This safety-focused video was created by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft.
It’s a deep dive into practical table saw safety based on decades of real experience in the shop.
Jodee shares his personal stories, the habits he relies on every day, and the lessons he learned the hard way.
This isn’t a checklist of generic tips—it’s a guide to staying in control, minimizing risk, and working smarter with one of the most powerful (and dangerous) tools in woodworking.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jodee’s channel:
A Wake-Up Call That Changed His Approach
Jodee’s safety mindset was shaped by two incidents early in his woodworking life. First, a piece of wood kicked back from the saw and hit him in the chest. Not long after, a friend had a serious injury using the same saw.
Those moments pushed him to change how he worked. He began focusing on proper setup, smarter habits, and consistent awareness at the saw—not just getting through the cut.
Foundational Habits Before the Saw Turns On
Most accidents happen because of small oversights. Jodee emphasizes the importance of pre-cut habits that reduce risk:
- Wear eye and hearing protection—every time.
- Keep the floor clear of debris or cords, and wear stable shoes.
- Unplug the saw or use the switch key when adjusting the machine.
- Lower the blade when stepping away, especially if others might use the shop.
- Recognize fatigue—both physical and mental—and take breaks to reset focus.
Dress and Posture: The Small Things Add Up
Loose clothing, long hair, and items hanging from your pockets can all catch on fast-moving blades. Jodee keeps things simple: tight sleeves, no jewelry, and pockets empty of rough stock.
When using the saw, he stands solidly on both feet and avoids leaning over the tool. Instead, he lets his arms control the feed, keeping his torso back and out of the line of fire.
Three Key Alignments: Blade, Table, Fence
The geometry of the saw matters. Jodee explains that accurate, safe cuts depend on proper alignment between the blade, fence, and tabletop.
- A parallel blade and fence ensures smooth rip cuts.
- For crosscuts and square work, everything should align to a shared reference plane.
- Misalignment causes binding, drift, and can lead to kickback or poor cuts.
Riving Knives, Splitters, and Blade Guards
Many kickback accidents are caused when a board pinches the blade from behind. That’s where riving knives and splitters come in.
- A riving knife moves with the blade height and keeps the kerf open.
- A splitter (found on older saws) is fixed behind the blade but less adaptable.
- An overhead guard adds shielding and another layer of protection, though many woodworkers remove them for convenience.
Jodee admits he often worked without a guard but is now leaning toward keeping it installed on future setups.
Understanding Kickback vs. Ejection
Not all thrown stock behaves the same. Jodee distinguishes between:
- Kickback, where the board lifts and flips back at the operator after catching a tooth.
- Ejection, where the piece is shoved out the back without flipping.
Both are dangerous. Pinched kerfs, twisted boards, misaligned fences, and inconsistent feed pressure all increase the odds. Riving knives, stable setups, and deliberate feed paths reduce the risk.
Blade Height, Straight Edges, and Safe Cuts
Jodee prefers setting the blade height just a tooth or two above the workpiece—enough to cut cleanly, but not so high that more steel is exposed than necessary.
Always establish a straight reference edge before making rip cuts. Bowed or twisted stock can bind mid-cut, so either joint one edge or use a temporary straight edge taped to the workpiece.
Push Tools That Keep Your Hands Safe
Push tools are essential for narrow rips and small stock. Jodee walks through the options:
- Basic push sticks are quick and simple.
- Push blocks add control and downward pressure, especially useful with short or small parts.
- Gripper-style tools (like Microjig GRR-RIPPERs) provide full control over thin rips, keeping hands far from the blade.
The most important detail is how the tool is used—Jodee recommends using them in a way that maintains pressure against the fence, keeping a consistent feed path.
Crosscutting and Sled Safety
Crosscuts require a different setup:
- Never use the fence and miter gauge at the same time.
- A sled or miter gauge provides better control and accuracy.
- Use a stop block or sacrificial fence to avoid trapping offcuts between the blade and fence.
Jodee also recommends adjusting for bowed stock so it opens away from the blade rather than pinching as it flattens.
Distance and Control
Some safety guides talk about keeping your hands a specific distance from the blade. Jodee prefers a practical approach: work where you have total control.
Use push blocks, keep your fingers anchored against a known surface like the fence, and never let your hands cross over the kerf line.
Small Habits That Add Up
Jodee shares several tips from his own routine:
- Lower the blade when not in use.
- Use lockout switches when others are around.
- Make repeatable stops with clamped blocks that allow offcuts to fall away cleanly.
- If a cut sounds wrong—smoking, screeching, or slowing—stop and investigate.
He also builds sleds and jigs that support both the workpiece and offcut to avoid imbalance during the cut.
Final Thoughts: Respect Over Fear
Jodee’s message is clear—don’t fear your tools, but don’t treat them casually either. A respectful approach is built from experience, reflection, and good habits.
Each woodworker’s routine might look a little different, but the goal is always the same: stay in control, keep learning, and build safely.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.