Standing to the right of the fence for Ripping

[drumpriest]

I am also a left sider, like Loring, for the same reasons, really. Left hand guides, right hand feeds, and a saw aid for finishing the cut.

[dkerfoot]

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to me that if your head is to the right of the blade, and to the left of the fence, it is in the path of a kickback. If your head is anywhere between the fence and the blade, it just sounds dangerous to me. I'm not trying to be difficult, but I am trying to understand how it could be different. If I'm missing something, someone please steer me straight. If I'm right, maybe someone else can avoid getting hurt. Either way, I'd like other opinions on this. Thanks.

Ed

If you watch videos of kick-back, with the fence to the right of the blade, the workpiece flies at a pretty good angle to the left - not straight back. My understanding is that the rear of the piece catches on the fence and the resulting rotation causes the angle of flight. The shape of the workpiece would probably have some effect on this, but I don't think I'll do any experimenting to find out!

I do think we all agree though - make sure you are comfortable and have good control of the workpiece and use a splitter or preferably a riving knife.
I am also a believer in having a blade guard on for all non-through cuts. And of course, wear eye and ear protection.