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The most common accidents among table saw users, according to statistics, can be
linked to kickback, the high-speed expulsio n of material from the table t hat can strike the operator.
Kickback can also result in operator’s hands being pulled into the blade.
Tips to avoid the most common causes of
kickback:
• Make sure the blade splitter is always
aligned with the blade. A workpiece can bind
or stop the flow of the cut if the blade splitter
is misaligned and result in kickback.
• Use the blade splitter during every cut. The
blade splitter maintains the kerf i n the
workpiece, which will reduce the chance of
kickback.
• Never attempt freehand cuts. T he workpiece
must be fed perfectly parallel wit h the blade,
otherwise kickback will likely occur. Always
use the rip fence or crosscut fence to
support the workpiece.
• Make sure that the rip fence is parallel with
the blade. If not, the chances of kickback are
very high. Take the time to check and adjust
the rip fence.
• Feed cuts through to completion. Anytime
you stop feeding a workpiece that is in the
middle of a cut, the chance of binding,
resulting in kickback, is greatly increased.
Protecti on T ips from Kickback Kickback can happen even if precautio ns are
taken to prevent it. Listed below are some tips to
protect you if kickback DOES occur:
• Stand to the side of the blade when c utting.
An ejected workpiece usually tra vels directly
in front of the blade.
• Wear safety glasses or a face shield. Your
eyes and face are the most vulnerable part
of your body.
• Never place your hand behind the blade. If
kickback occurs, your hand will be p ulled
into the blade.
• Use a push stick to keep your hands farther
away from the moving blade. If a kickback
occurs, the pus h stick will most likely take
the damage that your hand would have
received.