10 dangerous things EVEN YOU have done with a table saw

[@StumpyNubs]

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Links promised in this video:* -Tutorial about how kickbacks happen and how to avoid them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpebh4qtqcaomrc -Tutorial about how to make a splitter insert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/navHd2CYgb2WbrM -Yellow pusher I was using in the video: amzn.to/3NodySb ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Harvey Woodworking Machinery: www.harveywoodworking.com/ *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

[@charleshinton2188]

You might find a way to work in the 5 most dangerous words in the "World" into your video. "It won't happen to Me"!

[@MRrwmac]

I tell this littl story in hopes that someone reading will read a real example of an accident a somewhat skilled woodworker had in his shop. Stumpy, You were exactly right! Your Number 1 (overconfidence) was my mistakes. I made two mistakes when using my dado stack. One, I thought I could get away without making several 1/4’’ deep cuts to the depth I wanted so I rushed it and attempted to make the full cut all at once. Two, I had done the cut several times earlier and then oops. The thing I didn’t know (after 20+ years of woodworking) was that the blade rotated the wood so fast it actually pulled my fingers into the Dado stack before I knew what had happened. I now have only 3 fingers on one hand. True story and yes I still do woodworking. I definetky try to be MUCH more careful now. Wish I could afford a Saw Stop though! I’m in NC USA if you want to donate one..?!

[@doggobork-bork5305]

My stomach rolled so many times in this video! Every time I use my table saw, the 1st thing I do is say " don't cut yourself"..every time.

[@apariah]

some prick raised a copyright claim on the video about kickbacks.....

[@StumpyNubs]

@apariah Yes, they pulled my kickback video, which had millions of views and had helped countless people, because the guy whose tiny clip I used, with attribution and permission (that he seems to have forgotten) complained after five years... lol.

[@jarrod-smith]

I saw this recently and it definitely applies to the overconfidence issue: “The absence of an accident does not indicate the presence of safety.”

[@cgilleybsw]

I like that....

[@joetoner8848]

What a brilliant quote. Think I’ll make a sign & hang it in my shop.

[@georgepritchard3010]

“The absence of an accident does not indicate the presence of safety.” @ Jarrod Smith. Like Joe Toner I am also going to be putting a sign like that up in our shop at work. One of the best comments I have seen in ages.

[@BS-ys8zn]

@@georgepritchard3010 Jinxing it?

[@petergamache5368]

Which is why all the so-called "professional" shops with a "We have gone X days without an accident." signs always make me cringe.

[@brianmoore3294]

These videos that James makes on a regular basis are a public service to woodworkers. Even as an experienced carpenter/woodworker who always puts safety first, I watch all of these videos to continually remember the importance of safety. Review every cut in your mind before you make it and ask yourself if you have done everything you can to make it as safe as possible. If you have any doubts about a cut, any, stop and look for a safer way to do it. Never, try to "get away with" an unsafe cut.

[@m.d.d.3051]

Amen.

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

Absolutely Brian! I always think about Steve Ramsey's beginners videos too where he encourages you to make a "practice" run at it before you turn the tool on...reminding yourself where your hands and body should be, where the wood should be clamped or where a stop ought to be, and where the off cuts will end up. It seems silly after you've done it dozens (or hundreds!) Of times, but a few seconds of silly can save you an accident!

[@carasmussen27]

I'm fairly new to woodworking and I always try to work safely. More than once i have set up the table saw but realize I cannot make the cut in a safe manner. I also make sure I have my phone. I have had to call my husband because I either hurt myself ( minor injury) or came close to hurting myself and scaring me. This is one of the best channels.

[@joekent6576]

I agree. As a beginning/intermediate hobbyist I have found him to be an indispensable resource. I was about the buy a couple of those "carving disks" that go on a grinder for a project until I saw his video on how dangerous they are.

[@66limelight]

Your last two sentences are very, very important to remember. I had a board kick back on me with my table saw about 20 years ago. I didn't lose any digits but had to go to the ER for several stitches in my thumb. We've all "gotten away" with a dumb cut in the past but I am very careful with my table saw after my accident. When working with small pieces on the table or miter saw I always find a way to make the cut while keeping my fingers away from the blade.

[@MrBigB312]

As a 9 3/4 fingered woodworker I cannot express just how spot on these tips are. I had 20+ years experience and was absolutely confident I was a master with my table saw when I was disproven last summer, and in the blink of an eye and lost the end of a finger. Don’t be like me.

[@elmonni2103]

Ditto!

[@coppulor6500]

Let's go Brandon!

[@JordanNiks]

Do you actually use a blade guard after the incident? I ask because that is the only thing I can’t agree with.

[@elmonni2103]

@@JordanNiks Atleast I don't. Push sticks and new found respect for the tool goes a long way.

[@MrBigB312]

@@JordanNiks for sheet goods yes, but I find there are still many circumstances where its just not feasible to use one. When I lost the end of my finger I was using a dado stack so it wasn’t an option.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I bought my first table saw 35 years ago and have used some table saw ever since. I’ve always had a great respect for all power tools and hand tools. Loose clothing is a real danger to be aware of too. My point was that I still watch these videos to help combat getting over confident. Thanks for making them. 👏👏👏

[@JoeMac1983]

I've been woodworking for 5 years, but I only do it for a weekend or two every few months. I ALWAYS come back to your channel and binge watch your table saw safety videos before I start. It might take 60 minutes to get through them while I drink some coffee, but it's better than spending a few days in the hospital from my own ignorance. Thank you for these videos!!!

[@ssmith954]

Agreed. I find myself doing the same -- really solid tips here with dangers and solutions well presented.

[@bearimo2867]

Yeah for me it's the same, not doing something every day or even every month means you're likely to forget something that could be the difference between you leaving the job with all your fingers, or indeed, your life, intact. There is sometimes also an absolutely bizarre eye-roll attitude from some people towards health and safety. I have people I know chuckle at me wearing goggles or ear defenders for some DIY or little projects, it's such a strange reaction. But I'd rather be chuckled at and safe. Incidentally one of the people chuckling nearly cut through his hand with an angle grinder. But you know...

[@Jajaky]

I gotta tape a little QR code sticker to the start button on my saw that goes to a playlist of safety videos

[@BunnyArisu]

I'm not really sure why KZbin recommended me this video as I don't watch woodworking videos, I have no woodworking experience or plans to obtain woodworking tools. That being said, I still watched the video all the way through, and found it very informative. Great video!

[@jimdeal6335]

I've been woodworking for around 25 years and I still have a healthy respect/fear of the table saw. I'm not scared of it, but I know exactly how permanent an accident can be and that leads to my respect for the tool. I can honestly say that I've never done any of the things you mentioned, while the saw is running. I ALWAYS do a "dry run" to get an idea of how the cut is going to go, where my hands are going during the cut, and at what point I plan to engage the push stick. I catch a lot of flak from some folks for being over cautious, but that is better than being under digited, lol. I also remove the hoodie strings from my sweatshirts that I wear in the shop....my high school shop teacher had a few stories of hoodie strings, ponytails, and necklaces getting snatched up by the drill press and I've never forgot them, lol. Great video for beginners and seasoned woodworkers!

[@cmac1541]

I just want to say, "Thank you James."

[@PsyCoCinematics]

Haha, that ending bit reminds me of Tool Time "And no loose clothing!"

[@fournichols9872]

I do dry runs as well on larger sheets that will wind up unsupported after the cut. I have a smaller job site saw, so I have to use rollers to catch sheets. Dry runs before actually cutting are critical, as you don’t want to be surprised during or after the cut, and do something stupid in the moment.

[@davidhawley1132]

Drill presses and angle grinders also tend to invite carelessness.

[@Capohanf1]

You know the tool that REALLY scares me??? The Skill Saw! With a table saw the blade IS attached to a large motor that is attached to a large box like enclosure. BUT with a Skill Saw you are holding ALL of the tool in your hand!!!

[@alastairduncan1646]

You only have to glance through these comments to realise how much your advice is greatly appreciated and your views respected.

[@donwilliams3626]

Very well presented. This video should be featured with every table saw sold and during the first shop class.

[@Capohanf1]

Problem IS they do NOT teach shop anymore!!!

[@ardeet]

I’m a beginner and as a result of James’ and Steve Ramsay’s safety videos I do practice runs before turning on the machine and have realised several times that I would be in a dangerous position at the end of the cut. I have also hit stop part way through cuts because I thought “something’s not right here”. Most of the time my setup was wrong but once it saved me from injury and that has been worth every time I took my time. Thanks James 👍

[@torinireland6526]

That is a brilliant idea! Good thinking.

[@rattratt12]

Good idea

[@knowledge2100]

Your comments are spot on. I watch Steve Ramsey's safety videos, and always make it a practice to do a mental cut process before an actual cut. Sometimes I begin to get antsy and have to put the brakes on. My Table saw was built in 1978 and many of the parts are no longer available. Blade cover, Riser. Worn spot less than 1/8 of an inch for the insert to build a splitter. Safety is always a priority, For wide cross cuts, I use my crosscut sled. This was a must. Thank you for sharing. Stubby is right on point...Great Craftsmanship. Ernest

[@AndyJSThomson]

It's amazing how many KZbinrs you see who appear to be blasé about the dangers of a spinning blade. you see them reaching over the blade and then often doing it while talking to camera. I have one primary rule in my shop - If the saw isn't cutting, it isn't running. I also, as a matter of routine, retract the blade below the table when it isn't in use. The blade is just as sharp stationery, so best to keep it out of the way.

[@Vid_Master]

Those are 2 great ideas!

[@TaylerMade]

yep i also retract the blade fully when not in use. one of the first things my gaffer taught me when i trained. though he was more interested in protecting the blade than us i think lol.

[@devonwainstein9188]

Huge waste of time in a production setting. Lowering the blader every time you walk away.

[@davidhawley1132]

@@devonwainstein9188 I'd presume the intent of the advice is to retract the blade when you are shifting your attention away from the saw. In other words, when you aren't being aware of that dangerous piece of equipment, you should make sure it can't surprise you.

[@hakont.4960]

These guys don't seem to realise that their tablesaw has a steel blade spinning at several thousand RPM that has carbide teeth hard enough to cut aluminum and even mild steel. It'll easily cut through your bones.

[@mahmut123456]

These videos are more valuable for me than most videos which show woodworking skills. Especially for me as a weekend warrior and a father. Security comes first and it’s nothing to be ashamed of to be cautious.

[@norm5785]

Well said, we all need to be reminded of these dangers. Thank you for sharing this with us today from Henrico County Virginia

[@zacharysweeney978]

Howdy from Roanoke!!

[@ypaulbrown]

Back in Norm Abrams heyday of the late 80's, I refused to watch his shows due to his shop etiquette......it scared the devil out of me....... I am sure he too had a lot of experience, but putting this out on Public TV was a disservice I feel....James, you are educating in a much better way and saving more woodworkers from tragic injuries that will last a lifetime.....Thank You so much......from your Fan down in Florida, who has been power tooling his projects for over 50 years , both in wood and metal......Best Wishes, Paul

[@55ATA3]

I have been working with saws and other equipment for about 45 years (Just turned 60). I watch every safety video you do and a few others on KZbin from start to finish, because I know that 1 second is all it takes to hurt your self or others. Every time I go to work with power tools I go over the safety in my head to try and make ever job safe for everyone in the area. Thanks for another great video.

[@dlayman101]

@Bamboo Training my old high school woodsbop teacher purposely got a board to kick for every class he taught, there was a section of brick wall thst had been repeatedly struck by all those boards over the years, the marks alone were enough to prove his point, seeing and hearing the impact, I don't even think about it, I just always stand to the side lol.

[@KyleStroud]

Thanks for helping keep me safe in the shop.

[@thayerkids]

Ive been woodworking for some time but still watch every table safety video I see. There was really nothing I didn’t already know but it does reenforce and keeps all of these principles at the front of my mind. Another one that should be obvious but I saw someone do recently is no free handing. Someone actually sent a crosscut through not touching a miter gauge nor fence. Nuts.

[@JackpineGandy]

quiet, calm voice and demeanor is great for this kind of information - when you want to make sure people listen to you, talk quietly

[@mikeamboy7292]

I am embarrassed to admit I had an issue with the first one you showed. It was late and I was tired. Thank goodness for my Sawstop!! It was a nubie mistake from a guy with 5 decades of experience. The next morning I made a proper jig. Thank you for putting this video together for a reminder to all of us.

[@jbaxter2020]

You are not the only one! Late, tired, and "I just want to get this done before I quit for the day," are all danger spots for me. Hopefully patience will win and we will all keep our fingers.

[@stevejensen3471]

As a lifelong woodworker and builder, I've seen all of the things you illustrated and have corrected my colleagues on the right way to do things - including making sure the piece is flat and square before they cut it. And many of said colleagues were handymen and contractors no less who should have clearly known better!!! One thing that I highly recommend is to get a pair of Jess Em's clearcut stock guides as they make ripping most things not only much more accurate - but safe. It's like having a third and fourth pair of hands along the fence as you push the board through!

[@subliteral1380]

I just want to say that these videos are incredibly helpful, and Mr. Nubs is doing a public service by making them. Just making the videos is commendable, because he doesn't have to, but on top of that, they are really well made. There's no doubt in my mind that this video has prevented several injuries already, and it will continue to do so as long as it is available for people to view. Thank you, Mr. Nubs. That's some good karma!

[@joegerardi-n5y]

As retired orthopedic surgeon, (I have seen the other end of this equation too many times) and now newbie woodworker, I cannot praise this enough!. There should be a lock on the box of all new table saws that will not open until this you view this video.

[@musicalhaco]

Thank you for your focus on teaching safety in the workshop. Your 5-part series on table saw safety is an essential guide which I intend to review annually. Tradespeople are required to recertify regularly for safety training on the job. As a hobbyist woodworker, I feel it's equally important for us to learn and refresh these lessons.

[@jeffhester1443]

Thank you. As a newbie with no instructor, I rely on youtube instructional videos and learning one step or cut at a time. Thank you to you and others very very much.

[@standingwavestudio]

I love these safety videos. I got into woodworking, like a lot of my generation I imagine, from Norm Abram. He removed all the guards from his table saw (which I can't remember if it even had a riving knife). And sure there was the legal notice at the start of every show about using following the safety instructions, blah, blah but I don't remember the consequences ever being talked about. Being young and essentially self-taught, when I got my wonderful Craftsman contractor saw I immediately removed the blade guard. There was no riving knife. But hey, Norm does it and I just need to be careful of the blade right? I had no idea what kickback even was... Until a large sheet of plywood I was cutting pinched and kicked back into my gut. I sat there for probably 20 minutes while the big purple welt grew and I wondered whether I might have internal bleeding and should go to the ER. In the end I was lucky to end up with a painful bruise. I had no idea what happened. I had to reconstruct it from the sawtooth marks on the bottom of the kicked back panel and finally figured out how kickback worked. Bad way to learn about that. Better that people who are supposed to be the seasoned experts give good safety examples and explanations. Thanks again for all the young (and not so young) people getting into woodworking who need to know all this.

[@crinkly.love-stick]

I had a board kickback into my gut once. Getting stitches in your bellybutton isn't nice.

[@jimjohnston7688]

I was fortunate enough to have had very, very good woodshop teachers back in the 70s. They taught us as much about safety as they did woodworking.

[@robw2379]

My best tip: When you are tired, don't even think of turning on a power tool other than a shop vac, or a hand tool sharper than a broom. My worst injury, and the only trip to the ER that my table saw ever caused (well, I caused with a table saw) was ripping some boards at 10PM after a long day of physical work. I was totally spent, but I just wanted to rip down a few pieces for a friend before the next day. My attention faded for a split second when someone walked into the shop and the blade just nipped the tip of my finger as I pushed the board over the blade. It was a small divot in my right index finger, but it bled like crazy and I needed a doc to cauterize the wound and stitch up the hole. Fortunately, I had a good WW instructor who taught me to never leave much blade exposed above a board, otherwise I would have one finger about an inch shorter than before. My finger healed without leaving any scar or disfigurement. Lesson learned without any permanent loss. I was VERY lucky. Actually, I have had three "too big for a bandaid" injuries while woodworking, and they were all at the end of the day when I should have been sweeping, not cutting. Stay safe out there folks!

[@TheWardagh]

Thank you for sharing that, needed to hear it and do this too often. 👍🏼

[@TheCyberMantis]

So true. If my head is not clear, I don't touch power tools. Some days I have woken-up with half a headache, I don't touch wood. If I am not rested and good to go, I don't do this kind of work. You have to be focused at all times. No exceptions. If people nag you to get stuff done, tell them to piss off. It's your fingers, not theirs.

[@bdlii]

@@TheWardagh We need a woodworkers thumbs up with only half the thumb :p j/k of course.

[@TheWardagh]

@@bdlii 😆

[@donstrickland9956]

I was lucky enough to discover this rule one late evening by making a stupid mistake that ruined my workpiece. Nothing dangerous, just cut ALL the biscuit joints on the wrong side of what was to be a bookcase. Made me realize the potential for doing dumb things when I’m tired.

[@BillYovino]

Great tips. I'm 70 and had woodworking shop once a week in 6th grade, so about 60 years ago. They emphasized safety and I still remember all of those lessons. We used table saws, jointer/planers, and band saws. We also learned wiring and metal working. Those were things that stuck with me and have come in handy my whole life. I wish they were still taught. My greatest takeaway was to pay attention to what you were doing at all times and to respect how dangerous the machines could be if not being careful.

[@joeyjohnson9765]

Love videos like this, I’ve had 2 tablesaw kickbacks happen to me when I was 19 from inexperience and from stupidity. I luckily didn’t get majority hurt. I’m 20 now and I made a promise that it will never happen a 3rd time for the rest of my life.

[@rpavlik1]

You're consistently one of the best woodworking (or honestly any diy) KZbinrs when it comes to safety. Thanks for the reminders.

[@johnslaughter5475]

Thank you, James. No matter how often you put out these safety messages, they are well worth watching. Woodworking is a great hobby, and can even be profitable, but every tool we use has the ability of causing harm in one degree or another. We had the same thing when I was in the Navy. We got tired of them, but they did save lives.

[@pama1]

Purchased a dewalt table saw. It comes with all security items. When used it for first time I realized it's not a toy and started researching online before my next job. Found your videos, thank you very much.

[@alexwood020589]

Before I bought a table saw, I watched every safety, tips and tricks, common mistakes etc. video I could find. It's been a few years and I feel like in general I'm a pretty safe wood worker as I have a healthy respect for my tools and how they could injure me. That said, I'm definitely guilty of some of these, especially reaching over the blade to retrieve an off cut ahead of the next cut. I think Pask Makes said it best, accidents occur when you're doing repeated operations. You can get into a rhythm and switch your brain off. Great video, thanks!

[@jonastronaut2942]

Please tell me your name is really Wood

[@alexwood020589]

@@jonastronaut2942 yep, clear case of nominative determinism.

[@evanbarnes9984]

I really appreciate that you called out that bad argument that experienced woodworkers know their skill level and can therefore do dangerous things at the saw. A year ago, I broke several ribs in a mountain bike crash. I wasn't in over my head, I was riding a trail I had ridden over 100 times. I just came into the jump with a little too much speed, overshot the landing and instead landed in the following berm, which shoved the bike out from under me and slammed me head first into the ground. So glad I had a full face helmet! That argument about knowing your skill level completely ignores the meaning of "accident."

[@billsbuilds]

Well done James! Prior to my retirement, I was a High school shop teacher for more than thirty years and your video covered many of the same items that I would stress in my table saw use and safety lesson. Thank you for your thoughtful, accurate, professional, humorous, and high quality presentations. Keep up the good work.

[@paateach]

As a wood shop teacher, I wish I could thumbs up this video 10 times, one for each point made!!!!

[@glennryzebol4472]

This is totally on point James. Especially the first point on over confidence. Was using my table saw to make some circles, which i`d done a few times before. This time the blade caught the workpiece and pulled my hand in. Thank the Lord i bought a Sawstop. Lesson learned. I threw that circle jig in the scrap bin and made a bandsaw circle jig to use instead. Thanks for the review on safety

[@banjo7987]

I have taught carpentry for 20 years and I am proud to say that none of my students dismembered themselves during my career. My safety module included rules that were specific to each machine and were designed to form safe habits on that machine. You have done an excellent job of covering my table saw rules which are: 1) Always maintain control of the material that is between the blade and the fence 2) Never double fence (using the mitre gauge and rip fence in combination) Use a stop block on the fence as you demonstrated 3) Use a push stick when ripping stock less than 100mm or 4”. Do not use a push stick on wider rips as the board will tend to pivot on the push stick 4) No more than one blade tooth above the board. This reduce the amount of friction in the cut and exposes less blade. 5)The distance between the blade and the fence must not be greater than the width of the material. 6) Stand slightly to the left of the blade when rip cutting (assuming that the rip fence is to the right of the blade). Exactly as you demonstrated. 7) Never freehand cut i.e. Chalk a line on a board and feed it into the saw without using the fence or mitre gauge. This is guaranteed to cause a kickback! In addition to these rules I taught my students to find contact points on the saw and fence. I hook my left thumb on the front edge of the saw and it stays there throughout the cut. My left hand does not travel down the saw with the material. When possible I hook my little finger and ring finger onto the rip fence to stabilize my hand. The last thing I explain is that you want to watch the material on the fence, keeping the board tight to the fence throughout the cut. There is a tendency to want to watch the blade; I would explain that the blade is going to cut wether you are watching it or not. The kick back will occur when the stock begins to leave the fence watch the fence not the blade, but make sure your fingers are clear of the blade path. I hope this helps to emphasize the points that you have made in this excellent video.

[@CrustyCurmudgeon]

The greatest safety improvement I've made to my table saw has been the JessEm clear-cut TS stock guides. I've mounted 3 on my fence and I feel safer than ever. I might have missed it, but I'm surprised James has never done a video on them.

[@danmoyer8191]

I love those. they help keep the wood to the fence while ripping and reduce chance of kickback with their unidirectional weels.

[@vincegamer]

I took woodshop in highschool 35 years ago. I'm a lawyer now who occasionally builds stuff to refocus. Of everything I learned in high school, the only thing that stuck with me and I use to this day is respect your tools. Thanks for the refresher.

[@regularguy9264]

I know the exact video you referred to as I immediately felt that “No!” shock when I saw it. I am also aware of another professional KZbinr who routinely talks about his skill level and knowledge as a reason to be able to make these types of cuts. In that case, I think more about the people who watch and may copy his cuts with unfortunate outcomes. Your videos are top notch educational, and even serve as excellent reminders to other woodworkers of why certain habits are needed. Thanks!

[@MillerMade]

what video is he referring to?

[@JDeWittDIY]

I know people are avoiding mentioning the video, but I'd really like to give it a watch!

[@toddolson573]

I've really come to like your channel. It's no nonsense no music to drown out vital information approach. Thanks for all the commonsense approaches to wood working and keeping safe at all times.

[@-justin-4077]

I’ve done most of these but learned my lesson pretty quickly. The only one I still am guilty of regularly is #10. I just need stop forgetting to get my blade guard back in

[@blue_collar_apologist]

#10 is my nemesis as well. I have an old Craftsman and an aftermarket fence, which gets in the way of the guard when doing angle cuts. It can be easier to just keep it off.

[@TracksWithDax]

@@blue_collar_apologist Similar.. I have one of the newer RIdgid jobsite saws and even after spending 2+ hours adjusting the riving knife perfectly, it's so far out of line after a week or so that it actually causes more binding and burning and is only a hazard and no longer a help. Might just be time to get rid of the thing

[@grieske]

If I forget the blade guard, my dust extractor doesn't catch the sawdust, so it ends up all over me. It's a great safety feature.

[@1barron]

Thank You! Please keep reminding us about shop safety. I served my Patternmaker's Apprenticeship in a shop that had both a wood and metal side. It was surprising how many more hand injuries could be seen in the wood shop.

[@toothpastehombre]

This is one of your most solid vids on safety, task planning and situational awareness. I am going to share it with my shop crew in fact, I couldn't have said these points any better. Thank you

[@joelluesse4408]

Thank you. Been using table saws for 30 years and it's hard to watch all the possible ways that they can hurt me, but even after all these years I watch them just to reinforce my commitment to not be in a hurry, not be over confident and thoroughly think through the task before beginning. I too have met a lot of 9 fingered woodworkers. It can happen to any of us if we fail to follow sound safety procedures.

[@thomasquinn421]

Haven’t watched yet but can almost guarantee I’ve done one!

[@veganpotterthevegan]

You should make a video with 30 things you've done but shouldn't do🙃

[@cotteeskid]

sensible and humble advice. Never hurts to be reminded of good advice. Thank you

[@Psychlist1972]

I love this video. I once pointed out some issues like this on another KZbinr's video, and explained how they are a teacher and influencer to others and how showing those unsafe practices is borderline irresponsible. The attacks came swiftly and I was called a "safety Sally" and "scared", and more. A lot of macho and chest-beating. Folks are always ready to defend even the worst practices from their favorite KZbinrs, showing just how influential those KZbinrs really are. In addition to just rabid fandom, a lot of it is based on survivorship bias. While folks don't typically meet their maker on a table saw, the parallels in the automotive and motorcycle communities are there. The folks who didn't make it aren't there to point out that it was really dumb to do. Thanks for using your influence to get some GOOD information out to the community.

[@redbinary]

That 'alpha' mentality loves to show itself. In the home shop they make their own rules and KZbin is the breakroom. In industry there are policies in place and levels of supervision to try to force people to be safe. There is the very real possibility of swift and serious repercussions just for being seen acting careless. Even though this makes the workplace safer and is motivation for better practices the same type of mentality is at work removing machine guarding and reaching around moving machinery. I see evidence of it regularly.

[@starhawke380]

I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you. I havent always been the safest person in the shop, and probably still am not, but thanks to you and few others Im trying. I reinstalled the riving knife on my table saw. I made several different styles of push sticks and grabbers. I no longer stand behind the blade. I no longer turn on the table saw when I just need to hack a small piece in half. I enjoy my woodworking and I dont want to give it up because I did something stupid and hurt myself. Keep making these videos, it helps! And again, Thanks!

[@peterjf7723]

My father did the pushing wood through the saw by hand, he lost the tops of a finger and thumb. At the time he wasn't really thinking clearly as he was found to be seriously anemic due to a bleeding stomach ulcer.

[@bromistaeljefe4641]

You Sir, are an educator...plain & simple. I thank you for these types of videos. Keep up the great job !!!

[@timflorance4544]

I was working on a project with two friends and two of us were fairly experienced wood workers, the third not so much. The not so experienced gentleman wanted to do a stop dado in a piece of 2x6 and rather than change the position of the fence he wanted to run it through the back side of the blade. The two of us protested the move but he insisted he could handle any forces that could cause any problem. He was wrong, as expected the 30” piece of 2x6 was launched across the shop(nearly hitting me in the face) and through a wall 20’ away. No digits were lost but both the dado stack and the shaft of the saw were bent.

[@alfredomarquez9777]

Stupidity is not so dangerous... unless it is accompanied by a dose of Stubborness... or by a dose of ignorance about basic school level Physics!

[@rickshaw3092]

Really excellent video. I’m an industrial arts major ( ret) with over 60 yrs woodworking experience. This is one of the best safety presentations I’ve seen- concise,clear and thorough. Well done.

[@MitchHeil]

#6 Double cutting: I use my fence for cross cutting all the time, BUT I have the Laguna F2 and the fence can slide not only side to side, but front to back. So I slide it back far enough that my material is clear of the fence before it touches the blade. That way I can still use my tables ruler but not run the risk of pinching. That is one of the main reasons I got that saw compared to the other brands.

[@paulheitkemper1559]

My Unifence has that same feature.

[@NCWingBone1]

His Harvey table saw fence has the same capability. I'm surprised he did not show that feature.

[@MitchHeil]

@@NCWingBone1 i saw that and was also surprised he didn't

[@questioner1596]

All this time I've been clamping a board to the fence when such a product existed!

[@lexuannhi]

I would recommend weekend woodworkers like me watch this once a year. Thank you.

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Yep, after 60 years of using table saws, I thought I had it all figured out until I caught my thumb when forward of the blade and drew it back.

[@davidcurtis5398]

My father used a table saw for over 50 years and so have I. Thankfully when he was teaching me he made it clear that this piece of equipment could really hurt me. When I use it I have a great respect for it and a little fear of what it could do to me. This was a very good video. I have a friend that has not seen his left thumb for several years now due to a circular saw that went bad.

[@A6Legit]

1:35 You can skillfully do a lot of sketchy stuff, that doesnt mean anything. Always consider what would happen IF something goes wrong. Wood gets pulled in weird ways when a blade throws it. Even if you feel like a safe distance from the blade you might not be. 2:34 sums it up. It can happen on circ saws too, basically assume any machine can do it.

[@CLove511]

I had a friend help with my laminate floor installation (me having zero tools or experience). I'm still bothered by his table saw with no riving knife, as he held the plank above the blade and lowered it down ONTO THE BLADE to make a freehand cut in the center of the board. It's such a bananas crazy thing to have done, these things at least are slight lapses in judgment by comparison.

[@A6Legit]

@@CLove511 Free hand or lowering wood onto the blade is insane lol. Thats another level of bad idea that most people are smart enough to not even try 🤣

[@CLove511]

@@A6Legit I had never taken shop class, never seen any safety videos, didn't even know kickback was a thing, and I thank the Lord I had the common sense to decline when he first offered to have me make that cut. Worst part is, it's exactly what James is talking about. He's never had a problem, so he thinks it's okay.

[@Brad_R_LiveFit]

I continue to be impressed by your depth of knowledge and your ability to find truly important material that is often over-looked or lost in the deluge of YT woodworking videos. You have covered several of these topics in previous videos, but the rest were new material. I am thankful that you grouped all of these into a single rather in-depth view on mistakes and table saw safety. Thank you for continuing to produce quality and informative content for our, your viewers', benefit and in shop well-being.

[@drodakarambo]

You should just put this video out every year for all of us as a refresher!

[@timberray9572]

One quick cut,... can lead to a lifetime of Velcro shoes.

[@draconic5129]

That's also if you're lucky

[@DuncanEllis]

I continue to rank the table saw as the single most frightening tool in my workshop. Thank you for your guidance on offering it proper respect.

[@gerarddelmonte4205]

Push sticks are inherently dangerous if they are nothing more than a stick with a notch at the end. I much prefer, and use, push sticks that allow 6" or so to be on top of the piece being cut so that you are applying a force vector not only sideways away from you, but DOWNWARDS as well, thus 'encouraging' the piece to go forward, stay flush to the fence, and stay flush to the table.

[@davidpowell5216]

No, push sticks are not dangerous in themselves, you just need to use the correct shape for the job you are doing. Oh, and having a crown guard on helps a lot!

[@A6Legit]

I normally use one that has around 6" on top of the piece for downward force, and a stick with a notch in my other hand to keep pressure on the fence. Ill use two sticks with notches if im doing skinny rips, the only real issue there is if you have kick back. Just dont stand behind the wood and theres no real issue even if something happens.

[@johnpetry2541]

I was a machinist in my early years and saw a number of horrible accidents. And once I even drilled half way through my let index finger while cleaning out an air collet on a running drill press. So when I started wood working, I kept that (reasonable) fear of machine tools in mind. As a result, decades later I still have all my digits. (Although that index finger is a bit deformed!) Thanks for continuing to remind everyone to always keep safety in mind. Pride go'eth before the fall!

[@sullyprudhomme]

Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou...I have been using a table saw for years but still watched this with 100% of my attention.

[@rattratt12]

Don't know how this popped up on my recommendations but glad I watched, and yes I've been lucky a few times and gulped and realized how I had gotten away from a major disaster. Definitely will be following your advice. Thanks!

[@PureBloodWNC]

As a new woodworker and new /first job site table saw owner, these videos are invaluable to helping me learn!

[@jonathanteneyck]

Your logic is as excellent as it is rare. You should bottle it up and sell it, the world needs more of this! You're a great teacher! Good video!

[@northpebble]

Truly wish I had this video 35 years ago to show to my motivated high school students! I and my students were blessed that in 34 years not one accident on the table saw. I incorporated the importance of guards and mature thinking whenever they approached their work. Also a vivid description of how a knot in a piece of wood was thrown out of a piece of knotty pine with such force that it put a dent in a steel fire door to the wood storage area. Fear of injury was an attention getter at times! One day when I was absent the kids told me about the substitute who was missing his thumb and explained to the class how he lost it through carelessness! Btw there are good presentations on video but are lethal and unsafe but yield to visual than safe practices! Law suits eventually put a handle on them. I commend you for your mentions on safety in all your videos I have seen. Feel free to use this comment when you see fit.

[@BlaiserAid]

As a DIY-er I have learned many things from your videos - thank you. I was wondering what you think about the Saw Stop table saws. They look pretty amazing to my amateur eyes.

[@StumpyNubs]

They are good saws, and the flesh-sensing technology is very innovative.

[@stuwie31]

James looking like he’s been hitting the gym! Thanks for all the help over the years! I’ve learned so much and passing it onto my kids because of you.

[@toolchuck]

James, thank you for reminding me of being overconfident and lax at times. Because of you and this video, I have pulled down my blade guard, dusted it off, and placed it back onto my saw. I will do my best to get comfortable using it. I have always used my riving knife, but the guard is far safer. All the Best, Chuck

[@emm_arr]

I'm so glad I started watching your videos years before I got my contractor's saw.

[@ominuit]

These have to be the best videos with the best simple, sensical advices on the whole Internet. I'm not from the US, therefore the table saws I use are waaaaaayyyy different, but still, it's so helpful. Thank you for that.

[@kateemblom4222]

I am new to woodworking. My brother, an engineer whose undergraduate curriculum included learning how to use all sorts of shop machinery, told me never to get a table saw because this was the one tool where he saw most injuries. Well, I started a project and it turned out that I needed to rip 2-inch strips of wood. There's no way to do that safely with a circular saw! I got a table saw, read the manual, watched the videos (and showed my brother your table saw safety video, which he really liked), and then started to rip my first piece of wood. Nothing bad happened, but I realize that I need to learn to use push sticks better, so this particular video is important for me. Thanks!

[@Valtrach]

I was an EMT for 15 years. You could make 10 more videos like this and it wouldn't be enough. Great video. Super well made. Be safe.

[@mbarton98]

I have watched your other valuable videos on safety and what amazes me is that every time I watch another one I learn or am reminded about something. I only occasionally get in the shop to work with the tools, so these videos help me to slow down and think before making any cuts. One can choose to not watch these, but thank you for making it easy to choose to watch them on a regular basis in my youtube feed. I’m sure my kids would say thank you too for keeping their old man with all ten fingers.

[@billmckinney7398]

My dad was a carpenter and professional woodworker. Starting with him, I have 65+ years of experience with the table saw, and still have a very healthy respect for all the power tools in my shop. Both my dad and brother lost part of a finger on jointers. Thanks for the reminders!

[@davidhawley1132]

I knew someone in high school who did the same. I should research in what to avoid on the joiner.

[@chbelismail2183]

i love this kind of videos where people shows mercy for others and help them sincerely .😊

[@mikegrier2829]

Yet another table saw safety video and, yes, I leaned something new again. I can’t watch enough of these, it seems. Many thanks, as always.

[@timgroves331]

After watching, I immediately sent a link for my son to watch. After all, I gave him my previous table saw, and I still wonder how much he knows about table saw safety. No accidents so far though. Keep up the great work.

[@jammywesty91]

Hey Nubs, I've love to see a video on humidity and how you might manage and maintain it in a work space. Cheers!

[@doveshouse]

I'm not even 20 seconds into this video and I love it already... Everyone should watch safety videos related to table saws.. I can't tell you how many times my heart has raced and raced and given me such incredible anxiety when I have watched someone do something dangerous with a table saw.. including myself early on. I wish a safety class was mandatory before anyone was allowed to go to home Depot or wherever to buy a table saw

[@KevinBReynolds]

Excellent video. Thank you. After having spent over 30 years in manufacturing I can tell you there is one guiding principle that can beat them all: make safety a habit. You made so many good points in this video but you can sum them all up with one thought: practice safety. Before you do anything that can cut through you, as all shop power tools can, stop for a moment and ask yourself what could go wrong. One pattern of action covers all possible scenarios.

[@shanehollis7316]

We use a mantra - Turning, burning, cutting, crushing. For all power tools. It gives our folks a way to think about potential dangers. We get them to double check using that check list on each tool they use. Make sure they mitigate all the above. e.g. Turning. It can throw stuff, it can drag you in. How do you mitigate this?

[@SuperJellicoe]

Very good advise. My dad, when I was about 10yrs old, was cutting a long strip off a board. He cautioned me to stand not behind him but to one side as was he. This took place over 60 yrs ago, but it was imprinted in my mind. This circumstance ended with that 1 x 1 strip flying back and hitting the furnace some 20ft behind us. As an ending to the lesson, Dad calmly got the tape measure and asked me to measure the height from the floor to the dent in the furnace cover. (Nothing like having being included in the lesson) Then he asked for the tape and measured the height of the table from the floor and the 'spear' had only dropped less than 1" in 20ft. What a lesson! My dad was always looking for practical lessons for me and the workshop. Another one teaching moment, is about my first woodwork teacher, always going ballistic on kids grouping around the saw or drill press, and for good reason. After he retired, he was working alone in his shop at home, and lost 3 or 4 fingers on his table saw.

[@billpowell5931]

After an incident on my table saw (due to my inexperience and over confidence) I have watched a number of videos about how to avoid such incidents. Yours is the best I have seen. I have saved it to watch later before I embark on another project requiring table saw use. Thank you for sharing. It is likely you have prevented me from future incidents. :-)

[@douglasboyle6544]

We all need to be reminded of these things no matter how new or experienced we are in the craft. Thanks for the outstanding video

[@richragan4810]

Thank you for standing tall James!!

[@malcolmhiho359]

Much appreciated advice from a new and novice owner of a table saw. I thank you and my family thanks you.

[@thomasgraf2908]

Honestly I think being overconfident may be the most dangerous of all things in woodworking or anything dangerous one does. Last year I was driving down the street covered with snow. Thinking I could handle this situation as someone being used to driving in snow, I found myself having a meeting with a wall less than a mile. Be careful and think of every move BEFORE you do it.

[@ecrusch]

I totally agree with you on that first one; pushing the skinny board through on end. I know who you are talking about and I said to myself "How stupid for a man who is a professional". I retired from woodworking a few years back because of advancing arthritis, but I still appreciate your videos because of your knowledge and experience. Thank you.

[@orazha]

Excellent reminders. I've worked with table saws and radial arm saws since the mid '60s, learning woodworking from my grandfather who lost 2 fingers when a neighbor interupted him while he was cutting on the tablesaw. Despite how much I've used saws, I frequently watch safety videos and usually learn something new.

[@cfredtmbg]

Thank you so much for continuing to put out content like this. Even as an experienced woodworker, you can occasionally forget/fall out of some safety habits. A refresher is always helpful.

[@homebuiltacoustics8510]

Everyone who purchases a table saw should be made to watch this video before they go out the door! In fact, I would include some images of injuries caused by ignoring this advice. Thanks, Stumpy, for this excellent reminder!

[@vincenthuying98]

Just some humble words of gratitude 🙏 for this reminder. This is an excellent educational and ‘building’ critique on how to safely use a table saw. For that matter on every other circular saw appliance.

[@jonbretro4596]

I really like your delivery. Calm, clear and authoritative. Well done, I will be considering your points and applying them when I next use my table saw.

[@thgenral]

Thanks for this info, Stumpy. Familiarity breeds contempt…a true statement. It’s good to get reminders. You nailed it!

[@nookymonster1]

Just got a table saw. Glad I am watching this. I was unaware how dangerous kickback is. I think I will watch some more.