Table Saw Safety Tip

[mzulkoski]

A bit late, but I just watched the "Towering Towers" series.

Noticed the table saw miter gauge was used to cut a narrow piece of mdf. This procedure is "OK" but please don't use the table saw fence as a stop when using a miter gauge to cut narrow pieces to length,

Why not?? After the cut is made, the waste piece is "floating" between the saw blade and the fence. If the waste piece moves slightly out of square it will jamb between the blade and fence and be launched like a bullet in your direction. If it hits you in your teeth or an eye, your next trip will be to a hospital. Don"t underestimate the power of that little flying bullet.

The solution is simple. But others have said better than I can explain.

http://newwoodworker.com/usegagblks.html

The link shows how to set up for repetitive cuts. You will notice in the photo that the miter gauge is in the slot on the left hand side of the blade. To cut a single piece, use the right hand slot. This puts the miter gauge between the saw blade and the fence. If your cut off block is exactly one inch thick, add one inch to your fence setting and you are ready to cut.

Mike