Woodworking has always been popular among hobbyists looking to challenge their hand eye coordination and creative abilities. Although not the most inexpensive of hobbies, it does result in an actual end product that can be sold or used. But while so many new hobbyists pick up woodworking each year, many must also give it up, and not by choice.
According to the National Consumers League, tens of thousands of people are brutally injured by table saws – including 4,000 amputations – at a cost of more than $2 billion a year to treat victims. While the NCL is trying to get the Consumer Product Safety Commission to implement safety changes that can minimize these injuries, you can also take steps to decrease your chances of getting hurt by making sure you have the proper safety equipment when using your table saw. Below are some recommended products for increasing your safety when using a table saw:
Dust Collection System: Dust and debris that accumulate around the saw can lead to injuries. All you need to do is turn it on before you start working and it will keep your shop clean while you’re working. You could of course clean your shop by hand, but most people are not diligent enough to stop in the middle of their work and clean up every few minutes.
Push Sticks: Another added measure of safety, these will keep your fingers at a safe distance from the blade. You can either make one on your own or pick up a store bought one for just a few dollars.
Featherboards: With their spring like fingers, featherboards hold the stock up tight against the surface of the table saw and the fence, providing a cleaner cut with less scoring and burning. More importantly, featherboards can also help minimize the chances of kickback.
Zero Clearance Inserts: These support the stock right up to the edge of the blade, leaving you with a cleaner cut, while preventing narrow pieces of drop-off from getting wedged between the edge of the throat plate and the blade.
Splitter: This holds the saw kerf open and prevents the stock from closing in on the blade and binding. The splitter is very effective in helping to prevent kickback.
These safety products will definitely assist in keeping you safer in the shop, but there is no replacement for exercising caution and seeking the guidance of those more seasoned than yourself.
