This tip and guide video was created by Jeff and Jon from Today’s Craftsmen. It covers a series of must-know safety and technique tips for using a table saw, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience.
Table saws are one of the most powerful and versatile tools in any woodworking shop. But without proper habits, they can also be one of the most dangerous. Jeff and Jon walk through practical advice to help woodworkers work smarter and safer with this essential tool.
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Tip 1: Use Wooden Push Sticks
Plastic push sticks may come standard with most saws, but they’re not the safest option. If they contact the blade, they can shatter and send debris flying.
Wooden push sticks made from plywood or MDF are a much better choice. They’re safer, more durable, and easier to customize. Jeff recommends using a design that nests in the fence for stability—plans for these are widely available online.
Tip 2: Push Stick Positioning
Having a push stick isn’t enough—you also need to use it correctly. A common mistake is placing it too far from the blade, which can allow the workpiece to rotate or drift from the fence.
To maintain control, position your push stick just behind the blade and apply pressure both forward and toward the fence. This reduces the chance of kickback and ensures a smoother, straighter cut.
Tip 3: Maintain a Steady Feed Rate
Stopping mid-cut can lead to burn marks, especially on longer boards or hardwoods. A wobbling blade combined with a pause in feed rate often leaves unsightly marks and can even stall the saw.
Jeff and Jon suggest a two-handed technique—use one hand to push from the back and the other to guide the workpiece along the fence. Reposition as needed to maintain forward momentum while keeping your hands safe.
Tip 4: Follow Safe Hand Placement and Body Positioning
Never place your hands near the blade or within the perimeter of the throat plate. If the material starts drifting or slipping, do not reach across the blade to fix it.
Instead, complete the cut, turn off the saw, and safely reposition the board afterward. Always stand to the left of the blade so that if kickback does occur, you’re not in its path.
Tip 5: Upgrade the Miter Gauge with an Auxiliary Fence
The miter gauge is a helpful tool for crosscuts, but it can be limited. Adding an auxiliary fence improves control by increasing the reference surface.
This upgrade also allows for zero-clearance support, which prevents tear-out. For even more precision and safety, Jeff and Jon suggest building a full miter sled, especially for small parts or repetitive cuts.
Tip 6: Avoid Cutting Small Pieces the Wrong Way
One rule to follow is never cut a piece that is shorter than it is wide using the fence. This setup often leads to tipping or pinching, which can result in serious kickback.
Instead, use the miter gauge or a sled to safely guide small workpieces. If the cut feels awkward, it’s a sign you need a better setup for safety and control.
Tip 7: Think Ahead and Stay Focused
Working safely with a table saw isn’t about rushing through tasks. It’s about preparation, consistency, and understanding your tools.
Jeff and Jon emphasize thinking critically about every cut—especially when dealing with unusual shapes, thin stock, or long boards. Taking the time to plan your approach pays off in both quality and safety.
A Better, Safer Table Saw Experience
With the right techniques, your table saw becomes more than just a power tool—it becomes a trusted part of your workflow. These tips from Today’s Craftsmen are a great reminder that woodworking is about more than just skill—it’s also about working smart.
Whether you’re building furniture, cutting down sheet goods, or trimming joinery, these habits can help you avoid common mistakes and stay confident at the saw.
Please support Jeff and Jon by visiting their website: https://todayscraftsmen.com/.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Jeff and Jon really nailed the fundamentals here. That tip about wooden push sticks is spot-on — I cringe every time I see someone using those flimsy plastic ones that come with new saws. A good push stick should feel like an extension of your hand, and wood gives you that control while being much safer if things go wrong.
The body positioning advice is crucial too. Standing to the left of the blade isn’t just about kickback — it also puts you in a better position to see your cut line and maintain good control throughout the entire operation. I’ve noticed that newer woodworkers often crowd the right side of the saw, which creates all sorts of problems with visibility and safety.
That rule about not ripping pieces shorter than they are wide using the fence is one of those things that seems counterintuitive until you think about it. Small pieces want to tip and bind, and when they do, they can turn into projectiles faster than you can react. A crosscut sled or miter gauge keeps everything stable and predictable.
The steady feed rate tip deserves emphasis too — those burn marks aren’t just cosmetic. They’re often a sign that the blade is working harder than it should, which can lead to premature dulling or even more serious issues. Consistent pressure and movement keep everything running smoothly.