Table saw technique

[cgallery]

I was just watching an episode of Word Works w/ David Marks. He was using the table saw to cut some pieces for a gilded picture frame. I noticed twice that the piece he was cutting began to lift from the table and get ready to launch. Neither he or Narm tend to apply any downward pressure on the piece they are cutting. They just push from the back of the piece they're cutting.

I always apply a little downward pressure at or beyond the blade. If the fence is too close to the blade, I use a push stick or GRRRipper. I'm a lefty (push stock w/ left hand and hold it down w/ right hand).

What does everyone else do?

[RodKirby]

From another lefty:

I watched the same show - he IS consistent.

• "usually" no hearing protection
• NEVER uses any kind of splitter/riving knife
• No guard of any kind on the table saw
• No feather boards at all on the table saw
• The only hold-downs I've seen are the one/s he uses on his jointer/s

Having said all that - I guess he is so familiar with his tools, he knows what to watch for (I hope).

Just the same, many bad examples for newbies!

[drumpriest]

Rod, I agree that newbies can get bad tendancies from this... but here a few things to consider as to your points.

1. no hearing protection - for the 5 cuts made on screen.
2. no splitter - again probably for the camera, though I agree that a pop-in splitter wouldn't affect much.
3. no guard - definately for the camera, same thing for Norm.
4. No feather boards - He does use anti-kickback rollers on several episodes.
5. He has been seen in episodes using his "sandpaper" holders in a few places, and his push stick regularly.

It would be tough to guess what these guys do when they are really making the furniture as opposed to the candid shots setup for their TV shows.

[LarryG]

3. no guard - definately for the camera, same thing for Norm.

Keith, do you really think DJM and Nahm put guards on their saws when the camera isn't rolling? I'd bet $20 that neither of them do ... it's the old "Do as I say, not as I do" thing.

[Stick]

It's the same in a lot of industrial settings too. The very first time that the guard gets in the way, it comes off permantly. We got a fancy new gearhead DP at work and the guard didn't last the morning. same with the chuck guard on the lathe. That made it a bit longer, a couple of weeks. First time someone had to do a job involving internal reverse fine threading on a tiny piece, the guard came off. The one thing we are adamant about though is we remove the trigger locks on all portable tools. Too many times, either a tool gets plugged in with the trigger lock engaged or the trigger can't be released quickly enough when a bit jams or something. I do the same at home except on one corded 1/2" drill that drives a little bandsaw, and my table mounted router.

[final_t]

... one corded 1/2" drill that drives a little bandsaw ...

Okay, I've just GOT to get more info on this for the you've-got-what factor.

[drumpriest]

I don't assume either way about the use of DJM's guards. I know that he works differently in some ways off camera, as he's said as much to me, but I didn't ask about the guard.

So I don't make assumptions.

[MBG]

From another lefty:

I watched the same show - he IS consistent.

• "usually" no hearing protection
• NEVER uses any kind of splitter/riving knife
• No guard of any kind on the table saw
• No feather boards at all on the table saw
• The only hold-downs I've seen are the one/s he uses on his jointer/s

Having said all that - I guess he is so familiar with his tools, he knows what to watch for (I hope).

Just the same, many bad examples for newbies!

You missed one - as I recall he has a right tilt saw and he always makes a bevel cut with the fence on the right.