Statistics prove that most common acci- dents among table saw users can be linked to kickback. Kickback is typically defined as the
Preventing Kickback
Below are tips to avoid the most common causes of kickback:
¥Never attempt freehand cuts. If the work- piece 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 blade splitter is always aligned with the blade. A misaligned blade splitter 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 blade splitter is not aligned with the blade, check it immediately!
¥Ensure that your rip fence is parallel with the blade; otherwise, the chances of kickback are extreme. Take the time to check and adjust the rip fence.
¥Use the blade splitter during every cut. The blade splitter maintains the kerf in the work- piece, therefore, reducing the chance of kick- back.
¥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 pro- tect yourself if kickback DOES occur:
¥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.
¥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.
¥Never, for any reason, place your hand behind the blade. Should kickback occur, your hand will be pulled into the blade.
¥Use a push stick 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.
G0444/G0444Z 10" Table Saw |
