Table saws are one of, if not the most accident-prone tools in the workshop. They cause around 29,000 ER visits a year! That can be pretty scary if you stop to think about it, but it doesn’t have to be! It’s all about respecting the tools in your shop and learning how to operate them in a safe way. In this post, I’ll show you a few items that can help you operate a table saw more safely.
Featherboards
What is a featherboard? A featherboard holds the material tight to the fence of your saw and prevents kickback.
Bow FP1 Products Featherpro Feather Board Single
I personally use this one and it works great, the foam is replaceable so it will last forever! It’s quick and easy to use and adjust and they can be stacked to use for thicker stock. This is a great feather board at an excellent price! Click here to get one: https://amzn.to/2H43uNL
I’ve used the hedgehog featherboard and would recommend it as well!
Push Blocks
What is a pushblock? A pushblock holds your workpiece tight to the fence and table of your saws and helps to prevent kickback as well.
GRR-RIPPER 3D Pushblock for Table Saws, Router Tables, Band Saws, and Jointers
First of all….the name is kind of fun to say itself! This is a push block and can be adjusted in many ways to ensure it you get a safe clean cut! I also use one of these on a regular basis and it’s very versatile for several tools around the shop! The photo above sums up the item quite nicely. Click here to get one: https://amzn.to/2TTHdbA
Push Sticks
What is a push stick? A push stick helps you assist the material through the saw without you ever having to put your fingers near the blade. This item as well can be used with a lot of tools around the shop.
Bow Products PushPRO Push Stick
This specific product we do not use, but I have several other Bow products and am happy with them all. We make our own push sticks on our CNC but you could also cut your own out of scrap wood. Click here to buy one: https://amzn.to/2wNvKSX
Last thoughts
Tablesaws can be intimidating! I know I was intimidated when I first started woodworking. With some patience, practice, and a few extra tools, you too can be safe and precise with all of your cuts! Every woodworker at some point typically has or uses a table saw, so when you do make sure to use the proper safety tools and equipment and most of all pay attention to what you are doing at all times!
Saftey facts reference: https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/work-tools-accident-statistics.html
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