5 Table Saw Tips & Tools Beginners Need to Know

[@m.d.d.3051]

Saw blades are not always dull, if their cutting performance goes down. Sometimes, all you need to do is CLEAN them. Not hard to do. A few drops of Dawn dishwashing soap, a 5 gallon bucket lid, and a little bit of water. Soak your blade for 10 - 15 min, get out a nylon bristle brush and clean all the pitch/sawdust/gunk off the blade. Reinstall. You'll be amazed how much more life you will get out of your blades with an occasional cleaning.

[@m.d.d.3051]

@TimTrOn3000 Pine does cause a quicker build up, I'll give you that. It does happen with hardwoods as well. Just takes longer. It's not just pitch that creates the problem. It is also heat.

[@williammaxwell1919]

It's amazing how many KZbinrs have burn marks on their cuts and don't realise the cause

[@davidadams405]

I do the same thing with a bucket lid, but I use ammonia. Works great, even on the biggest buildup of pitch.

[@WoLpH]

@@williammaxwell1919 People erroneously assume that just because someone is on KZbin, they know what they're doing. Anyone can upload a video on KZbin and sound professional while spewing the greatest nonsense.

[@jserra17]

Simple Green works better than Dawn. I haven’t tried ammonia, but the fumes are pretty obnoxious.

[@crosenblum]

Thank you very much, I am a beginner, and finding that balance of budget, safety and efficiency is hard.

[@herkleslie4561]

MANNN been in the industry for over 45 years and COULD NOT AGREE MORE with the things youve pointed out especially the free handed cuts great video !!!!!!!

[@tomhorrigan5769]

Great tip on blades and relative hp of the saw! Not something I considered before! You don’t know what you don’t know! Awesome tip!

[@brianrydzeski6108]

When I see the 'no hands' method of YT videos, I wish I had the power to pull them down for safety concerns. Dad was a carpenter and wood worker. I was 12 before I was allowed to use the table saw. I had 5 years experience listening to his lessons and watching him. Like you, Izzy, he took the time to explain how fast and severly I could be injured. Thank you posting this video.

[@thedookster4143]

Thank you for giving the valuable tips in keeping people aware of the simple yet fundamental basics that can keep you more out of the way from harm.

[@woodywood6961]

Thanks heaps! I am in the market for a table saw. This is gold to me. One question, you mentioned cutting ply and kickback. What about full sheets? do you prefer to cut down with a track saw or is there a safe way to do full sheets of ply?

[@springwoodcottage4248]

Super useful! I have committed all of the sins, but no more. My worst accident was pushing my thumb into the blade while pushing away cut firewood, right through the bone. I had been cutting for a long time & had lost focus & got a lesson I haven’t forgotten. Plastic surgery repaired my thumb for which I was so thankful, but keeping focus is now what I try & make my main defense against mind wandering stupidity. Thank you for sharing!

[@brentjenkinsdesigns]

We really appreciate your safety videos. Thank you.

[@theodoreshasta7846]

Excellent video, and a valuable public service. Thank you!

[@mikedurkee7296]

That Bow feather board has saved me twice! I use a black & yellow job site saw so magnetic options aren't an option. Another tip I would say to folks is if the cut makes you pucker a bit then it probably isn't safe and you should try a different method, technique, etc. And yes, I am relatively new to this craft, hobby, what have you. I very much appreciate these types of videos!

[@tallxtal]

Thank you! Great tips 😊

[@charlesoliver5834]

As always your video production, content, and performance are superlative. So appreciate all you do and how well spoken, clear, and informative your content is.

[@bobthebuilder6315]

Well done my friend, I agree with you and as always be safe it's very hard to do good wood working when you're missing digits.

[@alfanazzamcraft]

Your methods and equipment are very high quality, greetings from Indonesia ❤

[@gregmullins1296]

I just want to say “Thank you”!

[@bearcat2k]

Great video, I have seen that pushstick approach you warn about quite often. This is a great reminder that kickback is just as dangerous as touching the spinning blade itself.

[@nicolasmahdavian1793]

Great educational video. I don't have a table saw but when I get one, I will remember these great advises. I only have one beef with this video...where is the extraordinary Maggie?

[@evandenenden]

Great video. Every single recommendation you made is 100% bang on. Thanks

[@splinters_66]

Great tips Izzy. My favourite push blocks are the Microjigs, if you’re not cutting thin pieces.The 3 types are all great , and have excellent grip,but I probably use the flat one the most,with the little tabs that act like a heel to help push the timber through. They give you so much control pushing through a cut.

[@MrAnimal1971]

As always, excellent tips!! Good Lighting is another must. It has helped me see if the fence is toed into the blade. I measure both the front and back of the blade with the fence, so I can avoid the material pinching. The time it takes Ito double check myself is better than the time and expense for an ER visit.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

I prefer feather boards over push sticks any day. Thanks for the advice Izzy. Dig your new table saw too

[@mwoody4560]

I prefer a push shoe as well. I also use feather boards when it makes sense. I make my own push shoes. One thing that I do that I believe helps, is I put a slight bevel on the “hook” of the push shoe angled towards the fence. this naturally causes the force to push the work piece into the fence.

[@fredparsons5134]

Nice point on the push shoe placement, that’s something I never really considered.

[@MichaelAndersonakaBear]

Great video I see that all the time on KZbin and drives me nuts.

[@izzyswan]

Same here

[@michaelholmes4808]

Some great advice Izzy. Thanks.

[@matthewg4956]

Extremely useful video. Keep’m safe!

[@inigo_montoya]

Izzy is out here just educating the homies all the time. Safety first, y'all!

[@patmash]

Spot on. Everything you said is always how I felt about push sticks . No denying reality.

[@lawdog516]

Fantastic info, thanks Izzy

[@dm747]

Great content! Good advice. Thank you.

[@izzyswan]

My pleasure!

[@renelescault1282]

Have you ever been a teacher in the past? If not, you are doing it verry well. 👌👍 Good job.

[@susannebkvig4011]

Why do you say in the past? He is certainly a teacher now, and a good one.

[@ufcchannel911]

Thank you!

[@joelupah6662]

Love your knowledge, thanks for the info.

[@johnrice6793]

All you’ve said is very good. Thank you sir.

[@lewisdye1002]

Thanks Izzy, you hit on one of my greatest worries about people without real training showing total novices how to. In my 50 plus years in commercial woodworking I damaged myself three times, all because I did not follow the rules of my first teacher. The other thing that I shudder to see are the ones who put some glue on the piece, place it and go on to some other task. I have had many "discussions" about the correct amount and application of glue ;) It would be good if you did a thorough presentation on this. Love your work and (mostly) your humor.

[@TaylerMade]

the amateurs on youtube always glue both pieces because they say the manufacturer says so. it makes sense for the manufacturers to sell more glue, but all you do is create a mess. totally unnecessary.

[@StuartSanborn]

i love the clear information!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Izzy n Maggie

[@dirtfloor_woodshop]

GREAT JOB! One issue I think has got to be addressed with KZbinrs is pushing stock through with their fingers through with their fingers.!

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Great tips Izzy.

[@diwakarsingh915]

Thank U very much for right guidance...

[@krishisel5316]

Featherboards for the win.

[@WreckDiver99]

GREAT VIDEO IZZY! More of this content please. I'm a rank amateur, I'm a measure 50 times, cut once...1/4" too long, trim a 1/32" of an inch off and it's a 1/2" too short kind of wood worker. :( My shop is toast right now with 2.5 houses in it (don't ask, it's just better that way...no, it's not mine). I really like the "instructional" types of vids like this. I've tried to watch a BUNCH of the other guys, but man, some of them come off so "I'm so great, I can't believe I'm going to make this crap content because you know, if you need this then just give up". Yea, some of the big boys come off like this quite often, or talk at such a high level that...well...I'd like to strangle them and say "remember when you started?". Again Thanks for the great content here Izzy!

[@marcooscarson4650]

Great tips. A couple things I always wonder is, 1. How high should the blade extends above the wood and, 2. When ripping a slender piece off a board, is it better to have the slender portion against the fence or is it better to have the larger section against the fence?

[@richpeggyfranks490]

I changed from push sticks to push shoes (never knew what to call them) years ago and immediately noticed the improved control and "safer" feeling. Recently, I got a couple Microjig Grippers. They are good, but I find myself leaning over the blade. Also, they were $140 for the pair and my push shoes are all homemade from plywood scraps. Thx.

[@jimrosson6702]

Great tips as usual thanks for sharing

[@josequijada4619]

Excellent video. Great advice. It's exactly what I do. Always a pleasure listening to experience. Again, thanks

[@tatooz52967]

Great tips. Thank you

[@izzyswan]

You bet!

[@olhesty2196]

Genius! Love your vids.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic tips, Izzy! Thanks a bunch! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@markduggan3451]

Lots of great information. Thanks.

[@sapelesteve]

Great tips about table saw safety Izzy! I also would have mentioned that one should never place a feather board directly adjacent to the table saw blade! Make sure that it is in front of the blade at all times! 👍👍🔨🔨

[@ThePonderingWoodworker]

In front of the blade would cause pinching, why not before the blade

[@Dandroid61]

I have a dust hood and the JessEm fence guides (which I love), and guess which two are not installed today since I was cutting thin strips! Great tips Izzy.

[@kenhoward5611]

This Izzy is common sense!!! Hope your retirement is going well. Best wishes UK

[@johnwilliams1091]

A tip to reinforce pushing the material forward and towards the fence is to do what is being recommended here, and focusing partially on the spot where the material touches the fence. If you’re seeing it move away from the fence…

[@johnmay371]

Thank you Izzy!

[@roysammons2445]

Great advice all round 🙂👍

[@skpince]

Another great video from the man himself that makes a lot of sense 😊 Appreciated...

[@sanctuaryjunction8413]

I made a couple of those shoes some years back seeing your utube about them them. I think they are so much safer than a stick.

[@Stewart_Bell]

Thanks Izzy. Really useful. I don't know if you own one but if you have a portable job site saw would it be possible to do a tips video for that? Obviously some of it is the same, but working with a much smaller table requires a different approach in some areas. Thanks again.

[@halsonger1317]

Great fundamental tips that every woodworker should know (or be reminded of even if they aren't beginners). I've worked with experienced woodworkers who do the plywood cut you demonstrated without a miter gauge or sled when one was at hand to use. It is super dangerous, and when I've brought it up the comments were along the lines of "oh, it's just one cut so it's not worth it." That amounts to simple laziness over considering what is safe, and that's one of the things I have learned from other woodworkers who are missing fingers is usually the cause of their accidents. Always do the right thing every time and you have much less chance of an accident.

[@susannebkvig4011]

I suppose they mean: "It is just one cut and I have 2 thumbs"

[@eCitizen1]

Thoughtful advice. Thanks

[@jameskroeck3178]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@gbjones54]

Always learning from you! 👏

[@gregmccormack5709]

Great stuff! As usual.

[@tomnorman5461]

Good words Izzy!

[@SuperSpiderman1979]

Great tip video. Thank you. I'm one of those Stupid people that sometimes Freehand cut. 🙈😬 after this video.. never again. Lucky not have any accidents yet on the table saw. Thx 🙏👌

[@MyGrowthRings]

Great job, Izzy. Did I miss the advice of not using the fence and miter gauge together?

[@MarcosLopez-hy3px]

❤ gracias!!!!!!

[@billiewei1490]

excellent video!!!!

[@jimcooney9019]

damn good information thanks for sharing

[@kumararajrajan]

@izzyswan Very useful video. One question. how is the Harvey roller guide attached to the magswitch?

[@jonathanbaker33]

Good to see you sir. Education

[@Goalsplus]

Good words. You have to make your own evaluation of the circumstances. Any advice should be taken at face value. I.e. one person's set up for "hard wood" like cherry is not necessarily going to work for something twice as hard like hickory. Plus all the other subtle differences between two jobs that are the "same".

[@merlinsatrom6678]

Thank you Izzy! My Fingers

[@am2dan]

You can make your own feather board. @SteveRamsey has one or two how-to videos. You do need some hardware to go in the miter slot, though.

[@henricagven2874]

tumbs up dude🙃

[@gregshaw4280]

Good advice, I once used two push sticks on my table saw, never again did not feel safe at all😮

[@e.dbogan6266]

Good tips! (I don’t like push sticks either).

[@izzyswan]

Thanks for watching!

[@hansgraveman9317]

I like your explainonh

[@gbcdmd]

I would love to see you show how you added those mag switches to the Harvey. It is not as straightforward as one might suppose. The mag switch is threaded (tapped) and can not be accessed from handle side of the switch. It must be threaded into from the slot in the Harvey. The Harvey slot for holding the miter bar is too narrow to get a screw into it long enough to thread into the Magswitch. How did you do it?

[@jennalexander2350]

I just bought my first table saw - the sawstop CTS. Sawstop doesn't list the HP on their website (intentionally - they say it varies?). How do I know if it can handle the Amana electroblu blade? The Sawstop sales rep said all of their saws can handle kerfs from 3/32” to 3/16”, but that the CTS is under 2 hp. On Amazon, a seller claimed that Sawstop says it is compatible. Your thoughts?

[@lafamillecarrington]

I fully agree about being careful about copying KZbinrs' methods. However, many gaffes are due to inexperience, and a polite comment about the problem often helps. If you aren't sure, read the comments!

[@TaylerMade]

as a retired furniture maker i was taught by the older experienced tradesmen in the shop. back then safety wasn't taken as seriously as it is now. however, saying that we were shown the correct, safest way to do all the different tasks on the different machines. the biggest thing i have noticed with youtube is that one person does a video on a topic, then other people will see that has views so they make their own version of it. what they often fail to realise as untrained amatuers, is that they are doing it wrong. i think the classic example of this is setting up a jointer and saying snipe is normal. it isn't by the way, its just that they have watched some other idiot set up their machine wrong and then make their own video showing the incorrect set up.

[@researchandbuild1751]

Yep the internet just causes circular loop of incorrect information. Everyone just parrots what they saw someone else do.

[@JohnTaylor-aftrwjt]

Can you put up a link for the saw blade you use please

[@izzyswan]

added the link

[@JohnTaylor-aftrwjt]

@@izzyswan thank you!

[@doalex2085]

Good man;! I watched both videos, my question is, how high should the blade be, when cutting?

[@michaelhines1891]

Most people say just high enough to expose the gullets. The bottom groove between the teeth. I bring the blade high enough I can see the bottom of the gullets at its highest point above the wood.

[@kkuenzel56]

Great video! Thanks! What is your opinion on the Micro-jig?

[@izzyswan]

I only used it couple times. It would be hard to offer a well in formed opinion. I

[@leonardbutler9338]

@kkuenzel56, it's only one man's opinion but, I have been woodworking over 40 yrs and after my Sawstop, I consider the Microjig Gripper to be the 2nd safest tool I own.

[@michaelhines1891]

I find myself really putting a fair amount of pressure against the fence to keep the cut straight and aligined. I only really worry about this until i get to the riving knife. At that point i switch to making sure i have downward pressure and correct feed rate knowing the riving knife will keep the cut straight.That riving knife is a really big safty feature not mentioned.

[@pjh432]

Really great video izzy

[@stellamcwick8455]

One thing I see a lot of is people standing directly behind the work piece as they feed it into the saw. I was taught to stand off to the side a bit so if the piece is ejected in a kickback it will pass by you and not try to go through you.

[@kkuenzel56]

Same here. Since High school Woodshop

[@stellamcwick8455]

@@kkuenzel56 that’s where I learned it too.

[@jamesvanzandt7898]

...and my bench has a dent where my table saw threw a workpiece. I was not standing there.

[@geraldguidice4394]

What magswitch # for Harvey and how mounted

[@tommythompson6278]

Harvey makes two types of arched hold-downs. One for dog holes and the other is for t-tracks. I am not exactly sure how to use them for stock that would be moving as I am for holding it stationary.

[@AndyJSThomson]

The KZbin sin that always makes me wince is leaving the saw running while either moving the cut pieces or talking to camera. My rule is “if the blade isn’t cutting it isn’t running”. What’s so hard about hitting the off button?

[@matonmacs]

I have both the Bow and the Magswitch. I wish they could have a baby so you could use the Bow anywhere on the table.

[@anthonyperry5227]

I must comment having been part of a safety study re the circular saw ( albeit in the UK). OK for what you have shown and said - but your fence position and height of the saw blade is critical depending whether natural or synthetic is being cut. I shall not comment further but there is more to using the circular saw safely than what you have suggested. I have not witnessed a complete safety guide on the internet. Unfortunately I do not own a circular saw anymore - being retired and away from the UK for several years.

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

I have an aluminum top and I've never found a feather board that will fit

[@a9ball1]

Ive been doing this since 1976 and I have never free hand cut on the table saw. I've never had the courage to try it either. Just never found the need for it. Some stupid things people do i can understand but that one I've never figured out why.

[@RidgidRon]

I would like to ask a question: What would it be like if you put a slight degreed angle maybe 5 degrees or so angle bottom on of your push shoe instead of straight? This should naturally push the wood into the fence with compromising safety when using the push shoe.

[@MrAnimal1971]

Good idea, however the solution is simpler. I place my push shoe about 2" to the right of the blade on the material ( if I can). I also angle my push shoe slightly towards the fence. Waxing my table top helps the material slide. I have epilepsy so safety and stability is very high on my list. Hope this helps.

[@ST-0311]

It might help a little in that regard. However, keep in mind that your handle and hand are slightly canted towards the blade. the taller it is the closer your hand is to the blade. If it slips the natural direction of fall is right onto the blade. Also, that would limit usage to cuts on the right side of the blade. For those occasional cuts where the fence is on the left side it would tend to push away from the blade. The safest way is to use a flat shoe, feather board, and the blade guard if the cut accommodates it.

[@RidgidRon]

I think I will be making a Push Shoe with the slightest of angles (as I described) pushing to the right and see how it goes.

[@alaskankare]

why are the blades so far back? it feels like you have to reach so far forward?

[@mm9773]

Because you need some space to register your workpiece flat on the table so you can guide it into the blade safely. I know the usage of table saws and jointers seems awkward, and sometimes it really is, but this is based on experience and many many many accidents.

[@user-sk6ss5jz3d]

Where is your blade guard?

[@_john_doe_]

It's feels almost strange to view a video where I agree with close to every point. :P