How to use a table saw without FEAR

Leah of See Jane Drill demonstrates ALL you need to know on how to confidently operate a table saw like a pro!
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Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. See Jane Drill assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. See Jane Drill recommends safe practices when working with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not See Jane Drill.
#seejanedrill

[@Randomwesternredneckguy]

I saw an older gentleman at Woodcraft the other day purchasing a shiny, new Sawstop. His right hand and half way to his elbow was wrapped in surgical dressings. All it takes is a momentary lapse of judgement. Never force material through a table saw if it feels like it wants to bind up - you did something wrong and need to recheck your setup. Thanks Leah. I love how you break things down and present projects in an easy, clear, and non-intimidating sort of way.

[@seejanedrill]

Thank you

[@georgequalls5043]

Never assume you know everything about safely using a table saw and watch many videos on using one safely like this.

[@Michelle-hg3sv]

Thank you Leah! If you're ever in the mood, I'd love to see you show us how to use some of the accessories, feather board, etc.

[@auntykat8083]

Great video for beginners, emphasizing safety

[@robertsimonofsky3959]

Good video for long time table saw user too

[@auntykat8083]

@@robertsimonofsky3959Agreed! I ran into my woodworking instructor who showed me a recently acquired scar on his (intact) thumb. A split second of distraction resulted in a nasty cut from his table saw blade.

[@lauragliebe8632]

This is THE best beginner table saw videos out here!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@rhight]

When I first bought a table saw, I was ultra-careful at the beginning. If I worked on the blade, I'd unplug--and stick the plug in my pocket! I concentrated on proper procedures, especially the ones that would protect me in case of kick-backs and the procedures that would automatically ensure that my fingers were not in a dangerous place. This is solid instruction. I wish I'd have had this program available when I started using my table saw. Thanks!!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

I would have loved to have you as my instructor when I was learning woodworking Leah! You're a wealth of knowledge and always seem to explain things in a way that makes a person feel confident that they will be able to do something. Thanks for another year of great video's and best wishes for a fabulous New Year!!!

[@seejanedrill]

Wow, thank you!

[@dk3062]

I agree. I specifically remember in high school being terrified in shop class using the table saw. Not to mention band saw and planer.

[@cmlaporte62]

Thank you, Leah, I have been fearful of my Dewalt table saw since the day I bought it. Your videos have given me so much knowledge and confidence in my own abilities.

[@seejanedrill]

I'm so glad!

[@kateemblom4222]

Some really great tips for safety. I would also add that it's vital to avoid standing directly behind the table saw blade. Stand a bit to the left, so that the blade is past the right side of your body. If there is a kickback, the wood generally goes toward the right of the blade. You can google some really good videos of kickback in action. Table saws designed as of 2008 and later must have riving knives. Generally table saws come with 3 pieces of safety equipment: riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and a blade guard. Sometimes to make a cut, you need to remove a piece of the safety equipment. Remove just one piece at a time and put it back. The better quality your table saw, the easier it is to put the safety features back. I'm a newbie and I work a lot with softer wood. The anti-kickback pawls on my lower end table saw make gouges in my work piece that are hard to sand out. I removed the pawls. When I start working with hardwoods, I'll put them back on. It's also really hard to rip thin strips with the blade guard on, but the blade guard does serve a really useful purpose, so if you can make a thin strip jig, that's better than removing the blade guard. If you get to the point where you need to remove your riving knife, then maybe figure out a different way to make the cut because you are now venturing into the scary zone. There are tons of videos that can show you how to make a jig or other tips on making the cut safely. I removed my riving knife exactly once: when I made my crosscut sled because the riving knife is always above the blade and I couldn't make the cut that goes partially through the crosscut sled with the riving knife on my blade. Once I had the cut made in my sled, I put the knife back on and it has never left.

[@seejanedrill]

I believe the problem with using the gullet to set the blade height is the height of the teeth vary depending on TPI. As for the featherboard, I agree, I wish I had included it in this video, along with how to use a sled.

[@1969EType]

Thank YOU Ms. Bolden! For having the the courage and confidence to come on YT and share your lifetime of experience and expertise to help keep us all safe as we work on our projects around the house!

[@JackKirbyFan]

Nice job Leah. I have a saw stop and did destroy one blade when I was in a hurry. These are great tips. I would also add a respirator. We all need to take that fine dust seriously and not assume our lungs will handle long term exposure to it.

[@seejanedrill]

That's a great idea!

[@jayjay5107]

Leah, I love the way you keep things simple...appreciate the knowledge!

[@madwhirled]

Leah, your knowledge and willingness to share it is so appreciated ☮️

[@JonnyDIY]

Great tips, featherboards and stock guides can really help with kickback too. Thanks for sharing 💕👏🤙

[@marmaladesunrise]

Thank you, Leah!

[@rosepelzel4244]

Thanks for the lesson, Leah!! You are an excellent instructor!!❤

[@hoperules8874]

She really is an excellent instructor💎💯❣️

[@shawnclark9674]

You can tell you were an instructor. Your content is by far one of my favorite channels. Keep em coming!

[@karenmiller6088]

I've read all about the safety instructions in using a table saw years ago but I always brush up on these important things before starting a project that involves using the tablesaw. I've seen a Master Carpenter lose fingers because he wasn't paying close attention. Love your videos! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@harpintn]

I have worked with various types of hand an power tools my either life. Safety should always be the first consideration when using any tool. I am glad that you stress safety in your videos the way that you do.

[@Paulie1232]

Great information 😊

[@seejanedrill]

Perhaps one of our veiwers there in the UK can make suggestions.

[@glong2720]

WIsh I would have had you as an instructor. You seem so patient.

[@milfordcivic6755]

Leah, in school, our shop teacher trained us to never walk behind a table saw that is in use. If there's kickback you can get hit. It was funny though, if someone did walk behind the saw, he'd throw a piece of scrap wood at them and yell "KICKBACK!". LOL

[@seejanedrill]

😄

[@chrissybetlem9872]

Thank you Leah!!! I’ve always been abit hesitant to use my table saw and instead use my circular saw (often not making a perfectly straight cut)…..but I’m feeling courageous ❤

[@melissal7984]

Leah I love your teaching style! Can you please also do a video on using router tables 🙂?

[@seejanedrill]

Absolutely!!

[@johnfrench1239]

Yes please

[@baigani0]

Top video

[@SiLaChaCha]

Perfect timing! Just today on my a.m walk I said I was afraid to use this but that I will overcome it so I can build a few things💚

[@seejanedrill]

You got this!

[@--Zenwebgoddess--]

Still nervous, but better informed. Thanks Leah 😊

[@seejanedrill]

You got this!

[@officiallytrav]

Great lesson. Thanks Leah!

[@jugheadjones5458]

My dad, in wood shop in the 40s, saw a fellow student get his thumb cut off by a table saw. The kid was rushed to the nurse. Right after, another student brushed sawdust and the thumb into a trash can. Dad said he fished the thumb out of the trash and took it to the office. I don’t know if they could reattach limbs back then but he said he hoped they could. He never said what happened with the boy’s recovery.

[@seejanedrill]

😮

[@tonyd1149]

Thank you Leah. Great teacher. I learned something today. God[Bible] Bless you.

[@raffinataonline]

Thank you. 👏👍

[@cwcole]

Great safety video, Leah! You are an excellent instructor. Thank you for sharing.

[@banjomark9900]

I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. You are awesome!

[@seejanedrill]

😊

[@ramasamystudios4101]

Thanks, Great video. 🙂🙂🙂

[@T0MME0]

Thank you, may your day be Sunny!

[@seejanedrill]

Thank you too!

[@T0MME0]

@@seejanedrill ❤

[@copperstrands2023]

Thank you Leah! Very infomative!

[@kariolar3158]

Leah, I love your outfeed table. It looks simple and sturdy. Do you have a video or a plan for that? Thank you for all you do. We all love you. ❤

[@robertsimonofsky3959]

I needed this video. Thanks for all the safety tips. Happy new year

[@seejanedrill]

Happy New Year to you too!

[@desertmouse4026]

Leah love your videos. I bought a small table saw many years ago and made a few small projects before i heard horror stories which made me hesitate then stop all together. I use a handheld saw now but after seeing your video i think it's time to blow the dust off that table saw and try again.

[@sandragentz9442]

Thank you Leah! I've been waiting for a video like this 👏👏👏👏

[@jasone.knisley6218]

Love your videos!

[@raymitchell9736]

Excellent advice for starting out... I watch these to review safety even though I enjoy working with my table saw... I'd make two adjustments to the advice video, see if you agree: (1) I also do the method of raising the blade the minimal height, except that I make sure that the gullet of the blade is at the height of the wood I'm cutting to allow it to clear the sawdust... and (2) is the exception... the only time to remove the riving knife is when *not* making through cuts, but dados or rabbits, which in fairness you didn't talk about because it was a basics video... and it could be covered at that time... but for the most part, everything else is excellent information and I hope a lot of ppl benefit from your video to give them confidence to use their equipment... it comes with experience... Also I like to use the Gripper from Microjig and I have a magswitch feather board... I take safety seriously... it costs next to nothing to use and if it saves me injury worth every penny spent! Cheers and Happy New Years Leah!

[@PaiviProject]

Great information 👍

[@archivist17]

I love your energy! Your young apprentices must have learned a lot from you, and I imagine some of them will have gone a long way in the trades.

[@seejanedrill]

They're all journeymen by now

[@robw95]

Great video, Leah! I belong to a makers space that has a 52" cabinet Sawstop. One thing that I do before every cut is imagine the cut and actually walk myself through it slow motion sort of. I position my hands and 'practice' the cut, taking note of where my hands (and push stick) are as I progress through the cut. It helps me to feel better that I have thought things through. Also, you are well on your way to 1 million subscribers, can't wait to see that, I've been with you for a long time!

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks for commenting and thank you for your support of the channel.

[@jonandlisa2000]

Thanks for the top tips Leah

[@genghisbunny]

Great video, thanks!

[@dukeofnj62]

Thanks Leah, awesome informative video

[@johnford7847]

Excellent introduction and refresher. Thank you for sharing.

[@SugarBeeFarm]

You’re the best Leah! Thanks for another great video 💕✌️

[@ernestoborrego5102]

After decades of using saws, the table saw still scare the poop out of me!

[@gerdageerman7533]

Happy New Year Leah🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@seejanedrill]

Happy new year!!

[@tracierendell4422]

You are amazing!

[@drumtwo4seven]

Another goodie 👍

[@lights80088]

I really enjoy your videos, your great. Thank you.

[@seejanedrill]

Glad you like them!

[@shvaew]

Love your videos Leah! Question, what side of the blade should the small piece that you are cutting off be on? I see it different all the time and I have to believe there is a reason. Thanks!

[@litrealred6840]

Hi! I know someone got a fear of this ! Thanks! Happy New Year! 🤗👍🏻

[@DarlingBo-bannie]

What? Jane sent me! ❤

[@tinawilliams6000]

Great video Leah! I'm scared of the kick back!

[@seejanedrill]

Everyone is

[@JohnJacksonJohnson]

And I've seen what a table saw can do: Martina from the channel Nerdforge is missing the most of her left pinky finger from a table saw accident. Even if I'm working with my little 4" tabletop table saw, I ALWAYS use a guard on it OR if I'm changing/readjusting the blade on my benchtop bandsaw, I ALWAYS make sure to unplug it first. If you've seen the video on the Backyard Scientist's table saw cannon, THAT'S how fast wood can fly during a kickback: at speeds of about 95mph (for comparison, that's how about fast as a Major League pitcher can throw on average)

[@seejanedrill]

I haven't seen that video but I will seek it out.

[@andrewclegg6541]

Happy New Year Leah. I enjoy your videos. Have you ever visited the UK ?

[@seejanedrill]

Yes I have travel to the UK. I was in London and Dover last year.

[@MichaelR58]

Good video thanks for sharing YAH bless !

[@go-farm]

❤

[@georgedavall9449]

As a long time Subscriber, I enjoy your no nonsense and knowledgeable approach to topics, and ya know I loves ya Leah. 😊 And I have yet to see a Video cover this much and in such a good way as You did here! However, I must call You out on the lack of a guard, and your statement @ 08:43; I may have missed a disclaimer You made, like others do on other Channels, that caution viewers the guard was removed for demonstration purposes? If so, please forgive me. Guards can be cumbersome, and a nuisance, but as someone who has had a finger into a saw blade, and got hit by OSHA for lack of a blade guard, I still think it’s better to have one than not. And before all you know nothing armchair freaks jump on me, I ‘realize’ there are situations when a guard DOES get in the way, such as a dado blade, etc. At the end of the day, it’s better to have all your digits to go Home or to leave the workshop with! Common Sense should prevail. Please be safe! Take care Leah

[@janetburrows137]

My dad was a joiner. He made a circular saw hormone a hand Sam. In an upside done saw and box. It’s something they did , kinda back in the day. You make do and mend with what you had. I hated him using it ,, as I was a backer / cook. You use what you had available. I get that. But a circular saw possibly running backwards. That was a circle too far.🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@seejanedrill]

😮

[@RonHelton]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DavidE-zp5jr]

Kinda surprised not to see the blade guard on your table saw during the demonstrations. At least it was mentioned...?

[@seejanedrill]

I prefer a riving knife but I understand what you're saying.

[@georgedavall9449]

Good comment, and please see mine. Guards are important, not just to keep hands from contacting the blade, but keeping small chips from flying back, and with use of a good riving knife, preventing kickback. Some saws do not feature guards, and some cutting operations can only be performed with guard removed, but caution must be exercised. Thanks

[@SonicXD112]

i get realy scared about the sound it give me a fright how do i overcome this, I bought my first table saw today to help with renovations but when i started it if scared the hell out of me do you have any tips?

[@janetburrows137]

Jane. I’ve been hanging on too my dads wood work tools, for nearly 10 yrs. I don’t just want too give them away???? Ok, I’ve a couple I’d really like too keep. But there’s loads and I do mean loads. This is a long shot. But do you know anyone that I can donate these tools too???? OMG Jane .your making me cry. There’s a couple of things I really need too keep. I’m not sure if you have contacts in UK 🇬🇧 Oh this is hard love. ❤️ I open my dad’s tool boxes, I can smell him????? Jane it’s heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹 and it’s been 10 yrs. I just need too know, if you know a group that can use these tools. The sharpening block for the chisel and saws is there. I’ve said there’s a couple of bits I can’t get rid of. But I think my dad and myself would sooner they be used.😢😢😢😢❤❤❤. Could you help find a home??????❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@seejanedrill]

Perhaps one of our viewers in the UK can make some suggestions.

[@gnome2024]

I cut my finger off on a table saw and wrapped it up and drove myself to the hospital. Had it re-attached and a good 2 years of pain and rehab getting back to normal movement. I sued and won big because there is technology to prevent these accidents (Sawstop) but saw manufacturers find it cheaper to just pay out instead of paying for the use of the technology. Long story short I bought a Sawstop :D and love it.

[@gnome2024]

Also, with kids the surgeons will normally attempt to re-attach fingers, but for adults they usually dont. So if you chop your finger off make sure to beg to have them re-attach your finger!

[@dwightl5863]

With all due respect: You should have purchased the Sawstop when it first became available.

[@lori8485]

Saw a nasty kickback happen to someone that left incredible bruising on the stomach. Since then, I can't gain the confidence to use one. If you don't feel confident, don't use it. That's to me how accidents happen. There are other tools like track saws, jig saws, etc. that might be more burdensome, but still get the job done.

[@seejanedrill]

There are options

[@ghostrot]

Once you lose all fear you lose fingers

[@seejanedrill]

Your point is well taken

[@georgedavall9449]

Fantastic way to phrase it! So true! RESPECT the saw, like a gun!

[@georgedavall9449]

RESPECT the saw like a Gun, and You may keep all your fingers! Please stay safe everyone! And if You get frustrated, or impatient, WALK AWAY , and come back later, or next day.

[@scannon90]

It didn’t work, table saws still terrify me.

[@seejanedrill]

You may change your mind

[@MikeDIY]

AI generated thumbnails are so disturbing.

[@seejanedrill]

Actually I made the thumbnail

[@womblestacker7993]

❤