Replies

1. 
   billyg83440 | Jun 12, 2003 10:38pm | #1

   Everything I've ever read about kickback lists this as one of the commone ways to get it. Have probably seen dozens of warnings to never drop a board down onto a moving saw blade. But, like you have done it before, though not anymore.

   When the board pushes down onto the blade usually the blade will cut into the board. But, there's also a good chance that the saw teeth will just dig in a bit and violently push the board away. If the board gets cocked at all, or is held loosely the likelyhood of board tossing goes up.

   I did read one tablesaw technique book where the author showed how to do this safely. He clamped the board in start position. Raised the blade into the board. Released his toggle clamp while holding the board with the other hand. Pushed it to stop position. Kneed his off switch then removed the board when the saw stopped. he also used featherboards to hold the board down and to the fence. Even then he recommended using a router table to do this if one was available.

   In answer to your question. Yes it is stupid. . . . . . . . and done all the time.<G>

1. 
   jimmyk | Jun 12, 2003 10:44pm | #2

   Hmmm...I do it all the time on the router table, but never have on the table saw. Not sure I'd call it "stupid", maybe not very safe. Putting a stop on both ends of the fence so you can't go to far and have your fingers pulled into the cutter might make things a bit safer.

2. 
   Steinmetz | Jun 12, 2003 10:59pm | #3

   Can be done safely,  if done with multiple small passes and two fences to guide the work.

   The additional fence is a length of straight wood clamped to the table (3x3) and perfectly parallel to the 'real' fence'. Note: as the previous poster suggested, raise the cutter at start of each new pass whilst the machine is running, Clean out any accumulation of packed saw dust/shavings periodically. Stein.

2. 
   Lilshaver | Jun 12, 2003 11:50pm | #4

   That procedure was stupid.

   I've done it, many years ago. Never again.

   If you are doing anything that gives you pause......don't do it.

   You were lucky. Very lucky........

3. 
   BG | Jun 13, 2003 02:01am | #5

   Tough Crowd.....wow ! You guys hardley/rarely agree on anything...at least we have consensus.

   Seriously, thanks, I suspected it was foolish but ..in a hurry...shallow cut, blah, blah, blah...stupid is stupid.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 13, 2003 06:59am | #7

   BG, it's not only kickback that's dangerous in situations like this.  Besides the danger of flying stock, there's also the danger of your hand being pulled into the spinning blade in many kickback situations.  If you just can't resist doing something .... shall we say "questionable" ... at least use push blocks when you're doing it!

   I had a conversation last year with a  guy who once worked in a cabinet shop.  He came oh-so-close to cutting off his fingers, if not part of his hand, when a piece of plywood got to rotating for some reason.  His hand went right over the top of the blade, but the plywood had lifted so he was spared by the mere 1/64" or so of plywood that was between his skin and the blade.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   RoyinMD | Jun 13, 2003 07:49pm | #12

   Friday the 13th, I wouldn't try it again tonight and anytime for that matter.

   I agree its dumb, maybe even dumberer because you have a router and table. And we are a tough crowd :o) because we care for safety.

   OK, I admit it, I've done it with a wobble dado and regular table saw blades. Only a few times now and then and only after thinking it out and well placing a couple of featherboards.

   I think I'll TRY and get alittle smarterer.

   Enjoy, Roy

4. 
   RW | Jun 13, 2003 05:01am | #6

   I'm late, but what an opportunity to talk about a guy I know with only a pinky and a thumb on his right hand. Wanna guess how that happened? Man, that'll put a damper on your afternoon.

   "The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb "      lyrics by Roger Waters

5. 
   camel | Jun 13, 2003 03:39pm | #8

   Safety smafety I've been doing it for years. I need a good reason to get some time off.

   John E. Nanasy

1. 
   BG | Jun 13, 2003 04:37pm | #9

   All,

   I was just looking at a woodworking mag and realized why I had the issue in the first place...I should have used a 'Haunch' design ..that would have avoided the risk taking. Again, thanks

6. 
   Len | Jun 13, 2003 05:01pm | #10

   Use a router next time. I've seen some really nasty accidents in my time.

   Now go buy a lotto ticket. No reason to let that luck go to waste.

   Len

1. 
   BG | Jun 13, 2003 05:48pm | #11

   Len,

   I thought the very same thing about the lotto ticket..except in reverse, I have used up all my luck..and dollar would be wasted...lol

1. 
   nmdan | Jun 14, 2003 05:45am | #13

   BG

    my thumb is just now healing up from doing that very same thing. kind of flat on the top now.     3/8s datto scard the he ll out of me .        sure made m stop for the rest of the  night

   Daniel

    work safe