A Precise Table Saw from an Electric Hand Saw

Step 19: Safety concerns

Always set the saw's cutting depth so the teeth just barely come through the top surface of the piece being cut.  (See the photo.)  The cut will be smoother and the piece being cut hides most of the blade to guard the user against damage in the event of an accident..  If there is an accident, you will have a cut you can heal with a common adhesive strip bandage, not a wound that goes down into bone.

Do not wear loose clothing and tuck long hair into your collar.  You do not want these to become caught in the spinning blade.

Stand so you are well-balanced and not leaning on something for support. 

I use pusher sticks a lot.  The object is to keep my hands and fingers at least six inches away from a spinning blade at all times.  Do not rely on blade guards alone.  When extra safety devices are available, people take extra risks.  That has been documented in studies.

A switch easy to reach at the front of the saw is also good to have, especially since you will need to tie the saw's switch in the "on" position for  use.

Keep the saw properly aligned so the blade does not bind and throw work or pull you into the blade.  Saw only dimensional lumber on this saw--no limbs for firewood.

If you are using a carbide tipped blade, stand to one side of the blade.  Although not common, I have heard firsthand stories of a tooth thrown by one of these blades.  Avoid sawing wood with a lot of sap or pitch in it to avoid the blade binding in the wood.

Wear approved eye protection when using the saw and be ever vigilant. 

Disconnect the power whenever making adjustments to the saw, especially under the saw table.