Here’s a pro tip for how to safely cut small pieces on a table saw.
Know your limitations
First off, if you aren’t comfortable cutting something on a table saw, don’t do it. It’s easier and safer to ask for help from an experienced table saw user than it is to ask for help after you’re returning from an emergency room with a table saw injury.
While we never gain skills unless we try new things, never attempt a new cut with a table saw–or any saw–while you are alone or distracted. Always wear safety glasses and practice the motions of cutting, turning the tool on and off, and plan for how the material will drop as it glides over the back of the table saw’s deck.
Take table saws seriously
The National Safety Council estimates that 71,000 deaths were caused by workshop saws in 2021, and just about 29,000 deaths were caused by all other power tools at home. Considering home workshop saws caused five times more deaths than fireworks and flares, it’s important to approach a saw with safety in mind.
Remember hand placement
When cutting small pieces, be mindful of where you place your hands.
Never place a hand near the blade. Push sticks exist for a reason.
When pushing through a small piece of wood on a table saw, Mark always says to keep one hand behind the table saw deck and let the other “guide” hand ride the fence with clearance to the blade. And, he’s right.
However, it’s best to practice this motion when the tool isn’t on. For some, the sound of the tool roaring can easily become intimidating and anxiety-inducing and it is easy to forget instructions when stressed.
Let the pieces drop
After the material has been pushed through the saw blade, let the pieces drop. Turn off the saw and wait for the saw to stop spinning before attempting to gather the pieces.
Rushing through a table saw cut, especially with a small piece or a cumbersome piece, is a sure-fire risk for injury.
Read the directions
It’s not fun, reading the owner’s manual for any tool. It’s way easier and more exciting to set up a tool and start tinkering with it. However, there’s always something in every owner’s manual that is helpful and unique to that tool or product. So, we always recommend taking a few minutes to read the directions.
Just think about how many times you’ve discovered a new feature of your smart phone. Same with many power tools.
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