How to Prevent Table Saw Kickback: Causes, Dangers, and Anti-Kickback Strategies

How to Prevent Table Saw Kickback: Causes, Dangers, and Anti-Kickback Strategies

Imagine a solid chunk of walnut falling from a ten story building.

Now imagine catching it with your face. It wouldn’t be fun — just ask Cardboard Danny DeVito (may his paper soul rest in peace).

Kickback from a table saw is even worse — and it happens faster than you can blink.

But don’t put your saw on Craigslist just yet. Kickback is easy to avoid — as long as you understand why it happens and take the right precautions to prevent it.

So to help you stay safe in the shop, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about kickback, including:

KICKBACK PREVENTION CHECKLIST

I’ll go into more detail below, but you can use this list as a quick reference now and in the future.

DO NOT

  • Make freehand cuts
  • Use a rip fence for crosscuts
  • Place a featherboard past the front of the blade
  • Stand directly behind the blade


DO

  • Make sure your stock is properly milled
  • Make sure the fence is parallel to the blade
  • Use a riving knife and other anti-kickback devices
  • Set the blade about 1 tooth’s height above your stock
  • Be extra cautious with thin rips
  • Stay focused
  • Use a good push stick or two
  • Put 3 directions of pressure on a board for rips (forward, down, and into fence)
  • Push the stock all the way past the back of the blade

WHAT IS KICKBACK?

Table saw kickback is when the blade launches, or “kicks back,” a workpiece or offcut towards the front of the saw (where the user is standing).

Table saw kickback

Because of how fast a saw blade spins, this can happen in a fraction of a second (.0035 seconds, for example) — and it can do a lot of damage to you and your shop.

Kickback isn’t unique to table saws. It can happen with handheld circular saws and chainsaws too. The difference is that on a table saw, the lumber itself becomes a dangerous projectile.

WHAT CAUSES KICKBACK ON A TABLE SAW?

There are 3 basic causes of table saw kickback:

  1. The board gets pinched between the blade and fence
  2. The board drifts over the back of the blade and gets lifted by the teeth
  3. The kerf behind the blade pinches shut, binding on the blade

KICKBACK CAUSE #1: THE BOARD BINDS BETWEEN THE BLADE AND FENCE

Thin ripping on a table saw

If your rip fence isn’t set up properly, or if you use it for the wrong type of cuts, your stock can get pinched between the fence and blade.

This is NOT GOOD. If the board binds, the blade’s going to push it back with more force than you can push it forward.

Potential Causes:

  • Fence isn’t parallel to blade
  • The board is wider than it is long (should be crosscut)

KICKBACK CAUSE #2: THE BACK TEETH LIFT THE BOARD

Table saw kickback

If a board doesn’t move through a cut in a straight line, it can drift over the back of the blade.

When this happens, the blade’s back teeth start to lift the board until it gets launched over the top of the blade like a slingshot.

That’s why it’s essential to push the board down into the table and flush against the fence while ripping. This helps stop the board from lifting or drifting over the blade’s back teeth.

Potential Causes:

  • Board isn’t being pushed into the table or fence during cut
  • Board edge against fence isn’t properly jointed
  • Board faces aren’t planed flat

KICKBACK CAUSE #3: THE KERF SQUEEZES SHUT

Causes of table saw kickback kerf

As a board is cut, the kerf can squeeze together and pinch the blade — which binds up your cut.

And when wood binds around the blade, it’s liable to kickback. If you feel like you have to put too much pressure into a cut, turn off the saw and figure out what’s wrong.

Potential Causes:

  • Riving knife or splitter not installed
  • Feather board set up beyond front of blade
  • Stock not adequately acclimated to shop
  • Internal forces released in kiln dried lumber

WHY IS KICKBACK SO DANGEROUS?

For one, sudden movements around a running table saw are never ideal.

Kickback can push your hand or fingers into the blade before you have time to react.

But the most common danger of kickback isn’t actually the blade.

It’s the wooden missile flying towards you.

We recently rented the Phantom TMX 7510 — the best slow-motion camera on the market — and were able to get never-before-seen footage of real kickback in action.

This allowed us to calculate how quickly kickback sends a block of wood flying — and how much force is behind it.

So, exactly how powerful is kickback?

With the help of my friend Jens Fehlau from Flammable Maths, we studied footage of a 1.5 lbs (.7 kg) hunk of walnut being launched by my table saw.

We figured out the board had an acceleration of roughly 3,211.94 ft/s2 (979 m/s2). Using that variable, we calculated a force of about 646.53 newtons.

Dangers of table saw kickback

That’s around 141 lbs of impact force.

Obviously, this is rudimentary physics since we assumed linear acceleration.

But the point is, it's more than enough to cause significant damage to the user — and potential hospitalization.

Kickback is no joke. And that’s why you NEVER want to do any of the kickback “triggers” below.

3 KICKBACK “TRIGGERS” TO AVOID

These table saw no-no’s are the quickest ways to experience the full wrath of kickback. DO NOT MAKE THESE MISTAKES.

1. FREE-HAND CUTS

Making a free-hand cut on the table saw means you’re not using any sort of guide or reference to push your stock through the blade.

Even if you’re the Dumbeldore of woodworking, don’t do this.

You’re only human — and if your cut isn’t perfectly straight, the board is liable to drift over the back teeth and launch straight at you.

Some people claim free-hand cuts are no big deal because they “know what they’re doing.” They may be great woodworkers — but they’re also being reckless, and have gotten lucky so far.

No matter how small the cut, always use a guide with your table saw. Miter gauges, crosscut sleds, rip fences, or jigs of your own creation — they all work.

You’ll not only get better cuts — you won’t have the Grim Reaper peeking over your shoulder every time you switch on the saw.

2. USING A RIP FENCE FOR CROSSCUTS

Remember the #1 rule about rip fences:

Only use a rip fence for boards that are longer than they are wide.

Otherwise, use a miter gauge or crosscut sled.

Pushing the shorter side of a board along your fence increases the chances of that board rotating and drifting over the blades back teeth, or binding between the blade and fence.

Some people do this inadvertently on their crosscut sled. They need to make repeatable cuts that are too long for a stop block on the sled, so they use the fence as a stop block—bad idea.

Here’s the right way to use your fence as a stop block:

Clamp a block of wood towards the front of your fence, and use this as the stop block for your stock. Hold the stock in place as you push the sled forward.

The edge of your stock should be completely clear of the stop block by the time it reaches the blade. This lets you make quick, repeatable crosscuts without the risk of binding.

How to crosscut with the rip fence

3. FEATHERBOARD PAST THE FRONT OF THE BLADE

Featherboards are a great tool for making safe cuts on the table saw — as long as you’re using them correctly.

Here’s the most important rule about them:

Make sure your featherboard is NOT set up past the front of the blade.

If it is, it can push your offcut, causing it to pinch the blade or get lifted by the teeth. Either way, it’s a kickback generator.

Place your featherboard 100% in front of the blade, and you’ll be good to go.

A featherboard set up on a table saw

PREVENTING TABLE SAW KICKBACK: BEFORE A CUT

Kickback happens in milliseconds — but you can do a lot to avoid it with a minute or two of preparation before cutting.

As with most tools, a big part of table saw safety is what you do before turning it on (take note, ladies and gentlemen).

MAKE SURE YOUR STOCK IS PROPERLY MILLED

The whole point of using a rip fence or crosscut sled is to guide your stock through the blade in a straight line.

But if your lumber isn’t made up of straight lines — as in bowed, twisted, or cupped — it can be a problem.

A piece of wood on a table saw

Make sure your stock has a square, jointed edge for riding along your fence, and at least one planed face that lays flat on the table.

(If you don’t have a jointer, here’s a few other ways to joint a board.)

It’s also important that your stock is acclimated to your shop. Well-acclimated lumber is less likely to pinch the blade during a cut. Let it sit in your shop a few days before milling.

MAKE SURE YOUR FENCE IS PARALLEL TO YOUR BLADE

Imagine you’re ripping a board. What would happen if the far side of the fence was closer to the blade than the front?

Obviously, your board could get pinched and bind between the fence and blade. And you know where that leads.

Making sure your fence is square is a crucial part of table saw maintenance, and you should always double check with a trusted square before cuts.

USE A RIVING KNIFE AND OTHER ANTI-KICKBACK DEVICES

If you only take away one thing from this article, it’s this: USE A RIVING KNIFE.

RIVING KNIVES

A riving knife set up on a table saw

Riving knives do an incredible job of preventing kickback.

For one, they keep your stock from drifting over the back of the blade and getting lifted by the teeth. They also stop the kerf from pinching the back of the blade.

These simple devices have been standard on all table saws since around 2007.

If you have an older table saw, it might be equipped with a splitter. These aren’t as good as riving knives (since their height doesn’t adjust with the blade), but they’re better than nothing.

BLADE GUARDS AND ANTI-KICKBACK PAWLS

A table saw blade guard

Blade guards cover the top of your blade, ensuring your stock can’t fly up at your face. They also keep your fingers from getting pushed into the blade — a common kickback-related injury.

You’ve probably also seen the anti-kickback pawls that attach to your blade guard or riving knife. Their jagged teeth drag over the outfeed side of your stock, hooking into it if there’s kickback.

ANTI-KICKBACK BLADES

A table saw blade with antikickback shoulders

Some table saw blades come with anti-kickback shoulders as part of their tooth design.

Several of the CMT blades we carry include this feature — and yes, they’re fully approved for use on SawStop table saws.

BUT I SAW THIS GUY ON YOUTUBE…

Let me address the elephant in the room.

You’ve probably seen countless videos of woodworkers using a table saw without any of these anti-kickback devices.

Maybe you’ve even read comments in the swampy corners of online forums where people brag about never using a riving knife because they “know what they’re doing.”

Did you know people fought against seat belts when they were first put into law? They probably also “knew what they were doing.” Don’t be that person.

It’s true that you can’t always use a blade guard or anti-kickback pawls.

But at the very least, always use a riving knife.

The only time you should remove it is if you’re using a dado stack. Besides that, you can make any cut with the riving knife attached.

See you in the comments, trolls.

RAISE BLADE ABOUT 1 TOOTH ABOVE HEIGHT OF STOCK

Setting the correct height of a table saw blade

This is guaranteed to get some sour responses. But if your blade is set way above the height of your stock, it increases the chances of kickback.

The general rule of thumb is to set the peak of your blade about ⅛ inch above the height of your stock. That translates to the height of one tooth tip, give or take a hair.

BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS WITH THIN RIPS

Ripping really thin pieces can lead to your stock binding between the fence and blade.

Consider setting up your cut so your thin strips are the offcuts. And be sure to use a featherboard and a good push stick to keep your stock flush against the fence.


PREVENTING TABLE SAW KICKBACK: DURING A CUT

Take a deep breath. It’s time to conquer the beast.

FOCUS

The most important thing here is to focus on what you’re doing and set aside all distractions.

When your table saw is running, all that exists is you, the blade, and your piece of lumber.

Become the Bruce Lee of bridle joints.

USE A GOOD PUSH STICK (OR TWO)

A good push stick does more than just push your stock forward. It has a long base that lets you keep your board flat against the table and flush against the fence.

That’s why those long plastic bird’s mouth push sticks (that often come with table saws) aren't that great. They only let you push forward, without any way to keep your board from lifting up or drifting over the back of the blade.

Also, your fingers are less likely to get thrown into the blade if you're using a push stick.

Just make sure the heel is in good shape, as these can get chopped away over time.

Using push sticks on a table saw

A general rule of thumb (and pinky) for when to use a push stick:

Splay your fingers as wide as you can. If the distance between the tip of your thumb and pinky finger is MORE than the distance between your blade and fence, use a push stick.

We have a great heavy duty push stick available in our store, as well as free plans for making your own push stick at home.

PUSH YOUR LUMBER IN 3 DIRECTIONS

Remember that you want to put pressure on your stock in 3 directions:

  • Forward into the blade
  • Down into the table
  • Sideways into the fence.

It doesn’t need to be heavy pressure — just enough to make sure everything stays flush.

It’s tempting to keep your eye on the blade while making a cut.

But if you’re ripping, it’s actually safer to keep your eyes focused on where your lumber meets the fence.

This makes it easier to keep your stock flush against the fence, which helps prevent kickback and gives you cleaner cuts.

PUSH STOCK ALL THE WAY PAST THE BLADE

The cut isn’t finished until your stock is past the back of the blade.

Sure, technically it’s finished before. But pushing your stock all the way through really reduces the risk of kickback.

Set yourself up with an outfeed table, even if it’s a makeshift one. A couple saw horses and a piece of MDF will do the trick.

HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR KICKBACK

If you follow the steps above, your chances of kickback will be minimal.

But the unexpected is, well… unexpected. And at 56 feet per second, not even Patches O'Houlihan could dodge these murder missiles.

Here’s how to keep safe if the unexpected happens.

STAND TO THE SIDE, NOT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE BLADE

Jonathan Katz-Moses using a table saw

When we did our kickback experiment with the slow motion camera, some pieces of wood went high, some went low — but every single piece flew towards the front of the saw.

Whenever you’re making a cut, stand to the side of your stock, so you’re not in the line of fire. For rip cuts, stand on the opposite side of the blade from the fence.

And use a push stick, so you don’t have to lean over the blade.

WEAR THE RIGHT PPE

Kickback is scary powerful, and personal protective equipment (PPE) isn’t going to stop it from hurting — but it can do a LOT to prevent more serious injury.

Always wear eye protection. If you happen to take a piece of walnut to the face, a thin layer of plastic slowing it down is better than nothing at all.

Also, a good woodworking apron can be a torso-saver.

I can’t tell you how many messages I’ve received on Instagram from people telling me their Katz-Moses apron protected them from what could have been serious kickback damage.

We even tested the apron on a ballistics gel dummy. The difference was a 4-inch gash without the apron, and no broken “skin” with it on.

The Katz-Moses apron on a ballistics gel dummy

I’m not telling you this to say “my apron is the best” (though it may be).

Whatever brand you choose, just make sure it’s made out of a thick, durable material like canvas or leather.

Our aprons are made from 20 oz waxed canvas — and ready to keep your belly safe from rogue blocks of wood.


KEEP YOUR WOODWORKING FUN — NOT SCARY

While table saw kickback is a serious risk, you have the power to keep it from happening.

The most important thing is to be focused, aware, and cautious. If something feels wrong, or you have to force your stock through the blade, turn off the table saw and reevaluate.

Remember: If you treat your table saw with respect, it’ll give you the efficiency and accuracy you're after.

And put the freaking riving knife back on.

Almost every woodworker has a kickback story — what’s yours? Share it in the comments below!

Follow us on Instagram @katzmosestools and check out my YouTube channel.

And as always, STAY SAFE IN THE SHOP!

17 comments

Papa Bear

Papa Bear

Years ago I was cutting the corners off some 2×4s for a project. Using the crosscut sled with the fence well out of the way. HOWEVER, I left the little corner blocks bouncing around on the table behind the blade. I never even thought about this,…until out of the clear blue one chunk got hooked by the blade and launched into my forehead. By the grace of God, it did not hit me in the eye, even though I was wearing glasses, it would have been bad. I was stunned at first, didn’t even know what had happened. Learned that day for sure. Currently looking for riving knife for old craftsman cabinet saw. Thanks for all the great content!

Years ago I was cutting the corners off some 2×4s for a project. Using the crosscut sled with the fence well out of the way. HOWEVER, I left the little corner blocks bouncing around on the table behind the blade. I never even thought about this,…until out of the clear blue one chunk got hooked by the blade and launched into my forehead. By the grace of God, it did not hit me in the eye, even though I was wearing glasses, it would have been bad. I was stunned at first, didn’t even know what had happened. Learned that day for sure. Currently looking for riving knife for old craftsman cabinet saw. Thanks for all the great content!

Tony

Tony

Had run a lot of wood through course work table saws and my own. Never a problem although I can be a slackard with riving knife. Finally, one day while in a hurry and after ripping many pieces, it happened. Dare I say I was incredibly fortunate – I had loosened my fence and forgot to check that it was thoroughly secured once again before making one more cut. I was standing somewhat off to side of blade when fence moved, and wood caught me in lower abdomen a glancing but significant blow. Felt like I lost my woodworking virginity that day but mostly learned, be careful / cautious / take your time. Great article.

Had run a lot of wood through course work table saws and my own. Never a problem although I can be a slackard with riving knife. Finally, one day while in a hurry and after ripping many pieces, it happened. Dare I say I was incredibly fortunate – I had loosened my fence and forgot to check that it was thoroughly secured once again before making one more cut. I was standing somewhat off to side of blade when fence moved, and wood caught me in lower abdomen a glancing but significant blow. Felt like I lost my woodworking virginity that day but mostly learned, be careful / cautious / take your time. Great article.

Mike Allen

Mike Allen

Terrific article on kick-back prevention. I’ve been into woodworking for close to 50 years and I’ve heard a lot of these ideas before, but nevertheless it’s a good review and reminder to not get complacent. Thank you!! I always enjoy your articles!!. Mike

Terrific article on kick-back prevention. I’ve been into woodworking for close to 50 years and I’ve heard a lot of these ideas before, but nevertheless it’s a good review and reminder to not get complacent. Thank you!! I always enjoy your articles!!. Mike

Bill c

Bill c

Great article. I would like to add one thing: USE A SHARP BLADE! My Forrest blades cut wood like butter and with common sense you never end up forcing anything.

Great article. I would like to add one thing: USE A SHARP BLADE! My Forrest blades cut wood like butter and with common sense you never end up forcing anything.

Rich

Rich

It was the only kickback I had and it happened before riving knives and blade guards were pure junk. That incident took the ends of two fingers. I’ve been away from woodworking for several years and now getting back into the hobby. I’ve ordered a SawStop and this was a great refresher. Thanks!

It was the only kickback I had and it happened before riving knives and blade guards were pure junk. That incident took the ends of two fingers. I’ve been away from woodworking for several years and now getting back into the hobby. I’ve ordered a SawStop and this was a great refresher. Thanks!

Tom

Tom

Thanks for the info. Had a kickback incident about 3 years ago after using the same tablesaw for 20+ years incident free. Was ripping a piece that should have been crosscut (been doing that for decades), when apparently the odds finally caught up to me and the board came flying back and caught me straight in the gut. Knocked the wind out of me and gave me a nice gash. I now have a permanent golfball sized knot where the cut was as a reminder to not be stupid. I was one of those people who threw away their guards/riving knife before ever installing them on my saw. The company no longer made replacement parts, and I was about to throw the saw away and get a new one with proper guards, but I found the company Shark Guard that makes custom riving knives / guards for most models (even my 25 year old jet). I now have a much safer system. I also look for and review articles like yours EVERY TIME before I go out to use my saw to remind me of proper safety guidelines. I can still recall that shotgun noise from my kickback incident. Still pretty freaked out every time I pull my tablesaw onto the driveway, but I consider this a healthy fear/respect for the power engaged when I push that “on” button. Thanks again for the great info.

Thanks for the info. Had a kickback incident about 3 years ago after using the same tablesaw for 20+ years incident free. Was ripping a piece that should have been crosscut (been doing that for decades), when apparently the odds finally caught up to me and the board came flying back and caught me straight in the gut. Knocked the wind out of me and gave me a nice gash. I now have a permanent golfball sized knot where the cut was as a reminder to not be stupid. I was one of those people who threw away their guards/riving knife before ever installing them on my saw. The company no longer made replacement parts, and I was about to throw the saw away and get a new one with proper guards, but I found the company Shark Guard that makes custom riving knives / guards for most models (even my 25 year old jet). I now have a much safer system. I also look for and review articles like yours EVERY TIME before I go out to use my saw to remind me of proper safety guidelines. I can still recall that shotgun noise from my kickback incident. Still pretty freaked out every time I pull my tablesaw onto the driveway, but I consider this a healthy fear/respect for the power engaged when I push that “on” button. Thanks again for the great info.

Patty

Patty

Just had my first kickback incident in12 years and have lost a little confidence so I thought that brushing up on kickback info might help me get back on the scary horse. Many thanks Jonathan! Quick question, shouldn’t it be LESS instead of “more” below?

“Splay your fingers as wide as you can. If the distance between the tip of your thumb and pinky finger is MORE than the distance between your blade and fence, use a push stick.”

Just had my first kickback incident in12 years and have lost a little confidence so I thought that brushing up on kickback info might help me get back on the scary horse. Many thanks Jonathan! Quick question, shouldn’t it be LESS instead of “more” below?

“Splay your fingers as wide as you can. If the distance between the tip of your thumb and pinky finger is MORE than the distance between your blade and fence, use a push stick.”

Tom

Tom

I’m a retired carpenter and just had my first kickback. After reading this article, it’s obvious I’ve been lucky for a very long time. I was cutting a 24" piece of 1×12 oak down to 20". First mistake was; I was using a zero clearance insert that I hadn’t bothered cutting for use of the riving knife, so there lay the knife, on my bench. Then, what’s almost worse was … I lost focus and glanced at the blade, thinking I had gone all the way through. Lastly, I was wearing just a teeshirt. At least I had safety glasses and ear protection on.

I took the end of the board in the stomach. I was lucky, it gave me a slightly bloody, perfect imprint of a 1×12, but only about 4" long. The board had an amazing amount of damage, compared to me; maybe the weight of the board slowed it down ever so slightly. Apparently it was very loud, because my wife heard it from the back of the house. Bummer, because now she worries about me in the shop.

So, three lessons learned. The riving knife will always be on. My focus will be intense, just like when I’m at the shooting range. And lastly, I’ll get a heavy apron.

Tom

I’m a retired carpenter and just had my first kickback. After reading this article, it’s obvious I’ve been lucky for a very long time. I was cutting a 24" piece of 1×12 oak down to 20". First mistake was; I was using a zero clearance insert that I hadn’t bothered cutting for use of the riving knife, so there lay the knife, on my bench. Then, what’s almost worse was … I lost focus and glanced at the blade, thinking I had gone all the way through. Lastly, I was wearing just a teeshirt. At least I had safety glasses and ear protection on.

I took the end of the board in the stomach. I was lucky, it gave me a slightly bloody, perfect imprint of a 1×12, but only about 4" long. The board had an amazing amount of damage, compared to me; maybe the weight of the board slowed it down ever so slightly. Apparently it was very loud, because my wife heard it from the back of the house. Bummer, because now she worries about me in the shop.

So, three lessons learned. The riving knife will always be on. My focus will be intense, just like when I’m at the shooting range. And lastly, I’ll get a heavy apron.

Tom

Anonymous

Anonymous

I am fortunate to have not experienced kickback yet, but a friend of mine did.

A few years ago when I was in art school, I walked into the bathroom and saw my buddy, shirt off, looking into the mirror. He had a welt the size of a soft ball dead center on his sternum, he was ripping pine 2×4’s and one kicked back and speared him in the chest. He was fighting back tears and the winces of pain as he explained to me what happened. There was a little bit of blood, but no major cuts, just a huge DARK black/blue/green bruise. Looked extremely painful. I believe he only had a t-shirt for protection. Scariest part was imagining if it hit him 4-5” higher, it would have been straight into his neck. That would have surely put him in the ER. That was early in my wood shop days, and even though he has my sympathy, I’m grateful I got to see the damage these tools can do early on. I promised myself I would ALWAYS be as cautious and informed as I can be moving forward after seeing that.

Thank you Jonathan for the great content and tips, and for helping to keep people safe! Your videos are fantastic.

I am fortunate to have not experienced kickback yet, but a friend of mine did.

A few years ago when I was in art school, I walked into the bathroom and saw my buddy, shirt off, looking into the mirror. He had a welt the size of a soft ball dead center on his sternum, he was ripping pine 2×4’s and one kicked back and speared him in the chest. He was fighting back tears and the winces of pain as he explained to me what happened. There was a little bit of blood, but no major cuts, just a huge DARK black/blue/green bruise. Looked extremely painful. I believe he only had a t-shirt for protection. Scariest part was imagining if it hit him 4-5” higher, it would have been straight into his neck. That would have surely put him in the ER. That was early in my wood shop days, and even though he has my sympathy, I’m grateful I got to see the damage these tools can do early on. I promised myself I would ALWAYS be as cautious and informed as I can be moving forward after seeing that.

Thank you Jonathan for the great content and tips, and for helping to keep people safe! Your videos are fantastic.

Gus Hartmann

Gus Hartmann

Hey great info. Did anyone else notice the severed thumb sitting on the rip fence? A touch of irony is so appreciated and the ability to laugh at oneself is becoming increasingly rare. Thanks for the great piece.

Hey great info. Did anyone else notice the severed thumb sitting on the rip fence? A touch of irony is so appreciated and the ability to laugh at oneself is becoming increasingly rare. Thanks for the great piece.

DMM

DMM

At 9:42, the video becomes incredibly deadly turn as the ballistic gel dummy fell INTO the saw blade! As a paramedic who has treated table saw injuries, this is indeed possible and becomes a very bad, no good, rotten day for everyone involved. Thanks for valuable video Jonathan!

At 9:42, the video becomes incredibly deadly turn as the ballistic gel dummy fell INTO the saw blade! As a paramedic who has treated table saw injuries, this is indeed possible and becomes a very bad, no good, rotten day for everyone involved. Thanks for valuable video Jonathan!

Mike Curtin

Mike Curtin

There is a way to cut raw or uneven lumber safely; use a ripping sled. If you do, be sure to shim the wood when you clamp it to the sled, so it doesn’t move during the cut.

This article is an excellent guide to kickback, what causes them and how to avoid them.

I went to a demonstration of the Saw Stop machine, and the salesman told me that for the first several years, the majority of the saws were not purchased by woodworkers, but by their spouses and significant others. I thought that was interesting.

Thanks for what you do and for doing a good job at it.

There is a way to cut raw or uneven lumber safely; use a ripping sled. If you do, be sure to shim the wood when you clamp it to the sled, so it doesn’t move during the cut.

This article is an excellent guide to kickback, what causes them and how to avoid them.

I went to a demonstration of the Saw Stop machine, and the salesman told me that for the first several years, the majority of the saws were not purchased by woodworkers, but by their spouses and significant others. I thought that was interesting.

Thanks for what you do and for doing a good job at it.

Brian R

Brian R

Thirty-five years ago I was making a wooden train set for my son and I wa ripping son construction grade cedar into !/2 inch strips to make sides for the train cars. One of the pieces jammed and kicked back hitting me on the end of my thumb. Fortunately the damage was minimal (I went to hospital where they X-rayed to see if there was any bone damage or if there were pieces of wood imbedded and there was none but the end of my thumb and thumb nail was pretty much mashed up. To this day I can still feel the scar tissue).
Since that time I have made my self fully aware of the dangers of the table saw and proceed with my cutting tasks using the best safety practices.

Thirty-five years ago I was making a wooden train set for my son and I wa ripping son construction grade cedar into !/2 inch strips to make sides for the train cars. One of the pieces jammed and kicked back hitting me on the end of my thumb. Fortunately the damage was minimal (I went to hospital where they X-rayed to see if there was any bone damage or if there were pieces of wood imbedded and there was none but the end of my thumb and thumb nail was pretty much mashed up. To this day I can still feel the scar tissue).
Since that time I have made my self fully aware of the dangers of the table saw and proceed with my cutting tasks using the best safety practices.

Steve

Steve

I was cutting a piece of eighth inch plywood about twelve inches long and four inches wide. I wasn’t holding it properly and it kicked back. Fortunately I was standing off to one side. My garage door took the hit and the plywood went clean through the closed door and out onto the street. It was one of those “quick” cuts as I was rushing and bang – it could have disemboweled me! Before you flip the switch take a breath and consider the cut and where you are standing.

I was cutting a piece of eighth inch plywood about twelve inches long and four inches wide. I wasn’t holding it properly and it kicked back. Fortunately I was standing off to one side. My garage door took the hit and the plywood went clean through the closed door and out onto the street. It was one of those “quick” cuts as I was rushing and bang – it could have disemboweled me! Before you flip the switch take a breath and consider the cut and where you are standing.

Jon shepard

Jon shepard

Actually, there may be at least 4 causes for kick back. I was using my sawstop, that I’ve had for years. As I was cutting some oak, I pushed it through and thought it had cleared the blade. I pushed the shut off paddle with my thigh. It had not finished going completely through. As the blade slowed, it caught the wood and kicked back. Totally my fault. The wood had a crisp corner, hit the palm of my right hand. Had a nice view of bones and tendons. Luckily everything healed no long term problems. I have nice pictures. Thanks for your website.

Actually, there may be at least 4 causes for kick back. I was using my sawstop, that I’ve had for years. As I was cutting some oak, I pushed it through and thought it had cleared the blade. I pushed the shut off paddle with my thigh. It had not finished going completely through. As the blade slowed, it caught the wood and kicked back. Totally my fault. The wood had a crisp corner, hit the palm of my right hand. Had a nice view of bones and tendons. Luckily everything healed no long term problems. I have nice pictures. Thanks for your website.

Anonymous

Anonymous

I bought my table saw (Saw Stop) and started using it before I really knew anything about woodworking. That was moronic. I did have one kickback, and fortunately I was standing to the side. Thanks for putting all this good info out there.

I bought my table saw (Saw Stop) and started using it before I really knew anything about woodworking. That was moronic. I did have one kickback, and fortunately I was standing to the side. Thanks for putting all this good info out there.

Anonymous

Anonymous

The only kickback I have (so far) is when the anti-kickback pawls detached from my table saw, and hit the blade. This actually happened twice. I blame it on a defective latch. Maybe it was my fault.. Either way, after the second time, I never used them again.

I understand that the table saw is probably the most dangerous tool I use, and I treat with proper respect.

The only kickback I have (so far) is when the anti-kickback pawls detached from my table saw, and hit the blade. This actually happened twice. I blame it on a defective latch. Maybe it was my fault.. Either way, after the second time, I never used them again.

I understand that the table saw is probably the most dangerous tool I use, and I treat with proper respect.

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