How To Use a Table Saw Safely and Effectively

A table saw is one of the essential tools for wood works, whether at home for DIY jobs, or for your carpentry business. A table saw is made of a metal blade, so it poses some danger if it is not handled properly. Here are some tips in using a table saw safely.

• There are different blades for different materials. There is a different blade for varying sizes of wood, and there is also a blade to cut through metals. Before using a blade, make sure it is the right kind, otherwise, you might ruin either the wood or metal, or the hand saw. It is also important to use a sharp blade because dull blades will only ruin the wood and can induce heat.
• Check and make sure that the blade is secured and that it will not slip off the handle. If it is not secured, there is a danger of it being misplaced when you use it and it might hit a part of your body.
• Use a working table that is suitable for your height. This is important to make sure you are comfortable and you are able to control the pressure on the wood and the table saw. When you put the wood in place, make sure that it is laid flat on the table.
• Start cutting with the blade held up, moving down and cutting through the wood. You do not start from the bottom of the saw pulling up. This will just cause the wood to be flipped up. Put enough pressure on the wood so it does not move when you move your other arm, which holds the table saw.
• Use a blade guard for safety, and only remove it once you are finished cutting the wood.
• Make sure you avoid cutting through nails, knots and bolts in wood. Remove these first before starting, or at least avoid them.
• Position yourself at the side, so that your arm that holds the table saw moves on your side, and not directly in front of your body. This adds more strength to your arm, and in case the wood does a kick back, it will not hit your face.
• Balance your body and put both feet on the floor. Some people place their other foot on the wood to support it. It is best to use another item to support the wood and have both feet flat on the ground to maximize your body’s strength while you cut the wood.
• Do not let go of the wood even if you are catching your breath and you are trying to take a few seconds of rest. Letting go of the wood while the hand saw is still in it may cause it to kickback and result to injury.
• If you need to pull out the hand saw from the wood when it is cut halfway, pull it off slowly away from you, then pull it off. DO not attempt to pop it out while cutting.
• Clean the blade before storing it. Wipe it with oil so it will not rust easily. Make sure it is not wet when you store it.