Kick Back Bad

[trackman]

This is what happens when you get in a hurry and think you can do it just this time

[Scrappile]

Yep, I know.....  hope  you didn't get hit.

[Sycamore67]

Does your saw have a riving knife or splitter?  For narrow rips, I use a Gripper to control it.  

[OCtoolguy]

My buddy had a similar thing happen to him. It was a 2x4 that kicked back and hit him square in the middle of his chest about the sternum area. He has a bruise that lasted for a long time. He learned his lesson.

 

[OCtoolguy]

3 minutes ago, Sycamore67 said:

Does your saw have a riving knife or splitter?  For narrow rips, I use a Gripper to control it.  

Larry, all I have a is a cheap Dewalt portable table saw but it still has a riving knife. The problem is it's held in place with 2 bolts and has a selection of shims to allow you to get it perfectly lined up with the blade. I tried to use it but it was a real pain to have to unbolt it for cross cuts. Any suggestions?

 

[Sycamore67]

They make a splitter that goes in the blade insert behind the blade.  Micro Jig makes one that is commonly used.

I have never heard of problems with a riving knife and cross cuts.  You can have problems with non thru cuts.

Too many times one hears that safety devices are too much of a pain to use.  Everyone makes their own choices.

In the above picture, the blade is set very low.  This can make it easier to have a piece climb over the back end of the blade and get launched.

[new2woodwrk]

I'm sure you guys all know about this, but for those that don't, here is a guard for saws without a riving knife or guard: https://www.thesharkguard.com/

[dgman]

Trackman is an experienced woodworker and I know he knew what he was doing and knows what he did wrong. I trust this was a learning experience.

[trackman]

16 minutes ago, dgman said:

Trackman is an experienced woodworker and I know he knew what he was doing and knows what he did wrong. I trust this was a learning experience.

Yes lucky that the only thing hurt is the window. I seen my high school shop teacher from 1967 couple of years ago. He had his right hand bandaged up like a mummy. He always talked safety to us kids. He said 86 years old first time table saw got him.  I was cutting a piece of 1/4 walnut 3/8” wide. Only need one, no need to set up a lot of safety stuff, right,  hummm on second thought  SAFETY FIRST as old shop teacher told his bunch of teenage boys. 

[Denny Knappen]

Happy that you didn’t get hurt.

[wombatie]

So glad it was only the window that got hurt.

Marg

[WayneMahler]

Glad it was just the window . Could have been much worse.  

[amazingkevin]

Scary!!!

[Foxfold]

OMG, how scary. So glad you came out unscathed.!!

[Bill WIlson]

These kinds of posts are always appreciated as reminders of what can happen.  Operating a table saw (or any other WW'ing equipment with sharp things moving at high speed) is sort of like driving a car.   Most of the time, it's safe and we get so used to it, that we sometimes can get complacent and then very bad things can happen.  Glad no blood was spilled.

[Oscar Myer]

I almost lost the tip of my right index finger on my jointer a few years ago.  I'm lucky.  The only scar it left behind is there's no more fingernail.  Since doing this I've developed a bit of fear when using my "toys."  I tend to think that this is a good thing because it keeps my mind on what I'm doing.

As for the table saw... I've only had one kick back over the years.  I was trying to rip a wet 2x4.  The saw doesn't like wet lumber.  I didn't get hit... but it sure made a bang when it hit the door.  It also left a good dent... another reminder to me to be extra safe.

Glad you weren't hurt.

/Oscar

[teachnlearn]

Is the window still in pane?

Glad your ok. RJF

[Ctutor]

You really should look into getting the" Grriper."  It stops thase things from happening.  Relatively cheeeeep for the protection it provides.

[danny]

I have really wanted The Gripper for a long time.  Table Saw just doesn't get used much anymore.  Always Scrolling.

So another sad happening for yas to read.  Yep  Did mess up with Cutting 2X4 And even though I THOUGHT I had

control of the wood....I Did Not.  Threw that piece of wood back and nicked my right Cheek.  Yes could of lost a Eye.

Anyway Yes if I get back into using it I WILL BUY ....THE GRIPPER....   Danny  :+}

[OCtoolguy]

14 hours ago, Ctutor said:

You really should look into getting the" Grriper."  It stops thase things from happening.  Relatively cheeeeep for the protection it provides.

I've looked at that thing more than once but I just can't see myself taking the time to set it up for every cut. I know I'm making more of it than I should but I don't have $75 laying around to buy one and find out I don't use it. I'd like to try one for a while just to see how it works out.

 

[teachnlearn]

7 minutes ago, octoolguy said:

I've looked at that thing more than once but I just can't see myself taking the time to set it up for every cut. I know I'm making more of it than I should but I don't have $75 laying around to buy one and find out I don't use it. I'd like to try one for a while just to see how it works out.

 

Any time a table saw is used, think through your cuts. Clear table, guides set that wood won't jamb or grab. Wood scanned for metal, checked for knots, warped? Where are your hands and body when you start and finish the cuts. Are jigs or clamps needed for a safe cut? Are you too tired and stop? REPETITION AND BOREDOM will get you. Keeping your brain clear and focused on the cuts can be hard and can lead to accidents.

Safety equipment is really hard to buy since it doesn't seem to do anything. I bought added safety electronic braking and hitching equipment when we bought our 16 foot cargo trailer. It cost me dearly, but it was activated 3 times on a extended trip, which we would have lost the trailer and rolled. Just takes the one time for a Sawstop to be triggered, or hitting a safety guide and realizing you would have lost your hand and the cost was worth it. RJF

[Sycamore67]

1 hour ago, octoolguy said:

I've looked at that thing more than once but I just can't see myself taking the time to set it up for every cut. I know I'm making more of it than I should but I don't have $75 laying around to buy one and find out I don't use it. I'd like to try one for a while just to see how it works out.

 

I am sorry you feel that way but it is all too common. People do not have the time to do it safely.  I have and use the Grippper  all the time.  It takes a few seconds to adjust.

[OCtoolguy]

17 minutes ago, Sycamore67 said:

I am sorry you feel that way but it is all too common. People do not have the time to do it safely.  I have and use the Grippper  all the time.  It takes a few seconds to adjust.

Thanks Larry. Don't get me wrong. I would like to try one first. I have watched the video and it looks easy but there just seems to be too many moving parts and add-ons. I don't know anybody who has one that I could see/feel/try. I like the idea though.

[Sycamore67]

It isn't the Gripper that caught my interest but the comment and idea that it takes too much time to do it safely.  People need to take the extra time to do it safely.

This thread is a prime example of not taking the time to do it safely.  He was extremely fortunate that he was not badly hurt.  A few extra seconds can save one from a world of hurt.

[OCtoolguy]

41 minutes ago, Sycamore67 said:

It isn't the Gripper that caught my interest but the comment and idea that it takes too much time to do it safely.  People need to take the extra time to do it safely.

This thread is a prime example of not taking the time to do it safely.  He was extremely fortunate that he was not badly hurt.  A few extra seconds can save one from a world of hurt.

On that I agree. I must have worded my reply badly.