Table Saw Safety: Riving Knives, Fences, and Push Sticks

The table saw is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in any workshop - but it's also among the most dangerous. A single lapse in attention or poor setup can result in severe injuries, kickback, or ruined material. Fortunately, understanding and using key safety components - such as riving knives, fences, and push sticks - can drastically reduce risk and improve cutting precision.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about table saw safety. You'll learn how each component works, best practices for setup and operation, and how to choose the right equipment. We'll also compare 10 popular table saw models from major brands, with their pros, cons, prices, and user feedback, to help you find the safest and most reliable tool for your workshop.

Why Table Saw Safety Matters

Every year, thousands of woodworkers visit emergency rooms due to table saw accidents - most caused by kickback and finger contact with the spinning blade. Even seasoned professionals can become complacent. Safety isn't about paranoia; it's about consistent habits and using the right accessories.

Common Risks

• Kickback: When wood pinches or binds against the blade, it's violently thrown back toward the operator.

• Blade Contact: Fingers or hands come too close to the blade, often during freehand cutting.

• Binding or Burning: Poor fence alignment or dull blades cause friction, leading to dangerous jerks.

• Poor Support: Cutting large panels without outfeed support increases instability.

Each risk can be minimized by using proper guards, maintaining sharp blades, and never removing essential safety components.

Key Safety Components Explained

1. Riving Knife

A riving knife is a thin piece of metal positioned directly behind the saw blade. Its job is to prevent the wood from closing in on the blade during a cut - a common cause of kickback.

How It Works:

• Moves up and down with the blade.

• Stays close (usually 1/4 inch or less) to the blade's rear teeth.

• Keeps kerf open so wood doesn't pinch the blade.

Advantages of Riving Knives:

• Reduces kickback drastically.

• Allows through cuts and non-through cuts without removal.

• Doesn't interfere with blade guards.

2. Table Saw Fence

The fence guides the workpiece parallel to the blade, ensuring straight, accurate cuts.

Safety Role:

• Prevents wood from drifting into the blade at an angle.

• Provides consistent width cuts.

• When aligned correctly, it reduces binding and burning.

Always ensure your fence is perfectly parallel to the blade and use a featherboard to maintain steady pressure.

3. Push Stick and Push Block

A push stick or push block keeps your hands away from the blade while feeding material through. They are essential when cutting narrow boards.

Types:

• Traditional Push Stick: For general ripping tasks.

• Push Block: For large panels or dado cuts.

• Push Paddle: For very thin strips.

Best Practices:

• Always use a push stick when your hand would come within 6 inches of the blade.

• Keep firm, even pressure on the board's top and side.

• Replace worn or damaged push sticks immediately.

Other Critical Safety Accessories

• Blade Guard: Transparent shield that covers the blade.

• Anti-Kickback Pawls: Teeth-like arms that grip the wood if it moves backward.

• Featherboards: Hold material against the fence to prevent chatter.

• Outfeed Tables: Support long boards exiting the saw.

• Dust Collection: Keeps workspace clear and prevents slipping hazards.

General Table Saw Safety Rules

1. Wear eye and ear protection.

2. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry.

3. Use proper stance - feet apart, body slightly to the side of the blade path.

4. Never reach over a spinning blade.

5. Disconnect power before blade changes.

6. Inspect blade alignment before every use.

7. Keep the table clean of debris or offcuts.

8. Maintain sharp blades - dull teeth are more dangerous than sharp ones.

Proper Setup for Safety and Accuracy

Kickback Prevention Strategies

• Use a riving knife and splitter - never remove them.

• Never cut warped or twisted wood.

• Stand slightly to the side of the blade path.

• Keep a firm grip but don't force the cut.

• Never use the miter gauge and fence together for crosscuts (creates pinch point).

Types of Table Saws and Safety Differences

Comparing 10 Popular Table Saw Models

Model Highlights and Reviews

1. SawStop PCS175

Pros: Industry-leading safety system - blade stops instantly upon skin contact. Excellent precision and dust collection.
Cons: High price.
Customer Review: "Worth every dollar. The peace of mind and build quality are unmatched."

2. DeWalt DWE7491RS

Pros: Superb fence accuracy, portable, easy to store.
Cons: Slightly noisy at startup.
Customer Review: "Best jobsite saw I've owned. The fence system is dead-on accurate."

3. Bosch 4100XC-10

Pros: Gravity-rise stand makes it ultra-portable.
Cons: Blade guard removal requires care.
Customer Review: "Setup takes seconds. Cuts are clean, fence locks solid."

4. Delta 36-725T2

Pros: Contractor-grade quality, heavy cast iron top for stability.
Cons: Large and heavy for small shops.
Customer Review: "Once calibrated, this thing cuts like a dream."

5. RIDGID R4514

Pros: Great for beginners, solid safety guards.
Cons: Noisy and less refined.
Customer Review: "Solid value for weekend projects. Fence stays aligned."

6. Powermatic PM1000

Pros: Professional-grade precision and smooth operation.
Cons: Premium pricing.
Customer Review: "Runs like silk, feels rock solid. You can't go wrong with Powermatic."

7. Skilsaw SPT99T

Pros: Worm drive provides powerful torque for ripping thick lumber.
Cons: Smaller table area.
Customer Review: "Compact but powerful. Cuts through oak with ease."

8. Makita 2705X1

Pros: Easy-to-use safety guard system, accurate cuts.
Cons: Larger footprint for a jobsite saw.
Customer Review: "Makita quality all around - setup is quick and intuitive."

9. Jet ProShop II

Pros: Hybrid construction offers cabinet-level accuracy.
Cons: Assembly takes time.
Customer Review: "Very smooth operation. Once dialed in, it's whisper quiet."

10. Grizzly G0771Z

Pros: Perfect balance of power and cost.
Cons: Needs fine alignment on delivery.
Customer Review: "Incredible value. Feels like a pro saw at half the price."

Safety Accessories Comparison Table

Maintenance for Long-Term Safety

1. Clean and wax the table surface monthly to reduce friction.

2. Check fence alignment regularly with a square.

3. Inspect blade for warping or resin buildup.

4. Lubricate moving parts (elevation and tilt mechanisms).

5. Replace worn throat plates - gaps near the blade increase risk.

Using Push Devices Correctly

• Always apply pressure forward and downward, not sideways.

• Keep two push sticks: one for narrow rips, one for wide stock.

• Avoid overextending - use an outfeed table instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Removing the riving knife for convenience.

• Freehand cuts without the fence or miter gauge.

• Standing directly behind the blade path.

• Using dull or incorrect blades.

• Overreaching or cutting without full board support.

Workshop Environment Tips

Key Takeaways

• The riving knife is your best defense against kickback.

• Proper fence alignment ensures safe, smooth cuts.

• Push sticks are mandatory for narrow stock.

• Always work from a stable stance, never freehand.

• Respect the machine - attention and patience save fingers.

Conclusion

A table saw is an essential tool for any serious woodworker - but safety always comes first. Understanding and consistently using riving knives, fences, and push sticks not only prevents accidents but also improves cut quality and control.

Whether you're a DIY hobbyist or a professional craftsman, developing good safety habits turns your table saw from a potential hazard into a precision instrument. Remember: safety gear and correct setup are cheaper than hospital bills.