I'm curious about people's real-life experiences with kickback on table saws, as I've been feeling anxious using mine (a Craftsman 113), even when following all safety precautions like using a splitter and push sticks. Although I haven't encountered kickback myself (and I hope I never do), I've read that it's one of the most common risks and can be really dangerous. I'm looking for stories where kickback occurred: what you were doing, what might've caused it, and what you learned from it. I think sharing these examples can really help all of us woodworkers be more aware of the risks and warning signs.
3 Answers
I once experienced a small kickback while ripping wood on my Rigid table saw, which doesn’t have a riving knife. I was using a Microjig Gripper and stood clear of the blade. The offcut flexed and the blade hit it, shooting it back and denting my garage door. Thankfully, I had avoided serious injury by using safety tools and doing practice cuts without the blade running. It was a big reminder to always be aware!
Yeah, I've had a pretty nasty kickback experience. I run a family cabinet shop and about three years ago, I was cutting a small piece with a Sawstop. It kicked back and hit me right in the ribs, breaking three of them and bruising my lung. It doesn't matter how safe your table saw is; things can still go wrong!
I had a pretty wild incident too. I was cutting plywood when the offcut vibrated and hit me in the face. I managed to get my hand up just in time; it left half my hand numb for an hour! I learned to always keep my eyes on what I'm cutting and not take my focus away. After that, I took it easy for the day and watched some TV instead.
That’s so lucky! Usually, you don’t see it coming until it’s too late.