Simple Guide to Table Saw Safety | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor the features and techniques required to stay safe when using a table saw.

We meet host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva back at the shop to discuss table saw safety. Tom explains to Kevin that there are lots of injuries caused by table saws each year and then highlights some of the features and techniques that can help saw users stay safe.

Table saws cause lots of injuries each year. Very often, these injuries are caused by users removing or not using certain safety devices that are designed to keep them safe. Sometimes, it’s poor technique or positioning that’s to blame. General contractor Tom Silva explains what table saw users need to know to stay safe.

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Tom shares how a blade guard can act as a reminder to keep hands and fingers away from the blade and also protect a user in the case of kickback.

Tom then showcases how a brake cartridge can sense moisture near the blade, like the moisture on fingers, and drop the blade beneath the table into a brake.

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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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Simple Guide to Table Saw Safety | Ask This Old House

[FerroequinologistofColorado]

That Saw-Stop technology is pretty wild

[rickdunn]

Ive own a SawStop for 5 years. Besides the safety features, these saws are well built and accurate.

[moonlighttarot]

That is amazing technology! The first time I used a table saw it kicked back on me and gashed my thumb but could’ve been so much worse! It has scared me away from it since. I didn’t have anyone to properly teach me until I watched your video. Even though I watch the TV show more, I just want to say that I’m so thankful you guys make these videos. I’m a 48 year old woman. My dad knew how to do literally EVERYTHING! He died the day after my 42nd birthday and he was the one I went to for anything. After he died I took jobs that taught me how to hang drywall, paint, demo, install trim, install toilets and sinks, electrical, install security systems, and so much more. I am now teaching myself how to work on cars which is what my dad used to do for a living. Hoping to learn HVAC in the future. Sometimes when I have a question and I can’t find no one to answer it I know I can check your videos and usually figure things out. I miss him so much and I know he would be proud of all I can do now and I’m able to help mom when an issue arises in the home without spending the money to call a professional. Dad and I used to watch your show together all the time. I think of him every time I see you guys on here or on TV. Thanks so much for making these videos! I’ve been so lost without Dad, but you guys have been a big help for me more than you know.

[GregCameron]

Really important video! I have a table saw and use it and always always practice 100% safety. It scares the hell out of what it could do to me if I ever don’t show it the respect and care it deserves.

[lockabar]

Keep going like this and you'll start getting shop teachers with all their fingers. Mine had nine fingers. He was missing his right middle finger.

[sociopathmercenary]

I had one moment of distraction when using a table saw when I was 16. The wood kicked back and my left hand went right through the blade.

It really didn't hurt. Felt like I slammed my hand down on the table.

Started to walk into the house from the garage but had the presence of mind to turn around and check the saw for any loose fingers.

Somebody was watching out for me because the saw was set about two inches high but it only removed my thumb and sawed three-quarters of the way into all my fingers.

I had a great surgeon that was able to put everything back together again except I did lose my thumb joint.

That was 35 years ago and my hand works good enough that I can type about sixty words per minute and I'm currently employed in tech.

[BradThePitts]

Another tip is a *quality table saw* where the fence actually stays parallel to the blade. I had a cheaper one that sometimes would "wedge" the wood, resulting in stopping the blade or worse - kickback.

[blindlemonpledge]

Don't know anybody is still reading this but I will still add to the conversation on the subject. Back when I was learning how to use a table saw, many years ago, I was talked to add some thickness to the rip fence up to the point where the saw blade starts its cut. This change to the rip fence prevents the workpiece from pinching between the saw blade and the fence. Now the addition of a featherboard before entering the saw blade keeps the workplace firmly against the fence.

[jamesfrancismchalejr]

I personally don't use power saws & a axe . Mainly because I don't know how to use them safely. Reading directions is good but to learn from someone who knows the proper way is best in my humble opinion

[JonnyDIY]

6:02 lol Kevin!!! 🤣
PS- what about the use of featherboards???

[davebutler]

I gotta hand it to you! Nice that saw accidents are more rare….I hope that in the near future all saw makers will ketchup on this tech.

[PaulSmith-zsje]

I understand there is a cost to research and development but I wish something that is so important for safety was made available for all saw providers. It’s like if a car brand invented the seats belt and only car of that brand are allowed to install them.

[FlameStrykeShadowDark]

Those handburgers are a rare medium well done.

[XzTS-Roostro]

I remembered when they did a taping in NYC and also appeared on The Tonight Show demonstrating the Saw Brake tech.

[Sidnion]

When I was in hight school in my wood shop class we had a saw stop and our teacher was showing us how it worked and how it keep us safe.

[sflagg]

Thanks for sharing I just placed my order for the Saw Stop CTS I’m pretty new in woodworking and wanted to be safe

[scottmoore]

Wow. Just bought a harbor freight table saw. Definitely does not have that technology. But as a diyer who barely uses one. That is a great feature. Thanks for the video.

[malikdigger]

Top 3 favorite home improvement show since 030 haven't miss a episode yeti awesome tip Roger table saw safety know how.👍

[creationzz]

Great demonstration. Hats off for that fake fingers 👏 👌

[timjballin]

Also note that, when using a SawStop saw, you should only use unpainted, SawStop blades. The stop system works based on sensing a small electrical current flow, and painted blades like this one inhibit that process.