How to Use a Table Saw: Woodworking For Beginners #1 - woodworkweb

[@xmchillin]

One of your best...no incessant rambling like some folks, just straightforward and simple.

[@bjarnejakhelln-semb73]

Very true. Very good instructional video. Everything to the point and easy to understand. And so much time and attention saved due to the lack of unnecessary chitchat and babbling :)

[@jcvalenti]

As someone just getting in to Woodworking, I really appreciate this video - succinct, well paced, well produced and informative. Looking forward to seeing more of what you've got.

[@knecht105]

wow, thanks for the detailed review, we appreciate you taking the time Colin

[@blackattack2469]

Very good video. Do you have or know of someone who has instructions for the splitter/diving knife with the plastic guard? I have an old Rockwell 10” tablesaw & am as discouraged & frustrated as an absolute beginner can be because I don’t know how to use it, can’t find a manual & know it is a good piece of equipment.

[@David-zy4hk]

San pa blo reservoir

[@SteveCarmichael]

These 5 min beginner videos are an excellent idea Colin!

[@gregghernandez2714]

Man, I am sure there were a lot of fingers lost before KZbin came along. Guys like you, Steve Ramsey, Stumpy Nubs, Izzy Swan and many more all have excellent tips for setting up and using a table saw. Everything from waxing your table saw, to keeping a small square handy to make sure your blade is a true 90 degrees to wearing safety glasses. Thanks for this very useful information.

[@Did.I.Just...]

I have watched so many videos about this stuff and might guys are just hard to watch; they tell too much about stuff I don't care about, get off topic or whatever. But Colin is so easy to watch and let's face it, he's 3/4 genius. Great stuff.

[@janarcher1253]

Great tutorial! I've been afraid to use my table saw because of an experience with kickback...now I know why! THANKS!

[@knecht105]

***** Thanks for commenting Jan, glad this was useful to you

[@nstreeter9259]

Great Video Tutorial... I'm less afraid of my new saw now! lol Thank You!

[@maartenhappel9014]

Thnx Colin. Even if you're working a little longer with a tablesaw, it still is good to be reminded every now and again.. and again!

[@knecht105]

Yes, .... you are correct, thanks for the reminder, I can use a reminder on things from time to time too :) Great to have you with us Maarten ....

[@karljeffery5934]

I learnt more in six minutes watching this video than I have done in lord knows how many website guides, thanks very much!

[@ralphconnell8163]

Wish I'd seen this last month. Got a kickback full force in my stomach from a slab of plywood..Hospital trip...fortunately, no real damage. but bruising and pain for some time. Lesson learnt..the hard way. Watch most of your Vids Colin..All very helpful. Thanks.

[@cletusrobinson]

Still a great series of posts from back in the day!

[@opwave79]

Thank you so much! I’m just starting out with woodworking and your video was the perfect introduction to the table saw. Just subscribed so that I can watch all your videos!

[@catherinebazuin5782]

I've had my saw sitting in my garage for 2 years afraid to touch it. I own and use every other kind of saw but this one was just terrifying to me until now! Wow thank you so much! SOOOOO helpful!!

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

Enjoy watching your videos, clear and straight to the point.

[@ljeff46]

Thanks. Good straightforward and easy to understand. I appreciate the emphasis on safety.

[@robsalas54]

Thanks for creating this channel. Lots of good information for a novice woodworker.

[@knecht105]

I'm glad you are finding it useful, appreciate your feedback :) Colin

[@benampofo]

Thank you for the tutorials. I am a beginner to woodworking and this is one of the most concise and informative pieces I have found on youtube. Thanks again.

[@jwong19]

Excellent approach Mr. Colin. Inspiring for the Newbies and a nostalgic flashback, for the experienced ones...Warm greetings and my respects from Puerto Rico.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@jwong19]

You are welcome, again, my respects.

[@leswilson94]

Thank you. I needed that. I bought a new table saw 6 months ago and have yet to use it. It still scares me. This helped a lot.

[@GSFJAY]

thanks, i just got my table saw today, this definitely helped, cheers

[@haticeart696]

Thanks for teaching to beginners...

[@pjmd2010]

I like very much your videos, you have a lot of work to explain all the process in a woodworker shop.

[@knecht105]

Hi Paulo, thanks for taking the time to comment :) Colin

[@spudnikc6832]

Thanks. Great vid for beginners !

[@psycho_cyclone5713]

Hey Colin, impressed with your work and effort. Really giving the kids a great tutorial. Keep it up!

[@jannaarmstrong4048]

I love your videos! Very informative!!!

[@gmor46]

Great instructional quick video...always to the point Colin!!!

[@187onasimp]

Good video... I wish someone would make one of these for cutting metal. It's like a whole new world on a table saw.

[@BDizzleMySchnizzle]

Know this is an older video but just wanted to say thanks. Bought my first table and getting into woodworking and this was very helpful considering the instructions that came with it don't really explain how to use it, make alignment checks, etc.

[@STEVEBLACKA]

I`m a beginner and am setting up a nice old table saw as we speak...thanks Colin . Steve

[@NYPAULY1]

Excellent basic 101 lesson. RE Kickback. Back in H.S. wood shop the most impressive explanation of kickback was when the instructor intentionally demonstrated kick back and "shot" a thin piece of ripped wood. The sound, speed and damage that did cause burned a memory which has lasted with me to date. I'm always respectively conscience of the saw's power.

[@knecht105]

Hi Paul, we have though about doing that ... hmmm, maybe re-visit it, thanks for the suggestion

[@justinh1601]

The most impressive demonstration of kickback for me, was having it happen. The second cut I ever made on my saw. Cutting plywood sheets and pushing on both ends is a BAD idea... :( You might want to mention some plywood cutting warnings/tips. A lot of folks seem to start with plywood for benches and shelves or even a sled. I still don't have a cross-cut sled due to this very fact.

[@leegentrylg]

Brilliant, explained where I was going wrong

[@robertovalls]

Great lesson thank you!

[@ryangray4073]

Thank you for sharing. your way of teaching is amazing and straight forward. I've been into woodworking myself and have always find great table saws from D&D Woodcrafts. I'd be glad to know where you get your wood working supplies from

[@sherman6576]

Colin, you're a great teacher! Thanks for the video's!

[@briancnc]

That's a neat blade rack you made, been doing this a long time and haven't seen one quite like it. Thanks for the idea!

[@knecht105]

lol ... no prob ... I wish I could take credit for the design but I too saw it somewhere else, don't even remember where now, but it works great, you will like it.

[@swagdaddy4255]

I"m a freshman in highschool at the moment, and I was given 10 minutes to study before given a 34 question test on how to safely use a table saw in my work working class. I passed with 31 out of 34. Thanks, mate.

[@stevenalford-purvis7613]

Thanks. Good basic intro. For me, adding an auxiliary fence to the stock mitre gauge is also essential. Adds greater control and also helps limit tearout.

[@knecht105]

Good idea .... might put that one in future vid ... thanks Steve

[@VirginiaWolf88]

I just subscribed:) Many of the videos I watched don't mention hearing protection. I'm glad that you did. I don't want to hurt my hearing. Nice video man.

[@knecht105]

Virginia Wolf Yes, good for you! ... anything over 85 decibels is where damage begins (often about the same volume of noise as a city bus at about 10 feet) so yes, please do were hearing protection :)

[@rafael55]

Thank's for all the good advice!!!

[@Sbuk55]

Really useful, thankyou 😀

[@worldschaos2181]

Great video!! Keep it up.

[@knecht105]

thanks for taking the time

[@LRCA76]

What a great channel to subscribe for! thank you very much for your lessons :-)

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Great video Colin

[@blackemmons]

Good basics Colin.

[@knecht105]

Thanks ... appreciate that comment

[@bernhardrottelberger5079]

Hy , deine Video sind sehr hilfreich .! Die Trix sind der absolute Hammer .bitte bleib so wie du bist. Danke Und liebe Grüße BR

[@louiecolaianni4671]

This was really useful, thanks a lot!

[@knecht105]

Thanks for taking the time to comment buddy ... appreciate it

[@antoniobavia6167]

Thank yoau very much, this video Is very usefull and u are a food teacher. Thx forse sharing

[@frankorona1]

Excellent video and thank you very much for the explanation.

[@knecht105]

Thanks Francisco, glad you enjoyed Colin

[@Sam-dc9bg]

Great video. THANK YOU. You have another subscriber.

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome and Thanks for Subscribing!

[@FelipeDelPapa]

Thanks for the lesson!

[@knecht105]

Thanks Felipe

[@haelchamp7099]

Thank you but still scared to use. Nice and interesting tutorial. Please suggest any other way I can use aside from the table saw. I am a beginner.

[@peterhaughton568]

Safety is a paramount Colin very true as I seen one guy get hit by a kick back then of to hospital .It hit him with some force peter fae.

[@allynhansen7398]

Hi Colin,.......Just bought a Ryobi table saw and to be honest am a little afraid of using it although I have. Enjoyed your lesson and will be looking for more to do with table saws,..........I am thinking a little fear goes a long way to retaining fingers,.... Allyn hansen,....New Zealand

[@robertgardner1498]

Just picked up a Bosch 4100 jobsite table saw and really like it. Thank you for the video. I like the way you present. I have a question about cutting larger pieces. How do you support say a full sheet of bead board? Thanks again.

[@Boomers_Bud]

Great stuff Colin. Maybe a piece on using feather boards would be helpful to some. Cheers, Derek

[@knecht105]

Hi Derek .. great idea, I will put that down, thanks

[@timcaron9049]

Nice to review general info on the table, but I do have a question however. You were talking about adjusting the fence to insure that it is parallel to the blade, that I know how to do. It is adjusting the "pointer" indicating the distance of the fence to the blade. What is the proper way to set this indicator? Do you measure from the fence to inside of the blade? This would give you the exact board width you require. Or do you measure from the fence to the middle of the blade? For me I would use the first one because I am always looking for the exact measurement and not 1/8 of an inch shorter because of the thickness of the blade. Correct me if I am wrong. For me, I always use a tape measure and don't really rely on the gage as the blade thickness changes between different types of blades. But I do use it as a quick reference to get it where I need it and then make the final adjustments. Thanks again. Tim

[@bernym4047]

More great tips, thanks. One question: Apart from exposing less of the blade and thus increasing safety, why adjust the blade to half a tooth above the workpiece?

[@221Dw]

Look forward to the next video

[@THEPinballJunkie]

Nice. Good stuff. Thanks.

[@richardray2723]

Thanks for all the great tips and videos Mr. K They are very informative for a newB. I watched one the other day where you showed your portable light that you used on your workbench and one on your drill press. I could not find the link you had for them. I would like to know where I can get one for my bench to help out my eyes. Can you post the company name or link on here so I can check them out Please. Thanks for your time and efforts. Bob Roy

[@sunburstmike8745]

So glad to have found ur channel...invaluable advice. I have been using the router bits that u reccomended ...they're great (best $48 i've spent). I need advice (if not toomuch trouble...and I take full responsibilty in applying it). I have an older SEARS table saw (double v-belt, cast Fe table, 9" blade). The throat plate is fitted very well but the recess is quite detailed so as to make putting in a Zero-clearance seem impossible. Making one would require some intricate routing on underside. My problem is that the saw has no splitter, or any other safety features. I would would like to add, at least, a splitter (micro-jig or such). How could I add this? I'vebeen using a piece of blue-tape on free-side of blade, as a sort of zero-clearence. As an aside, the thin-rip jig from Rockler is excellent and easy to use as a begginer.

[@knecht105]

sunburstmike I am happy to hear you are working to make your table saw safer. Adding a splitter is one of the best ways. It sounds like the throat plate is made or a thin metal which makes it difficult for you to make a duplicate of so you can fit an after-market splitter. The only alternative that might work for you is to use plastic for a throat plate. There are a few different kinds of plastic available and it would be best to ask someone from a plastic store which is best for you. I am thinking that something like a small piece of UHMW type plastic would work best. This plastic is fairly easy to work with and can be cut with woodworking tools. That is the only idea I can think of on at the moment. Not sure what other tools you have to work with but you may even be able to use your router and flush trim bit to make the outline of the throat plate using your old one as a template. This might be of some help to you ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGbYfWeefpmsgZo Let me know if you have any other questions ... and work safely :)

[@jonathancastillo3192]

Wooooow so interesting thank you for the information

[@knecht105]

Jonathan Castillo Thanks for taking the time to comment Jonathan

[@jgonos]

Great video. Thank you.

[@knecht105]

+jgonos Thanks ... appreciate the feedback

[@12tonef]

Thanks for all your informative video's. I have an cheep table saw, the miter gage that came with it is floppy in the tract. Can you suggest a fix for this problem?

[@pga2videos950]

very good video

[@rashawn_king4017]

You got some nice tools

[@StoneysWorkshop]

I live the icon for this video!! Hahaha Nice information As always

[@knecht105]

Thanks ... I can see you understand this digital world :)

[@baileysbootstraps8170]

Hi Colin, I'm about to buy one, Great vid but I'm still scared of kickback ! Its NOT your fault. I think I must be the nervous type ! Then again, I was nervous when I bought my fist jig saw !! PS. Will NOT buy a saw without a splitter. Cheers.

[@DixyPro1]

Good job. I was able to make one automatic that works on 12 volt

[@waqasahmed7069]

Thanks Colin Knecht for useful information , i am trying to start a wood work as hobby are suggest which three to four power tools i buy in starting.

[@knecht105]

I did a video on Beginner Tools not long ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ2pkHV5YqyKqLc

[@55ATA3]

Great video

[@knecht105]

Thanks Buddy ... always appreciate you taking the time

[@dirkvercauteren6386]

If you want to check if your table saw machine is aligned correctly, simply cut a piece of MDF. If you see the sawmarks in crosswise this is ok. If the saw leaves markings only in one direction: or the markings of the teeth going downwords or the marks of the coming up (there were the wood leaves the sawblade) you should align your blade or other parts.

[@fink057]

Very nice thanks

[@jeremycannon9057]

Hi Colin, I was just wondering how to fix my table saw if my blade is no longer parallel to the mitre slots? I’m thinking my arbor is bent or maybe my motor mount has move out of position slightly. Thanks and love your videos!

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

nice I learn some real good tip.

[@knecht105]

Appreciate your comments

[@pauloamaral1370]

Excellent... Thank you, so much!

[@balloosination]

thanks for the video! are going to make your video on the table saw blades?

[@knecht105]

Yes ... it is done ... will be released in 3 days or so ... thanks for asking Jack Cheers Colin

[@existesters4002]

Hi Colin, great introduction to table saws for beginners, thank you for sharing. I do have one question though is a table saw suitable for cutting down tree logs or would you be better off using a bandsaw? Many thanks Paul from the UK.

[@Googaliemoogalie]

I would use a band saw, irregular shapes are better to deal with there. Table saws are mostly for ripping, and I don't see any safe way to rip (or crosscut) a log, easily anyway

[@johnjohnoj6408]

Perfect, thank you so much sir

[@LaoFarm]

Thank you..very helpful!

[@fx0stefanus]

what kind of table are you using? can you tell me the dimension of ur table? it looks conventional. Thanks. Great vid btw. Very Helpful.

[@knecht105]

Fransiskus Stefanus Thanks for commenting, yes I am currently using General brand table saw. It's a pretty nice saw. It is a conventional size. You can get all the specs from the general.ca website :)

[@jonathanmathau7401]

Thank you so much sir.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

Great tips.

[@knecht105]

Hey Pete ... thanks for taking the time

[@deathblosomrules]

Why do you set the saw blade 1/2 tooth above the wood? I've read elsewhere that others do about an inch or so above that puts less stress on the motor. Is it a better cut with a lower blade? It seems the blade would heat up more and not last as long.

[@deathblosomrules]

+Tec 9 Thanks for such and informative answer.

[@MAGAMAN]

Probably because you want as many teeth cutting the wood as possible. If it is higher few teeth will be cutting at a time and you will not get as smooth of a cut. This is just a guess because I have always cut with the teeth just poking out above the wood. Also, it could have something to do with the face that there is less blade in the wood, so there is less of a chance of it binding? Again, just a guess.

[@xianshengxu998]

I would like to ask a question. Does the carpenter need nearly square shape, or do you need an absolute square? How to get an absolute square?

[@1LeggedAdventures]

Colin, The issue i have with my very cheap table saw is that the fence does not move as one. what i mean is that i constantly have to measure from the front of the blade and the back to ensure my fence is parallel with the blade. Is there a way to remedy this so that i do not have to take as much time measuring and remeasuring for every cut i make?

[@knecht105]

***** Hi Jeff ... yes, you echo the frustrations of many woodworkers with those types of saws. Sadly aside from poor fence designs, many of those saws are otherwise not so bad. I wish I had something I could tell you to do. I had one of those saws many years ago and had to do the same thing, it is frustrating and time consuming, and sometimes the fence moves on you when it shouldn't. The only real solution is to upgrade to a better saw at some point. Hang in their buddy, that day will come ...

[@GocuttersGoCutters]

Thank you for this useful video. A new sub here :)

[@knecht105]

Thanks for taking the time :) Colin

[@11122233jjjaaakkkeee]

What do you think of a full miter sled rather then just the push plate?

[@knecht105]

Love it ... a full mitre sled works great for many things, only real problem you can't use a blade guard, so have to be on full alert to keep your fingers out until blade is stopped, otherwise, they are great ...

[@cejkwo100]

Good tips

[@knecht105]

Thanks for commenting

[@josemilian4167]

why is the height of blade important always adjust height because i know i should but not sure why i do it?

[@georgewilson6232]

love the cover photo of this video

[@chewiechewbacca1544]

Thank you good video

[@knecht105]

+Chewbacca Chewie Thanks for commenting

[@emanalbar]

thanks, it seems not so scary to use it after all if you apply proper technique. thanks for the tip.

[@bv.hd883]

"Really not that scary" I would've add something like Though, always be scared of your tools because it's when you become too comfortable with them that accidents may happen! Excellent advices and really good video once again Mr. K. Now I need to sell that trailer of mine so I can afford a good table saw lol

[@chaztikov]

"always be scared of your tools because it's when you become too comfortable with them that accidents may happen"--worth emphasizing/repeating. I knew a very conscientious older gentleman (who has now passed on) who lost 1.5 fingers on something like this. He'd been using cutting tools all of his life, and was careful, but his eyesight and short-term memory were both deteriorating. I've known many other victims of unbridled haste. Some simply weren't feeling well but were determined to keep working. It's amazing how a "simple" task can impact one's quality of life if one is unaware of their limitations.

[@TheJmh19]

thanks so much for this video. I would like to buy a small table saw but, truthfully they make me a little nervous.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching! As long as you follow basic safety, you will be fine.

[@MAGAMAN]

Simple safety rules to follow. Always unplug your saw unless you are cutting something. NEVER touch the blade of the saw while it's plugged in. (I pretend the saw is plugged in at all times and avoid putting my finger on the cutting edge of the blade if at all possible). Always plug your saw in in a place that is easily visible from the table saw. I plug mine in over my work bench and hen I unplug it I leave the cord in a very visible spot, so I can easily glance over and check to see if it is plugged in. If for any reason the wood you are trying to cut doesn't want to go forward DO NOT FORCE IT! Turn off the saw and check to see if there is any blockage, or if the wood you are cutting is twisted. Never reach over a spinning blade to remove any piece of wood, or to push/pull wood through the saw. FINGERS DON'T GROW BACK. Always use a push stick to push your wood past the saw blades if you hand is going to be within a foot of the blade. If the wood gets stuck or kicks back your hand could easily be thrown 6 inches or more toward the blade. Never stand directly in front of the wood you are cutting. I also disagree with having the fence 100% parallel to the blade. You should always have a hair more room on the outfeed side of the table. This only needs to be a few thousandths of an inch, but it should not be parallel and it should NEVER be less room. Also, the way he checked the blade distance from the miter slots is also wrong. You want to check on point on the blade. Mark it with a marker and check that exact point with it at the front of the blade and at the back of the blade. The reason for this is because saw blades are not always perfectly flat. If you use the blade the way he did and the blade is warped at all, you will be setting you blade wrong. Finally, don't let kids play around you like I've seen people do in some of the videos. The most obvious is that the kid(s) could bump you at the wrong time and cause injury to you or them, but also because the things thrown into the air from cutting wood, metal, etc. are not good for you to breath and really not good for children to breath. I saw a guy grinding a ton of rust off an old table saw with his 5 or 6 year old kid within a few feet. That kid is going to have all kinds of respiratory problems in his life.

[@ExpertLegendas2016]

My problem is that in my Dewalt table saw the fence is awful, it's hard to make it parallel to the blade without measuring every time, hope I find a way, beginning now in Brazil, appreciate your videos = D

[@Creepingdeath4200]

Can you demonstrate how to ride that tiny unicycle on your wall next? Thanks for the video!

[@knecht105]

+Creepingdeath4200 I will need to practice first of all :)

[@richardaustin4480]

LOL! It's a Stirrup Drill, the "saddle" goes against your shoulder. I haven't seen one for at leat 30 years.

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

Well put :)

[@knecht105]

Appreciate you taking the time to comment

[@Uberto123]

Colin, you mention that you should put your saw half a tooth above the wood. I believe this to be incorrect but not in all cases tho. For example, if your working with veneer your saw should be half a tooth above the wood. Unless the tablesaw has a veneer ripper (not sure i wrote that correctly) then you can put it as high as you can. Working with the saw up high makes the saw push the wood more on the table giving it less kickback and makes it easier to push the wood thru. tablesaws without a splitter and bladeguard are not allouwed in the netherlands unless the machine is mechanicly driven. Other then that nice video, ill be watching your channel.

[@knecht105]

Uberto n.v.t Anyone can cut wood on the table saw however they think is best, that's the good thing about woodworking, we can all do things differently. Most of the manufacturers who make the design and make quality saw blades have made them for an optimum quality cut that - in most cases - has the saw blade approximately 1/2 tooth above the material. The other, maybe even more important reason we all recommend this, is that it is safer to cut wood when the the blade is slightly above the material. Less chance of cutting fingers off or causing serious damage. But remember, these are only suggestions, I always say, do what works best for you.

[@Uberto123]

WoodWorkWeb the bladeguard is to avoid cutting off your fingers :P

[@knecht105]

Uberto n.v.t yes it is, but there are many time you can't use the blade guard and there are many, many saws that don't have blade guards so for them, safety is imperative.

[@Uberto123]

WoodWorkWeb sawtables without bladeguard should be taken of the market and not be sold, way to dangerous!!!

[@397coney7]

Thank you!