body parts...and your life..intact. But...I still have a great deal of respect...almost fear...of my table saw. I think it's probably the most dangerous, and unforgiving power tool in a shop. I have all of my fingers and both thumbs and I plan on keeping them..!! For push sticks...they are good...better than nothing... but should never be trusted to take care of all of the safety concerns when feeding wood past the blade. Yes, the "Gripper" is popular, as well as other kinds of blocks that actually keep the wood firmly pressed down onto the table throughout the cutting process. Yep, I have a couple of push sticks that I made, and I use them, but this is what I use almost all the time : www.amazon.com/Big-Horn-10230-Woodworkers-Safety/dp/B001C4O92I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1534731683&sr=8-4&keywords=push+sticks. I have had it for about 6 years and I even copied it and made myself one that is thinner so I can guide thin pieces of wood through the blade and maintain downward pressure all the way. And yep...when I know that I'm starting to get tired...I step away from the table saw. As for myself, I don't even have a radio in my shop; I want to give 100% attention to what I'm doing. And I will not operate my table saw if anyone else comes in the shop.
Thanks for the comment! Good stuff there, all of it. And you're only 5 years older than me!
Newbie....Heck, it seems that as the years pass that I find myself older than more & more folks..LOL..!! I want to pass along another safety measure for the table saw. My crafts require me to cut multiples of a lot of thin pieces often 1/2 " and 1/4" wide and even thinner. I make a hold down guide for those thin pieces by taking a small block of wood and I clamp it to the fence just a little past the blade. I clamp the block of wood just a tiny bit higher than the height of the pieces that I'm running through so the pieces slide under the block and this keeps those thin little pieces from riding up and getting flung back. This hold down guide can of course be used for cutting any piece of wood, but those thin, little, and very light weight pieces of wood most definitely need to be held down as they are being cut. And yes...as careful as I try to be, I've had kick-back happen...scares the crap out of me...!! Table saws are a great tool...we just have to be smarter than the saw..LOL..!!
Interesting - thanks for sharing. The worst kickback I ever received was from my router table, before I knew how to use it. I put the stock between the router bit and the fence. The sound when the stock hit the wall is something I'll never forget. Neither will my wife. 😛
Bro Bringing Awareness to Any Problem is Amazing. Thank You and Good Work! All Information is Good Information even if it's incorrect. Blessings!👍
Thanks, I think? 😄
I think you've covered it pretty well. After 20 years of using table saws, i had my first full on kick back yesterday. I was cutting a thin strip off an 8 inch long, thin piece of wood. For a moment, my attention was on the strip I'd cut to the left of the blade, and the push stick in my right hand failed to contact and control the wood between fence and blade..and bang!! I have a classic injury on the right side of my stomach. Note that my saw is well tuned and accurate...but i had no riving knife fitted. Stupid, i know.
I don't care how much we know, there's always that one time. Fortunately for you, you've still got your digits (you do, right?). 😄
@@dagware ha! Yes, i counted them this morning..all there! I always have a push stick in each hand when i make a cut. It makes me cringe when i see people like john Heiz on TH-cam get his hands so close to the blade. Some people don't realise how a kickback can literally pull your hand into the blade, even when using a shorter style pushstick. In my opinion, danger levels rise sharply (excuse the pun) when we are in a hurry, or tired and keen to get things finished. You cannot concentrate or be mindful if you're in a rush.
Jules - Thanks for replying to "Dan Thomas". That's my other TH-cam account, and sometimes I don't realize I'm logged in with the wrong account. And I swear that TH-cam sometimes does it all on its own, but I can't prove it. 😄
I totally agree with you about push sticks. I now use a John Heisz-style push stick in my right hand, and a Matthias Wandel-style stick in my left hand. Regarding John, he's convinced he knows what he's doing, and nobody's going to change that. But the unexpected can happen at any time, so personally, why take the chance, right? And it's especially true when you're shooting a video - way too many things on your mind.
Anyway, thanks for the comment!
@@TheNewbieWoodworker you're welcome! By the way, i use exactly the same Heisz/Wandel pushstick combo as you..but still get nervous sometimes about the close proximity of my right hand to the blade with the Heisz pushstick. : )
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As I'm watching your video, I'm looking at my bandaged up arm from kickback. I heard it start to kick, then heard the piece hit the floor after bouncing off my forearm and the cabinet behind me. There was ZERO time to react, it was that fast. I got lucky, just a large lump, no other damage. Great video, thanks for the info...wish I watched it yesterday :).
Glad you're OK (relatively)! It's amazing how fast it happens.
One thing you missed... Even with a spacer block attached to the fence, you need to make it so that the gap exceeds the diagonal of the piece minus the length of the piece, otherwise it could still jam and kick back. For example: You clamp a 3/4" scrapwood space to the fence ahead of the blade like you are supposed to, and set the cut length to 8". Then you cut a 3 1/2" wide board. The diagonal of that is 8 47/64". Too close to 3/4" in my book. Better to use a 1" or more scrapwood spacer to give the cutoff wood a free place to move.
Thanks for the comment. I never thought of that. I doubt it's much of an issue with a sled, but I can see how it could happen with a miter gauge. Good catch!
Bill Wheaton; Great point when using a spacer block attached to the fence. That tip may save me from an accident.
Really good video for anyone who uses or is thinking about getting a table saw.
It's so important to focus, prepare and think through each cut before you make it.
Watch lots of videos and listen to people like you when you say what never to do! Please keep on reminding people in your videos. You're saving limbs and maybe more.
The only time I've ever removed the riving knife is while bringing the saw blade up through a new zero clearance plate I was making. And that's because of watching you and others on TH-cam repeatedly saying about the dangers of kickback etc.
Thank you! 👍
Thanks! Since I'm not a safety expert by any means, I usually only tell people not to do things that I've done and paid the price for. 😄But I will indeed keep mentioning as much as I can. And as for removing the riving knife, I'm the same as you, or at least I was until I started using my blade guard more. I suspect you've already seen the video, but if not, check out my cross cut sled that works with a blade guard: th-cam.com/video/cQINXsn2QBk/w-d-xo.html
Great video. Thank you for making it. My fear has always been about getting knocked into the blade, but some of those damage photos were pretty scary too.
Thanks. Both of those things can certainly happen. It's always smart to be careful about both. A little fear is sometimes a good thing, right?
Dean, watch this video of a guy trying to demonstrate the same thing... almost tragically.
th-cam.com/video/u7sRrC2Jpp4/w-d-xo.html
This video revisited...
I came over here again through a link from your revolutionary cross cut sled. The good news is that YT is recommending it to me everywhere and often. I hope it is recommending it to many others as well.
I'm working on a website (not ready to share the link yet) for newbies and started by creating articles about the first things newbies need to know to get started. Safety! It's supposed to be about how to actually do some woodworking, but after getting started, but with the safety information just on the table saw, I think I could dedicate the site to table saw safety and not finish it in my lifetime.
Kickback: One of the things I noticed, from watching all the video and from two experiences, is that it strongly appears that kickback only happens when a board crosses over the top of the blade. This could explain why you had no results when you pulled the boards... you kept the leading edge down. Even when a board is pinched, it seems that the teeth have to lift the board to the top of the blade to throw it. Have you seen any kickback where the board has not come across the top of the blade?
The worst kickback I got was when I was on someone else's saw that had no riving knife. I ripped a long board over a three-roller outfeed. When I pulled a piece back towards myself, the rollers pulled the cut off piece into the back of the blade. A riving knife would have blocked it. It was the first time I wore the apron to the shop and it protected my jewels. I didn't get hurt, but it was a rude awakening.
The other time was actually not the piece I was working on, but my push stick. I had the long, thin push stick like you used and got it to close to the blade. Like most people teach, I had a very low blade, so the stick hit the top of the blade. I had a good grip, but it threw my right hand to the right and the push stick flew past my left side. I was not injured or bruised, but the shock that went through my right arm was painful.
I have more to say, but it relates more to your other video, so I'll go back there.
Thank you again for your emphasis on safety.
Thanks for the comment, and good points! Yes, I have seen kickback that didn't appear to ride the top of the blade, but never with a riving knife. And as you obviously know, riving knives are the best tool to help prevent kickback. Regarding the push stick, blade guards (where usable) can help prevent the push-whatever from getting into the blade.
I just wear armor when I use a table saw.
LOL. On your hands too? :)
gauntlets for the win!! LOL
😂
😂😂😂😂do you wear armor when you cut with a handsaw?
If this is not a arrogant answer, I don't know what is. If you said that to me during a job interview, I would just tell you to get out.
Thanks for the video.
I dont use my table saw that often, and I had totally forgot how kickback works. Now I have labeled "Kickback" on my fence and on my miter gauge. The lable on the fence is tilted in forbidden angle just to remind my selfe of how a kick back works. This might provent me from making the mistakes in the future.
Thanks mate.
Good idea. Glad I could help!
Good video but I am not sure that you mentioned that the riving knife should be thicker than the plate of the blade but narrower than the kerf.
I tend to use two pushsticks, I personally feel I have more control but I am standing in the line of fire, if, as shown in your video, there is one.
Somebody mentioned rest. I suggest do not use any machine if you are tired, distracted or lack concentration.
As an apprentice, in the early 60's I used a large saw with on the job training, with the fence on the left. I don't , now, like the fence on the right hand side, it feels awkward even though I am right handed
Thanks for the comment. I actually didn't know about the riving knife and kerf width, when I made this video. Wish I had known! Rest is important, I agree. Anything that can help keep your mind on the task. Shooting videos while using power tools is very distracting, and I've made tons of stupid mistakes while doing it. I don't recommend it. 😛
Thanks for the demos .
Recently retiered from work as a machinist thinking about woodworking.
Saw my father get hurt on a table saw a thumb injury.
He got in a hurry and used his thumb as a push stick , got kick back that pulled his thumb into the saw. He healed up ok.
Yeah, that's what happens sometimes when we get in a hurry. Glad he healed up OK. This is one of the many reasons I use SawStop table saws. They've saved me a couple of times.
Kickback can happen even with a properly aligned fence and blade. Kickback can only occur if the stock pulls away from the fence and the teeth on the back of the blade lift the stock off the table. Two good prevention: 1) A riving knife is the absolute best. It looks like a hook shaped splitter and moves up and down with the blade. 2) A splitter is almost as good as a riving knife but it is stationary. If you want to cut half way through the wood you have to remove the splitter.
My opinion - NEVER buy a saw without a riving knife
Thanks for the comments. Everything you mention is shown and explained in the video. In fact, that was the purpose of the video. Perhaps you might want to watch the video (all the way through) before leaving a comment? Just a thought. ;)
Yep, you're right, I skipped right through it. My apologies. I have a 3HP Jet cabinet saw. I'm guessing it's about 20 years old. It had a blade guard that acted like a splitter although it was not as thick as the blade. I could have adjusted it closer to the fence but the contraption made visibility and some types of cuts impossible. After having a sever (and painful) kick back ripping piece of warped plywood (it started to vibrate) I installed a splitter. Not only did this almost eliminate the possibility of a kick back it also made ripping much more accurate. My saw is perfectly aligned but at times the wood still gets away from the fence a little. Very well done video although I would have covered the importance of a splitter or knife a but more.
From what I have read the riving knives were not an option in the US for many years because the regulations in the US required that the blade be covered. Riving knives were popular in Europe for many years before they made it here. It's nice to see saws sold in the US with Riving knives. In my opinion it should be illegal to sell a saw without one! I notice you have a Saw Stop... a fantastic saw! What is the top made out of? Is that a teflon coating?
Thanks. The SawStop’s top is made out of some sort of hard plastic. See my review video th-cam.com/video/3zbYR5ok1V0/w-d-xo.html
Riving knife all the way! Always cut away from the line of sight! Never push down hard, good way for your hand to sink into the blade if something bad does happen.
I'm as new as you can be to woodworking, because my table saw is still in the box in my garage. So I was really glad I came across this well executed and informative video. Thank you so much for improving my chances of being safer while using this saw. You got yourself a new subscriber and a fan of your channel.
Thanks, and that's awesome! I hope you don't have to learn some of your lessons the hard way, like I did. 😮And make sure to have fun. 😄
Why is the US developing railgun technology when there's KICKBACK?! 😂
LOL.
railgun is just a militarized high powered version of kickback. where do you think they got the inspiration? lol
@@jackclark1994 Ha ha! It seems you are right indeed!
This video clip will benefit for everyone who has watched, learn to avoid kick backs. Thank you.
Thanks! 😄
1. Stop Cross cutting with a table saw, that's what a chop saw is for. If you have to cross cut, use a guide (and use a cross cut blade) and not the fence. The fence is for ripping.
2. Stop pushing the wood from off-center, it's going to rotate into the blade if you do that.
3. Stop hesitating during the cut, push the wood all the way past the blade in a single motion.
4. Stop pushing the wood so slowly, you should feel a firm even pressure against the blade (you were pushing so slowly you were burning the wood).
*Note: I wrote this before watching the last portion of the video where you covered most of it.
P.S. Your blade is too high, it should only be slightly higher than the material being cut.
Fred, I was *trying* to create kickback. That's the reasons for #1-4. And as for #1, you left out the most obvious way to do cross cuts, and that's by using a cross-cut sled. And no, you don't need a cross cut blade, a good combination blade will do the trick, perhaps depending on the type of wood and frequency of cuts. As for blade height, people argue this ad nauseum, so I won't get into that with you.
As I said, you covered most of this yourself in the video. You asked for our comments on how to avoid kickbacks and I wrote a list of the things you were demonstrating that were wrong. So basically I was agreeing with you. And I said to use a guide which would include a sled or miter gauge.
Combination blades are like all-season radials, good enough for light-duty use but not as good as the specialized options.
As to blade height, the blade shoudln't be any higher than it needs to be and it doesn't need to be any higher than the thickness of the wood. If something were to happen and your hand came down on top of the wood you're cutting, how high do you want the blade to be?
Thanks for your reply. As I said, I won't be getting into a discussion of blade height.
Fred Derf Regarding the blade height, that is a balancing act in my opinion. You are trading off controllability by reducing exposure of the blade. Let the teeth protrude by the minimum necessary to sever the stock, and there will be a more significant upward vector of the forces trying to kick the stock backward, as well a much better grip on the workpiece by the sawblade, with all those extra teeth buried in the cut. At maximum height, the forces are greatly more directed downward and absorbed by the table, more like a bandsaw. Just, who wants all that sawblade available to chop you up in the event of a slip.
The cutting force of the sawblade is never directed upwards unless you're doing a plunge cut (e.g. through an insert or a sled). Under normal usage the force is, at worst, directed towards you (which you should be prepared for). If you're getting significant kickback with your blade a tooth or less above the top of your work I'd suggest looking into the setup of your saw, something is wrong with it.
As I said, picture your hand accidentally coming down on top of the work you're cutting and think about how high you want the blade.
But hey, it's your saw, do what you want.
Pretty much spot on.
I do most of my cutting off the left end of the saw, and often use two push sticks.
Additional tips:
Dull blades are a big factor. If you are having to push, change your blade. Pushing means more energy is being tied up in the restance to the blade, and you aren't balanced as well.
I like the concept of products like 'board buddies' These are wheels you mount to your fence. They typically have a few degrees of pull, to keep the work tight to the fence. The wheels rotate just one way, so if the piece kicks back the wheels lock.
These would not done any good for your small piece kickbacks, but help with ripping.
***
Do tricky cuts when you are fresh.
If you make your own push sticks, you can attach grippy stuff to them (I like to use rubber matt tool drawer liner.) with carpet tape
If you are using a pull type push stick from the back side of the fence, use a grip that reduces your chance of your hand being pulled into the blade. For me, that translates into a grip where my thumb isn't wrapped around the stick.
Question: Do all your vids show some degree of binding before the actual throw? This potentially could cut the power when the slowing motor draws more current.
Be cool if you could do a followup of this with much higher frame rates. I'm curious what kickback looks like at a speed where you can see individual teeth interacting with the wood. I think that would require something like 4000 fps.
Thanks for the comments! Because I;m trying to create the kickback, yes there's some binding before the kickback. You;ll have to wonder on the high-speed camera shots, though. 😄
Great video man !
Thanks!
I stand before you a believer who had a board kick back from an industrial table saw (18 years ago) doing a cross cut that broke 3 ribs, knocked the breath out of me and left a nasty scar that I “rubbed” while watching your demonstrations! Man it HURT but was also embarrassing, standing amongst a shop full of “professionals” (all of whom later revealed similar scars or nubs where fingers use to be)! Needless to say, I became much more aware of and practiced bette, safer methods of using that saw! Knock on wood, it’s never happened again! Thank you for sharing real life adventures! 🤪
Thanks! And yep, we've all got scars. Glad your injury didn't cost your fingers or anything!
One super no-no you did was "pulling" the stock through in one of your kickback demos with a long "pull-stick" (standing on the "other side" of the saw). NEVER pull stock through a table saw! NEVER stand on the "intake" side of the blade! Much worse than kickback, is "pull in" where you are pulled over the blade. At least with kickback, you are hit by "only" a piece of wood. USE GUARDS! Also use StopSaw.
While I agree with you in general, perhaps you couldn't tell from the camera angle, but I was using a long handle and there's no way I would have been pulled into the blade from there. But yes, a lot, if not most of what I tried isn't recommended at all. 🙂
Yea at first I was thinking pull stick that sounds great... then I thought of the implications: either it can pull you violently forward or you rip the long pullstick out of your hand violently. I would only want to use that if the pull stick were long with a smooth holding handle, something like a broomstick.
@@lakecityransom 👍
What do you mean never stand on the intake side of the blade? In right handed and I stay to the left of the fence, then wood piece, then saw, then loose piece. It feels more natural to me and out of the way of a possible kickback. I stay to the side and use the push stick...
@@NoRoads2AllRoads I think we're trying to say the same thing, in different words. The bottom line is, stay out of the line of fire. 😄
You scared the crap out of me, but I learned a lot. Thanx for taking the risks for the benefit of the rest of us.
Thanks, you're welcome, and never again. 😂
Us lefties live in a right hand world. We can do the right or left just as well.
Good for you! Better than I can do, that's for sure. 🙄
True I'm a lefty but my right arm is still stronger from using it more 😂
@@Lopeys2446 LOL. I don't think I'll touch that one. 😛
@@TheNewbieWoodworker LOL I'm not that kind of wood worker 😂😂😂😂
@@Lopeys2446 ROTFL!!!!
I’m fairly experienced with a table saw but it’s nice to be reminded. Thanks for the vid.
You're welcome, and yes, it never hurts to be reminded. It's way too easy to get complacent, at least for me.
This is a wonderful video about safety relating to saws. I know saws are dangerous but when I think of the kickbacks I get really scared. Thank You for taking the trouble to do a video like this. It's a real eye-opener for many of us.
Glad I could help! 😄
Very, very useful!! Thank you SO much!!
OMG!! I didn't know kickbacks was so powerful!! OMG!!
As a Rookie Newbie Woodworker, I just received my first power saw, (as well as other power tools) and I really, really thank people like Dan here so much for making these videos which is available to watch and learn from all parts of the world! (In my case; Denmark)
Before starting to use a power tool it's equally important to watch how to do things as well as how NOT to! And often from more than one source, as we now have youtube!
The more I learn about different "wrongdoings", the less afraid I am to use the tools AND the more respect I have for them.
And it goes for most things in life;
Be smart! Don't do it if you're afraid of it or you don't have respect for it! (y)
Thanks Pia, and I couldn't agree more! 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker
Wow, so nice of you to comment. :o)
I thank you so much
@@pirakoXX You're welcome! I *try* to reply to every comment I get. Sometimes TH-cam hides comments, so I don't always see them, but I try. 😄It's actually one of the things I love about making these videos.
My buddy and I are starting a semi-retirement gig and will be buying and using a table saw. We are middle aged mature, and I'm farm raised with a lot of good ol boy experience, so I had a certain amount of undue confidence. While reviewing saws, I decided to look at a few table saw safety videos. Wow. Of course, any saw can be trouble but I didn't know just how nasty these things can be. I'm not surprised, but just never realized exactly how the danger presents itself. I assumed you would only lose fingers if you ran them through carelessly with the stock. Not only is that NOT how it usually happens, but badly cut digits probably only represents about a third of the overall potential table saw injuries.
Not only do you need to know the safe procedures and use them, but you have to have your wits about you with 100% heightened awareness on every cut without exception.
More dangerous than a circular saw or a Hi-Lift jack, and those are spawns of Satan.
Thanks for the video-I needed it. I'll get partner wised up, too.
Glad I could help. It really is amazing how much danger there is. Fortunately, if you understand the danger and use proper procedures, it helps lower the chances of accidents dramatically. Sounds like you're well on your way to learning that!
This video is very useful for me. Because im planing to buy table saw for my DIY works. I prepared to used now hand saw! Thank you so much for making this video safety. God Blesses
Glad I could help! Table saws are relatively safe, especially the more you know about them. Knowledge is the best safety. 😄
Good learning video, a couple of years ago. I had kick back that hit me on my left hand and stomach, it broken my index knuckle and bruised my stomach. Looking back, I believe it was my fault because I was using a good push stick with my right hand between the blade and the fence. For some dumb reason I was focus on the board on the left side of the blade and I stopped feeding the board just past the mid point of the blade. The piece kind of twisted between the blade and the fence and road up the blade in the up cut and shot it back. It was so fast, but you don't forget it. I'm far from the best wood worker, but a good thing to know is as you push the piece towards the blade, the blade cuts the piece on the down cut but when you pass the mid point of the blade it is pushing the piece upward and that's how it catches on the blade. It comes at you as fast as your blade is turning. I believe if I had continued the push of the piece with my right hand and not stopped the forward movement it would of never happened. It was only a 6x10 piece of 3/4 in plywood. Thanks for your video...
Thanks for sharing! Yeah, you never want to feed your stock by pushing the left side. It forces the stock to pinch the blade in the back, and you know what happens after that. All the pushing should be done on the pieces between the fence and the blade. Obviously you don't want the left side to drag behind, so you do have to feed it along - just not so much it pinches the blade. And of course a riving knife would probably have prevented the accident. We learn, right? 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Glad you took the time to reply to my comment, I do enjoy learning from your knowledge. I was pushing the stock on the right side of the blade between the blade and the fence. I believe the problem happen when i stopped the stock feed half way through the cut and gave the stock time to twist a little between the blade and the fence. So if I had continued the cut all the way through, the stock would of not twisted. Anyway Thank for your reply, and keep making those video's......
@@marty3060 Thanks, and you're quite welcome!
Was the riving knife/splitter installed?
@@yautza8569 No. But it is now. 😀
Ok so you have a few pounds. Many of us do!
You decided to live with it and post your vulnerability online and even turn it into humor for our benefit. That’s something I can respect.
Thanks for taking the time with this video. I’m a noob and had no idea how kickback actually worked, burn now have an idea, and more importantly, how dangerous it is. Thank you!
Thanks for the support! And if I didn't have humor, I'd be dead by now, that's for sure. 😛And you're welcome. 😄
Great video! I have spent 100's if not 1000's of hours behind a table saw as I worked in a wood shop for about 15 years.. I was only bit ONCE my 1st year on the job and it didn't cost me any flesh just a bruise on my left thigh from a 3/8" piece of plywood... Those push blocks aren't much for safety, the baltic birch style push stick is a great option as is the GRRRIPPER... Thanks for the info...
Thanks for the comment! I especially appreciate it when someone with real experience comments. If you're ever watching one of my videos and see something truly wrong, especially if it might hurt people, please let me know. Thanks! 😄
My very first cut on a table saw nearly put me off for life ,I cut a 4x4 freehand up against the fence the kick back hurled a block of 4x4 about thirty feet luckily I was in the garden it could have hit a family member or one of my dogs .
Now I do everything by the book read learn watch you tube and if it doesn’t feel or look right I don’t do it ,
Super video series enjoying every minute thankyou
Oh man, I can just imagine what you're describing. Must have scared the expletive out of you! Sounds like you learned from it, and you're right - if something doesn't feel right, stop! 😄
Wow! You're more courageous than I. I squirmed in my seat just watching the video. I appreciate your efforts here to inform. It's a well done video.
My only additional observation is that a properly used featherboard seems to help me keep a board being ripped tight against the fence. Of course, I always make sure the featherboard does not push or hold the wood against the saw blade.
Thanks, and an excellent point. I use featherboards every now and then, mostly when I'm cutting something thin. But anything that keeps your hand away from the blade is usually good, right? 😄
Im newbie in woodworking too, but i have learned watching lot of videos like yours, this videos are the best ones every woodworker should watch before starting. I have bought few items to simplify and help me with dangerous cuts, but i think the most dangerous cut is when you are tired or distracted, so never ever do it like that. You have a new suscriber, love to watch videos with good content.
Thanks, and glad to have you aboard! And I agree that when we aren't fully focused on the job, that's the most dangerous time. Thanks for the comment!
The slo mo and multi-angles really tell the tale. Good video.
Awesome! Glad I could help. 🙂
Thank you for everything again .
Thanks, and you're quite welcome! 😄
Thanks for the video, I’m a newbie wood worker and I was leaning while watching your video because I had a kick back but no injuries, I’ve been learning a lot about safety now need to learn about wood working, thanks again
You're quite welcome! Nothing like a little jarring of the nerves to get your blood flowing. 😄
Very glad you took the time to show us what this would look like. I’ve been taught about the dangers of kickback and the need for using a rival knife, but never really appreciated what “wrong” looks like. Thank you.
Thanks, glad I helped. And if there's one thing I know, it's what "wrong" looks like. 😄
I always used the fence as a guide and did all my cuttings bare handed, all of that with a cheap table saw, thank you little cute riving knife
Well, people have done that before. And yes, thank you riving knife. Still, to anyone else reading this, I don't exactly recommend this method. 😳
@@TheNewbieWoodworker but i always pushed the part of wood who was between the blade and the fence with both of my hands to make sure it doesnt make any angle, never had any problem, kickback is mainly done when you use the pushing rod because it's not accurate
@@hotdog160 Well, it worked for you, so who am I to complain, right? 😄
Great video! I'm a beginner. I only have a miter saw, so I need either a table or circular saw for making long cuts, and will be buying one soon. Safety is everything (I'm a big fan of my appendages) and your video has been a great start in my safety and purchasing research. Thank you!
Awesome! Glad I could help! 😄
Thanks! I’m a newbie and this is the most useful safety video yet.
Great! Glad I could help. 😄
Thank-you for this video! I have heard a lot about kickback, but actually seeing it really hit home. I received a "chicken foot"push stick with my saw and it hasn't been touched lol! I prefer a push stick that gives more control and I also made my own push block as well... My saw has a guard, and driving knife and I use both! Excellent video!
Thanks! Glad I could help. Yep, some scary stuff. And I agree with needing more control with the push stick. I don't like the long skinny ones I used in most of this video. Too squirrely. And good choice in using all the safety equipment. I'm sure you see a lot of people, myself included, that don't use everything, like the guard, for instance. Ignore us, and continue to do the right thing! :)
Thank you!
Greatly appreciated!!
Newbie wanting a table saw.
Not an owner yet.
I will think twice now.
Glad to help! No need to "think twice" - knowing the potential dangers, and how to avoid them, is a good thing. 😄
Your demonstration of the causes of kickback is excellent! Many Thanks.
Thanks, and you're quite welcome! 😄
Thank you so much for this video this is the best video I've seen yet on kickback you don't just talk about it you showed me what it is and what not to do. I'm such a newbie that I don't even own a saw yet still learning about it.
Thanks, and you're welcome. Kudos to you for learning safety before using the tools. I wish I had been that smart. I'm lucky I still have all my fingers! 😄
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Safety first I'm quite fond of my fingers we have been together for many years. I'm not able to afford a tablesaw yet and I'm not getting alot of encouragement from a couple of friends so my first saw purchase will be a cordless circular saw.
@@maryw3989 Sounds about right. I probably don't need to say this, but you can hurt yourself with a circular saw too, so always be careful. 🙂
Excellent video. I haven’t used my table saw in ages so it’s good to get a reminder of the associated dangers of kickback.
Thanks! Glad I could help! 🙂
I've never left a comment on a TH-cam video before this! But I needed to say thank you, thank you so much for this EXCELLENT breakdown of the phenomenon of kickback. So scary. I'm sure all your viewers are very thankful that you didn't get hurt making this video.
I wanted to add that having the saw blade tilted at an angle (ie. Not misaligned with the fence - still perfectly parallel to the fence, but tilted downwards to make a bevel cut) may also increase the risk of kickback when performing what would otherwise seem like a perfectly safe cut. I experienced kickback when performing such a cut and got shot in the rib by a flying piece of wood - no fun. Thankfuly, no injury besides that. I think the reason it happened (my own fault, of course), was because I was trying to make a 45deg bevel cut but the offcut piece was way too large. What I should have done was to trim my workpiece down first using the normal straight blade, such that there would only be an excess of 10mm (3/8 inch?) or so that would be trimmed off for the final bevel cut. That's exactly what I did after my mistake and the cut went much more smoothly. I'm not exactly sure why this is, though. Anybody have thoughts on this?
Thanks for the comment! I'm assuming your blade tilts towards the fence? If you can, try putting your fence on the other side of the blade when making bevel cuts, so the blade tilts away from the fence. It would be much safer, in my opinion.
@@TheNewbieWoodworker Yes, that's right, the blade tilts towards the fence. That makes sense, I didn't think of that! Unfortunately, I use this table saw which doesn't give you the option of putting the rip fence on the other side. You're either using a rip fence that's on the right of the blade, or a cross-cut fence on the left of the blade, actually; the whole cross-cut fence moves along with your body and your workpiece, in the direction of the cut. The cross-cut fence basically moves back and forth along left side of the table saw, so there's no fixed 'table' on the left for a rip fence. (does all this make sense? Hahaha)
@@ziyadbagharib7803 I wonder if you could make the bevel cuts using a crosscut sled? You'd probably want to clamp the stock down, but then you wouldn't need the fence? Just a thought.
@@TheNewbieWoodworker thanks a lot for the advice! I'm looking forward to seeing many more of your videos. Cheers!
@@ziyadbagharib7803 Thanks. The other thought I had, and it probably should have been the first one, is to make sure your fence and blade are aligned correctly. If your fence is toed in some, it could definitely cause the stock to bind at the rear of the blade, which can cause kickback for sure.
Thanks for the detailed explanations, I am definitely a newbie and this is something I wasn't even aware of.
You're welcome, and it wasn't that long ago that I wasn't aware of it either! 😄
I experienced kick back not that long ago with a piece of spruce. I was using two wooden push sticks, wearing my leather apron. Just as the table saw got half way it hit a knot and kicked back. Had I not reacted and and stopped the wood with my hand I wouldn't be here today. The impact was that bad it gouged out a golf ball size hole in my left thumb. Still to this day my left thumb feels like hamburger meat under the skin.
Thank you so much for your videos.
Wow! I'm so glad that's all that happened! And you're welcome. 😄
Great video!! I'm a new owner of a table saw for a month and knew of kickback. I didn't know how severe it could be or what causes it. Thanks for the info I will definitely use your advice.
Thanks. I'm amazed at how long I used a table saw without knowing the basics of safety. Don't be like me. 😄
I am a blind woodworker and wish you would elaborate what you’re doing more since I can’t see what you’re doing. Everything you said made a lot of sense so all that I could understand without seeing. Thank you very much
Thanks for your comment - I'll give it a lot of thought. But honestly, this is a visual medium, so I don't really know how much I can do differently. Still, I'll think about it. Thanks.
I had a kickback accident when a thin piece of maple hit me. Apart from a bruise, I thought nothing of it, until a few months later when I had to have a kidney stone removed. The surgeon saw something that looked like it could be an injury, or worse. So he did a biopsy. The results were negative. However to be prudent, a few years later he went in for another look. The injury had healed and so no further biopsy was needed. Needless to say, it is not a pleasant experience. Shocking that a small piece of wood could result in such a deep injury.
Since then the splitter (older saw so no riving knife) stays on except if it is not a through cut. I avoid the push stick and use a wooden guide like the one at 12:48 I have also bought and use a Gripper when appropriate.
Thanks for sharing your important safety tips.
Thanks for the comment, and helping keep all of us aware of the things that can happen when something goes wrong. Glad it wasn't any worse for you, but I suspect the worry was worse than the injury.