Understanding Kickback

[dusty]

It is very important that we understand the hazards that exist in our shops. There are many. Most of them we don't talk about. The one that we seem to talk about the most is kickback. The attached video is a demonstration that I would never be a part of. However, it is informative.

The kickback demonstrated in this video shows the work piece getting out of control and riding up on the blade.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7sRrC2Jpp4[/youtube]

What you also need to be aware of is what happens to that piece between the blade and the fence. The instant the cut is completed, if that piece is not under your control, the blade will control it. The blade will tend to shoot that piece right off the front of the table into your gut.

PS: I feel that the Shopsmith is a bit more hazardous that standalone table saws because the table top is higher. Being higher, short people like me must work more diligently to maintain that so important control. Furthermore, that piece that shoots back hits you higher up on the torso. More likely to break bones rather than just bruise belly fat.

[wa2crk]

The best safety tool in the shop is the one between your left and right ears. Make sure IT is in gear before the power tools are in gear!!
Bill V

[artlinux]

Thanks for the video post Dusty. It never gets old being reminded of the value of safe work practices.

I see that the video did not show the use of hearing or vision protection either!

[JPG]

He wasn't wearing a hazmat suit either!

[thezman007]

[dusty]

thezman007: I am uncertain as to what you are attempting to say there.

[JPG]

EEK! times 28. . . .

[westevenssr]

Thanks for the posting. I would never had the nerve to deliberately attempt what you did, though I have had kick back accidentally from using a fence and ripping wood that was warped and did bind. Now I use a piece of wood fence with the warped board clamped to it so I have a nice straight edge to go down the rip fence. I am considering buying a riving knife after watching the video a second time.

[JPG]

Thanks for the posting. I would never had the nerve to deliberately attempt what you did, though I have had kick back accidentally from using a fence and ripping wood that was warped and did bind. Now I use a piece of wood fence with the warped board clamped to it so I have a nice straight edge to go down the rip fence. I am considering buying a riving knife after watching the video a second time.

A belated Welcome to the forum!

Your first two posts give a glimpse of what you have to offer.

Keep em coming!!!!!

[Eddiemeboy]

That is a very scary video! After watching this I will spend extra time making sure the blade guard is installed correctly and I under how to use it before I use the saw.