Plunge Cuts On A Table Saw: Mastering The Technique

Making a plunge cut on a table saw can be a dangerous procedure. It is important to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and securing the workpiece before starting the cut. Even experienced woodworkers have expressed concern about this method, so it is important to be aware of the risks involved. However, with the proper safety measures in place, it is possible to successfully execute a plunge cut on a table saw.

Secure the workpiece and raise the blade

To make a plunge cut on a table saw, it is imperative that safety precautions are followed to prevent accidents and injuries. Before beginning the cut, ensure the workpiece is securely clamped down to the table. This will stabilise the workpiece and prevent it from shifting during the cutting process.

Once the workpiece is securely fastened, you can proceed to adjust the blade. It is important to set the blade height appropriately for the specific cut. The blade should be raised gradually and carefully until it reaches the desired height. The blade height should be such that the top teeth of the blade extend slightly above the surface of the workpiece, typically no more than 3/8 inch. This ensures that the blade can effectively cut through the material without exposing too much of the blade, reducing the risk of accidental contact.

During this process, always use a push stick to maintain a safe distance between your hands and the blade. Additionally, utilise a splitter or riving knife to prevent kickback, which can be dangerous. These safety measures are crucial when performing plunge cuts on a table saw.

When everything is securely set up, you can carefully initiate the cut, ensuring that you are standing to the side, out of the line of fire, and maintaining control throughout the cutting process.

Avoid freehand cutting

When using a table saw, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. One key safety measure is to avoid freehand cutting, especially for rip cuts. Freehand cutting on a table saw can be extremely dangerous and significantly increases the risk of kickback. Kickback occurs when the workpiece rotates and pinches the blade, causing it to be thrown off the saw. This can happen very quickly and lead to serious injuries.

To avoid freehand cutting, it is recommended to always use a fence or guide when making rip cuts. If the workpiece is too large to fit between the blade and the fence, consider using a circular saw with a straightedge guide or a jigsaw. You can also build a taper jig or a sliding table extension for your table saw to accommodate larger workpieces.

Additionally, always use a miter gauge or a sled for crosscuts to prevent kickback and ensure cleaner and more accurate cuts. It is also crucial to follow other safety guidelines when using a table saw, such as wearing proper safety gear, avoiding loose clothing, and ensuring the machine is properly set up and secured.

By following these safety precautions and avoiding freehand cutting, you can help ensure a safer woodworking experience and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Wear protective gear

When using a table saw, it is crucial to wear protective gear to shield yourself from various hazards. Here are some essential safety measures to follow:

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Avoid loose-fitting clothes that could get caught in the blade. Roll up long sleeves above the elbows to prevent them from dangling near the saw. Tie back long hair, and refrain from wearing jewellery that could get entangled in the machinery.

Protect Your Eyes, Ears, and Lungs

Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from flying debris and wood chips. Table saws are notoriously loud, so wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing. Additionally, wear a respirator to safeguard your lungs from inhaling sawdust, including microscopic particles that can cause respiratory issues.

Footwear

Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are mandatory when operating a table saw. They provide protection from falling objects and prevent slipping, reducing the risk of accidental contact with the blade.

Gloves

While it might seem sensible to wear gloves for protection, they are not recommended when using a table saw. Gloves can impair your sense of touch, which is crucial for handling the workpiece and detecting potential hazards. Additionally, gloves can get caught in the blade, creating a serious hazard for your hands.

Remember, taking the necessary precautions and wearing the proper protective gear will help ensure your safety when using a table saw.

Use a splitter or riving knife to prevent kickback

A splitter or riving knife is an essential safety feature to prevent kickback when using a table saw. Kickback is a dangerous situation where the wood gets picked up by the blade and violently thrown back at you, which happens faster than you can react.

A splitter or riving knife is a metal plate that sits behind the blade to prevent the two sides of a cut piece of wood from pinching or rotating into the blade, thus preventing kickback. The main difference between the two is that a riving knife moves up and down with the blade, while a splitter is stationary. This means that a riving knife does not need to be removed for non-through cuts, unlike a splitter.

A riving knife is the best option for defeating kickback and is now a legal requirement on all modern table saws. If you have an older saw, a splitter is the next best alternative. However, it is important to note that a splitter is less effective than a riving knife because it doesn't move with the blade, creating a wider gap between the blade and the splitter when the blade is lowered. This gap can allow the workpiece to get caught by the blade.

In addition to using a splitter or riving knife, there are other safety measures you can take to prevent kickback. These include using a push stick to keep your hands away from the blade, ensuring the fence is parallel to the blade, and avoiding cutting crooked or warped stock. Always follow basic safety precautions when using a table saw to minimise the risk of injury.

Keep hands away from the blade

Keeping your hands away from the blade is one of the most important safety measures when using a table saw. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you maintain a safe distance from the blade:

• Always use a push stick to keep your hands away from the blade. This is a safety accessory that allows you to push the wood through while keeping your hands at a safe distance.
• If the rip fence is set for a cut of 6 inches or less, it is mandatory to use a push stick.
• Never place your hands where you wouldn't place your pecker. Keep your hands away from the danger zone. Mark a red square around the danger zone as a visual reminder.
• When ripping, your left hand's only job is to keep the piece against the fence, and your right hand's job is to push the piece forward.
• Never pinch a piece of wood between the fence and the blade. Always use a jig or a push stick to hold the piece.
• When ripping, the distance between the blade and the fence should be officially less than 6 inches.
• If you must use your hands, keep them at least 1.5 inches away from the blade. However, this is not considered safe.
• Always stand to the side of the cutting path, never in line with it.
• Never walk a piece of wood backward over the blade. Always push it in one direction only.
• Never pull the stock through the blade. Always push the material through the saw.
• Never use your left hand to push the offcut clear of the blade while cutting. If the piece kicks back, it can drag your hand into the blade.
• Never reach behind the blade unless it has come to a complete stop.
• Never pick up the workpiece off the table and carry it over the spinning blade.
• Always use the correct blade for the material and type of cut.
• Set the blade to the correct height, with the gullets no more than 1/4 inch above the surface of the material.
• Use an appropriate feed rate. With thicker and/or denser stock, use a slower feed rate.

Frequently asked questions