This document, created by woodworking tools expert, Les Winter, P.E., is intended to promote a technical dialog involving the components of a cabinet table saw. Details in this document may vary from…
Hand-held circular saw (“skil saw”), table saw and miter saw hand injuries are frequently caused by the same type of occurrence: Kickback. In this article, woodworking tools expert, Les Winter. P.E., discusses the fundamental of kickbacks - why they occur and how they can be prevented.
Subject: Hand Injuries Caused by Hand-Held Circular Saw, Table Saw and Miter Saw Kickbacks. Hand-held circular saw (“skil saw”), table saw and miter saw hand injuries are frequently caused by the same type of occurrence: Kickback. Kickback occurs when the teeth of the saw blade, moving at tip speeds of 120 miles-per-hour impart sufficient force to cause the workpiece to move in a violent and unexpected manner.
The cause of an incident can be reliably and scientifically determined by examining guarding, work support, body posture, proper warnings, instructions, training and other contributing conditions.
Illustration - Table Saw Kickback Scenario
A hazardous kickback situation can occur when boards are ripped and lumber is pinched between the blade and another point on the saw, such as a guide. This can also occur if the blade catches on an irregularity in the lumber. In either case, more resistance is required to move the lumber forward, than back, and the energy of the rotating blade forces the lumber in the opposite direction.
OSHA Saw Safety Tips
Kickbacks occur when the blade catches the stock and throws it back toward the operator. Kickbacks can result if the blade height is not correct or if the blade is not maintained properly. Kickbacks are more likely to occur when ripping, rather than crosscutting. Kickbacks also can occur if safeguards are not used or if poor-quality lumber is cut.
Additional Safety Measures
Source: (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/machineguarding/saws.html)
Our experts are regularly retained in casework involving lacerations, amputations, and deaths that are associated with the use or misuse of saws and other woodworking tools. The scope of our investigations can include equipment operation and maintenance as well as various safety features, such as guards, protective equipment, and flesh sensing technology units (sawstop).
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This document, created by woodworking tools expert, Les Winter, P.E., is intended to promote a technical dialog involving the components of a cabinet table saw. Details in this document may vary from…
This document, created by woodworking tools expert, Les Winter, P.E., is intended to promote a technical dialog involving the components of a contractor table saw. Details in this document may vary…
This article is intended to provide an introduction into the injuries most commonly associated with miter saws, as well as information on available safety equipment/features. Miter Saws A miter saw is…