Replies

1. 
   Pete99353 | Jul 28, 2010 03:25pm | #1

   I'm not John White, but have a suggestion. I assume you are talking about a table saw. Adjust the rip fence so it is parallel to the blade or toes out away from the back of the blade about .002 or .003 inches. Use a splitter behind the blade. A splitter needs to be easy to install and remove so you will reach for it when making rip cuts. Make some biggish comfortable push sticks that can put pressure on top of the board as well as behind it. And always keep the board being ripped pressed against the fence until it is safely past the splitter.

   Since I bought a Mag-Switch feather board my Grip-Tite sits in a dark corner gathering dust. Get the Mag-Switch. My board buddies just seem to get in the way of my push sticks so they sit in a drawer.

   By the way, if you do experience kickback be prepared to see the most amazing colors develop as your bruises mature.

   Pete

2. 
   GregoryPaolini | Jul 30, 2010 06:56am | #2

   Kickback

   Dennis,

   I've used all of the devices, but I always like to stick with the basics.  As stated previously, make sure the saw is well tuned.  I go through a tune up atleast once a year, or when ever my saw is not performing like new.

   Make sure your blade is parallel to your miter slots, and we're talking parallel into the thousandths of an inch.  then make sure your fenc is parallel to that.  As stated before, toeing the fenc out just a touch at the back of the blade will provide a little more insurance.  Then utilize simple splitters (you can make your own in a zero clearence insert), and simple feather boards.  The grip tite feather board makes things pretty convienient because there's no clamping, but it doesn't do anything that a plain shop made feather board with a clamp or two can't do.

   And finally, always think about where you're positioned.  Make sure your body is out of the line of fire, and that your hands are not in a position to be drawn or pushed into a blade, should kick back occur. 

   Hope this helps,