Preventing Kickback

Statistics prove that most common acci- dents among table saw users can be linked to kickback. Kickback is typically defined as the high-speed expulsion of stock from the table saw toward its operator. In addi- tion to the danger of the operator or oth- ers in the area being struck by the flying stock, the operator’s hands can be pulled into the blade during the kickback.

Below are tips to reduce the likelihood of kickback:

•Never attempt freehand cuts. If the workpiece is not fed perfectly parallel with the blade, a kickback will likely occur. Always use the rip fence or crosscut fence to support the workpiece.

•Make sure the riving knife is always aligned with the blade. A misaligned riving knife can cause the workpiece to bind or stop the flow of the cut, resulting in an increased chance of kickback. If you think that your riving knife is not aligned with the blade, check it imme- diately!

•Ensure that your table slides parallel with the blade; otherwise, the chances of kickback are extreme. Take the time to check and adjust the sliding table.

•Use the riving knife whenever performing a through cut. The riving knife helps maintain the kerf in the workpiece after it is cut, there- fore, reducing the chance of kickback.

•Keep the blade guard installed and in good working order. Only remove it when perform- ing non-through cuts and immediately re- install the blade guard when finished with the non-through cut.

•Make multiple, shallow passes when per- forming a non-through cut. Making a deep non-through cut will greatly increase the chance of kickback.

•Feed cuts through to completion. Anytime you stop feeding a workpiece that is in the middle of a cut, the chance of binding, result- ing in kickback, is greatly increased.

Protecting Yourself

from Kickback

Even if you know how to prevent kickback, it may still happen. Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of injury if kickback DOES occur:

•Never, for any reason, place your hand behind the blade. Should kickback occur, your hand will be pulled into the blade.

•Stand to the side of the blade during every cut. If a kickback does occur, the thrown workpiece usually travels directly in front of the blade.

•Always wear safety glasses or a face shield. In the event of a kickback, your eyes and face are the most vulnerable part of your body.

•Use a pushstick to keep your hands farther away from the moving blade. If a kickback occurs, the push stick will most likely take the damage that your hand would have received.

-10-	G0588/G0591 12" Sliding Table Saws