Great tips on
homesteading,
frugal living,
and self reliance.
return to homepage

Recipes | Gardening | Preparation | Homemade | Chickens | Beekeeping | The Bartering Corner

Safe Table Saw Use

Safe table saw use is not only possible, but occurs on a routine basis on homesteads and in workshops across the country. Even if you haven't been inside a high school in decades, it is possible to learn how to use table saws safely, and you'll soon find it one of the most indispensible tools you own.



But if you were never fortunate enough to take a woodworking course in high school, you may find the idea of using one a bit intimidating. The good news is you can learn how to use a table saw and other power tools to make goat shelters, goat feeders, beehives, and virtually anything else you can think of that involves wood. Rick Merriam at the table saw
Woodworker Rick Merriam contributed to this piece.

Isn't it Dangerous?

Any tool can be dangerous if you don't know how to use it, or if you use it carelessly. Think about the kitchen knife. If you handle it carelessly, you could hurt yourself pretty seriously, right? But, if you know what you're doing, there's no reason to be afraid of one. It's the same with a table saw. Learn safe table saw techniques, and you'll be just fine.

If you have never seen a table saw in use, it's a good idea to have someone show you how to use one the first time. Ask around. You're bound to find a carpenter or woodworker who can show you the ropes of safe table saw use. Also take the time to read the safety manual that comes with your table saw. Know where your safety shut-off is, in case of the wood binding up. You want to be able to shut the saw off without taking your hand off the wood.
Here the blade is too high

Avoiding Kickbacks

A board can kick back if the blade is not the right height. You want to use the full, cutting part of the tooth on the wood.

A good rule of thumb for safe table saw use is to have the top of the blade about three-eighths of an inch above the top of the wood. Some people prefer the blade to be higher, but it will depend on the type of wood you are cutting.


Here the blade is just right
You also want a good, sharp blade. On a table saw you are almost always going to do a rip cut - in other words cutting with the grain - rather than a crosscut. Make sure you have the right blade, depending on the type of wood you are cutting.

For example, if you are cutting plywood, then you would need a fine-tooth, or 80-tooth, or plywood blade. You want a ripping blade or a combination ripping blade depending on the wood you are using.

Also always use a push stick to push the wood through and make sure the wood is pushed all the way past the blade before letting go of the wood. And always wear protective eye wear.

Hold on Tight

This is one of the most important aspects of safe table saw use, so I'm going to emphasize this once again; never, never let go of the piece you're working on. If you happen to let go, the piece will fly back and hit you head on, and you won't have time to get out of the way. Always hold onto to the piece until the cut is complete.

Find a good source of woodworking tools here. An excellent way to learn woodworking is through this excellent resource. Also, if you are thinking about starting a woodworking business, you won't want to be without this business-building resource.

Are you good at fixing things? Being a general handyman is a great way to make a part-time or full-time income. You can learn more about it here.

If your dream is working at home, then learn to put your passion to good use and benefit others. Learn how.






Return from Safe Table Saw to the Home Page



Build Your Own Chicken Tractor!

subscribe to free ezine

You Can Build a Chicken Tractor Provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to build a chicken tractor and also provides helpful information on how to get free wood and how your chickens can pay for themselves.

Click Here learn more.

Search This Site:
Subscribe to my free ezine!
Successful Homesteading is a bi-weekly e-zine covering everything about self-reliance and the healthy, frugal life.
Imagine! Great tips on organic gardening, self reliance, frugal living and frugal recipes on a regular basis and sent straight to your ebox!
Click here to subscribe.


How I'm Earning an Income at Home with This Website

I was determined to stay at home, but also needed a little extra money to make ends meet. Then I learned about Site Build It!

When I started this website I had virtually no web building skills. Now I am earning a great part-time income, working from home and having the time of my life. You can too! Site Build It! has an easy to follow, step-by-step program that will show you how to build a successful website that brings in the traffic you need to get the income you want and start living the life you want to lead. Want to learn how? Click here.



Country Critters

Goats Chickens Beekeeping Cattle Pigs

All Things Frugal

Frugal Living Frugal Cooking Make It Yourself


Homestead Passions

Homesteading Tips Urban Self Reliance Off the Grid Homeschooling

Self Reliance

Natural Healing Home Business Being Prepared Organic Gardening Hydroponics Woodworking

Hyacinth our Nigerian dwarf goat
Enjoy This Site?
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?




[?] Subscribe To
This Site

XML RSS

Add to My Yahoo!

Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines

Return to Top | Homestead Goats | Homestead Chickens | The Homestead Beekeeper | Frugal Living Tips
Frugal Healthy Recipes| Make It Yourself | Find Homesteaders | The Urban Homesteader | At Home Income
Off the Grid | Natural Healing | Home Business | Being Prepared | Organic Gardening |

Advertising Policy

Copyright | Disclaimer | Terms Of Use




This site is for your information only.

Copyright© 2011.