Table Saw Mistakes to Avoid for Safer, Cleaner Cuts

April 15, 2023

Watch The Video Here

If you spend any time around a table saw—whether you’re a weekend warrior or a daily woodworker—there’s one truth you can’t ignore: it only takes one mistake to ruin your day (or your hand).

Over the years, I’ve seen it all. I’ve made some of these mistakes myself, and I’ve watched others learn the hard way. So I put together this list of 21 table saw mistakes you should absolutely avoid—not just to get better cuts, but to stay safe and keep all your fingers.

(that is a real x-ray after Jimmy DiResta's table saw accident)

1. Skipping the Riving Knife

If your saw came with a riving knife and you're not using it, stop right now and put it back on. This simple piece of metal is your best defense against kickback.

2. Skipping the Zero-Clearance Insert

Without one, small offcuts can fall into the blade and shoot back at you. Get or make a zero-clearance insert, or at least use a strip of fast cap tape.

3. Standing In the Line Of Fire

Kickback is the most common injury you can get at the table saw! Make sure you’re standing off to either side and NOT directly behind your piece to ensure you’re out of the way in the case of a kickback.

4. Having The Wrong Tooth Count

Ripping? Use a low-tooth-count blade. Cross-cutting? Use a fine-tooth blade. Mixing them up leads to burns, tear-out, and extra danger.

5. Not Setting The Blade Right

The higher your saw blade is set, the more risk! Don’t set your blade height any higher than you have to. For most situations, I recommend setting your blade so the top most gullett alights with the top of the material. (Inspire Woodcraft has a great video on setting the right height if you want more information)

6. Setting Blade Height While The Saw Is Running

A misaligned blade won’t just give you bad cuts—it creates friction, heat, and kickback risk. Check it with a square or alignment gauge.

7. Not Cleaning The Blade

Increased friction on the blade can lead to more than just poor cut quality, it can be dangerous. Cleaning your blade is cheap and easy, I use a $5 degreaser from Walmart and a paint bucket lid.

8. Installing the Blade Backwards

It may seem silly, but this happens! You want the teeth of the blade facing you. Most blades have a directional indicator on them as well.

9. Wrong Shop Layout

Position your saw so nobody can “sneak up” behind you! An inadvertent interruption could lead to a surprise hospital visit.

10. Neglecting the Surface

Taking the time to treat the surface of your table saw will allow for smoother cuts and prevent any rust buildup on the surface! Take the time, it’s worth it. I love this Carbon Coat from Carbon Method http://t.ly/Uc2M Slick is Safe!

These aren't the only safety tips in the video! Watch it here to see them all

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Clean Cuts

If you’re like me, you want smooth, accurate cuts—but not at the cost of your safety. Table saws are incredibly powerful and useful, but also unforgiving if misused.

Every single mistake on this list has sent someone to the ER, and a few of them have sent people home with fewer fingers than they started the day with.

Stay sharp, stay safe, and build smarter—not riskier.