ASTM E3280-22

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3280 − 22
Standard Guide for the
Safe Use of Table Saws
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3280; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This guide provides information promoting the safe use
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
of table saws based on recommended practices in the United
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
States, but may not reflect practices outside of the U.S. This
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
guide includes the following activities:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1.1 Installation;
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1.2 Setup;
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1.3 Operation; and
1.1.4 Maintenance.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This guide is intended to be used by table saw operators
2.1 ASTM Standards:
as well as employers who utilize table saws in their operations.
E1542 Terminology Relating to Occupational Health and
1.3 This guide applies to the use of electric motor-operated,
Safety
cord-connected, or permanently connected table saws intended
2.2 OSHA Standards:
for cutting wood and analogous materials, plastics, and non-
29 CFR 1910.213 Woodworking Machinery Requirements
ferrous metals except magnesium, used in the following
OSHAPublicationNo.3157 AGuideforProtectingWorkers
applications:
from Woodworking Hazards
1.3.1 Consumer;
2.3 ANSI Standards:
1.3.2 Industrial; and
ANSI/ISEAZ87.1 American National Standard for Occupa-
1.3.3 Commercial (for example, governmental, educational,
tional and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection
or business).
Devices
ANSI/UL 62841-3-1 Electric Motor-Operated Hand-Held
1.4 This guide does not apply to:
Tools, Transportable Tools and Lawn and Garden
1.4.1 Handheld tools;
Machinery—Safety—Part 3-1: Particular Requirements
1.4.2 Table saws with an automatic feeding device;
for Transportable Table Saws
1.4.3 Table saws fitted with abrasive wheels for cutting or
ANSI/UL 987 Standard for Stationary and Fixed Electric
surface finishing;
Tools
1.4.4 Tablesawsintendedtocutferrousmetals,magnesium,
or both;
3. Terminology
1.4.5 Table saws with more than one spindle such as for a
scoring blade; and
3.1 Definitions:
1.4.6 Sawmills. 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to
Terminology E1542.
1.5 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are
3.2.1 anti-kickback device, n—a device that allows the
included in this standard.
movementoftheworkpieceinthecuttingdirectionbutreduces
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E34 on Occupational Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
Health and Safety and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E34.10 on Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
Industrial Safety. For referenced ANSI standards, visit the ANSI website, https://
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. DOI: webstore.ansi.org, and the UL Standards Sales Site https://
10.1520/E3280-22. www.shopulstandards.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3280 − 22
the likelihood of the rapid movement of the workpiece in the adjustableextendedrivingknife.Theextendedrivingknifecan
direction opposite of feed. be adjusted to a non-through cutting position.
Discussion—Definitions of specific types of anti-kickback
3.2.2.4 overhead blade guard, n—a hood-type barrier en-
devices are given in 3.2.1.1 – 3.2.1.8.
closing the saw blade.
Discussion—The hood barrier is not attached to a splitter/
3.2.1.1 featherboard, n—spring-like fingers that are in con-
tact with the workpiece. spreader or an extended riving knife, but can be suspended
from the ceiling or held by a supporting arm or a stand-alone
Discussion—The fingers are designed to allow unobstructed
device.
movementoftheworkpieceinthefeeddirectionandtoprovide
Discussion—The riving knife and the anti-kickback devices
a restraining force on the workpiece in the opposite direction.
are mounted to the table saw under the table top.
3.2.1.2 kickback pawls, n—an anti-kickback device attached
Discussion—An overhead blade guard is also known as an
to a splitter/spreader or an extended riving knife.
overarm blade guard.
3.2.1.3 one-directional roller, n—an anti-kickback device
3.2.3 cutting capacity, n—the height of the highest saw
typically attached to a rip fence.
blade tooth tip above the table top for the particular depth
3.2.1.4 riving knife, n—a device located behind and in the
setting of the saw blade at 0° bevel position.
plane of the saw blade, within the cutting capacity of the saw
3.2.4 fence, n—a device to locate/guide the workpiece
blade and in a fixed proximity to the saw blade through an
during the cutting process.
entire depth of cut and bevel angle operating range of the saw
Discussion—Definitionsofspecifictypesoffencesaregiven
blade,withanintendedfunctiontoreducetheriskofsawblade
in 3.2.4.1 – 3.2.4.6.
pinching and binding.
3.2.4.1 auxiliary fence, n—a stationary spacer used in con-
Discussion—Definitions of specific types of riving knives
junctionwitharipfencetohelpavoidtheinterferencebetween
are given in 3.2.1.5 – 3.2.1.7.
a blade guard and the rip fence.
3.2.1.5 adjustable extended riving knife, n—a device de-
3.2.4.2 cross cutting fence, n—a fence with the workpiece
signed to function at least in one position as an extended riving
guiding surface perpendicular to the cutting device or set to a
knife and in a second position as a riving knife.
miter angle with respect to the cutting device and designed to
3.2.1.6 extended riving knife, n—a device in all aspects
moveparallelwiththeplaneofthesawbladeduringthecutting
identical to a riving knife, except it extends above the maxi-
process or to position the workpiece for a table saw with
mum cutting capacity of the saw blade to allow the mounting
sliding function.
of a saw blade guard or an anti-kickback device, or both.
3.2.4.3 rip fence, n—a fence that has the workpiece guiding
3.2.1.7 fixed extended riving knife, n—an extended riving
face parallel with the plane of the saw blade and can be set to
knife that is fixed in position.
a desired distance from the saw blade.
3.2.1.8 splitter/spreader, n—a device located behind and in
3.2.4.4 sacrificial fence, n—any fence, except for the fence
the plane of the saw blade, extending above the cutting
supplied with the table saw, that may be cut by the cutting
capacity of the saw blade through the entire depth of cut and
device during the desired operation.
bevel operating range of the saw blade.
3.2.4.5 tall auxiliary fence, n—anadditionalguidingsurface
Discussion—This device is also commonly known as a
which is attached to the rip fence and provides additional
spreader.
guidance and stability to the workpiece standing on its edge
3.2.2 blade guarding system, n—a system of safety devices
during “resawing” and “raised panel” cutting operations.
that jointly function to provide barrier protection, as well as
3.2.4.6 temporary fence, n—a fence-like workpiece guiding
chip and other debris deflection at or near the saw blade area
device, typically used for cove cutting, that is temporarily
and kerf separation and help maintain workpiece alignment,
fastened to the table top such that the workpiece guiding face
and restraint in the event of kickback.
of this fence is not parallel with the plane of the saw blade.
Discussion—Definitions of specific types of guarding sys-
3.2.5 fixture, n—a fixed device to locate and hold the
tems are given in 3.2.2.1 – 3.2.2.4.
workpiece in the desired position so operations can be per-
3.2.2.1 3-in-1 blade guard, n—an assembly that consists of
formed without guiding or supporting the workpiece by hand.
a hood-type barrier which encloses the sides and top of the saw
Discussion—The fixture’s design is typically dependent
blade, a splitter/spreader, and an anti-kickback device.
upon the shape of the workpiece, the operation being
performed, or both.
3.2.2.2 manually adjustable blade guard, n—a blade guard
that does not open in response to the advancing workpiece and
3.2.6 freehand cut, n—any through cut or non-through cut
requires manual adjustment for the material thickness being
performed where the workpiece is guided through the saw
cut.
blade only by the operator’s hands, without any guiding
devices (for example, a cross cutting fence, rip fence, fixture,
3.2.2.3 modular blade guard—consists of an extended riv-
or hold-down device) to keep the workpiece from twisting
ing knife, self-adjusting sides of the saw blade barriers, a fixed
during the cut.
top of the saw blade barrier, and an anti-kickback device.
Discussion—The saw blade barriers and the anti-kickback 3.2.7 jig, n—a moveable device to locate, hold, and guide
device are independently secured (removable) to/from an the workpiece in the desired position so operations can be
E3280 − 22
performed and to provide grasping area(s) that keep the 3.2.13.3 dovetail cut, n—a series of miter or bevel cuts, or
operator’s hands a safe distance from the cutting tool. both, to form an interlocking feature of fingers or channels to
Discussion—Jigs can be referred to as templates or forms join two boards.
and can be used to guide or limit the relative positions of the
3.2.13.4 kerfing cut, n—a series of repeated cuts of same or
workpiece and the cutting tool.
different depth and spacing from each other, performed with an
ordinary saw blade, to remove material for the purpose of
3.2.8 kerf thickness, n—a distance between two parallel
shaping or bending the workpiece.
planesthataretouchingtheopposingsidesofatleastthreesaw
blade tooth tips.
3.2.13.5 molding head cut, n—a cut performed with a
specially shaped cutting device which produces a mirror image
3.2.9 kerf width, n—a breadth of the channel cut out by the
shape of the cutter on the cut surface of the workpiece,
saw blade in the material being cut.
predominantly used for decoration.
Discussion—Kerf width is typically a few thousands of an
3.2.13.6 plunge cut, n—starting the cut at a location other
inch larger than the kerf thickness of the saw blade.
than at the edge of the workpiece.The cut is performed by first
3.2.10 kickback, n—a sudden reaction to a pinched,
securing the workpiece over the stationary saw blade lowered
jammed, or misaligned workpiece with respect to the saw
below the table top and then slowly raising the rotating saw
blade, which causes the workpiece to be propelled by the saw
blade into the workpiece.
blade.
Discussion—The saw blade may be raised to fully cut
through the thickness of the workpiece before the workpiece is
3.2.11 manual workpiece feeding device, n—a handheld
device designed to assist an operator in advancing the work- advanced by guiding it with a rip fence.
piece during the cut while providing a safe distance between
3.2.13.7 pocket cut, n—a cut consisting of a sequence of
the operator’s hand(s) and the cutting tool.
intersecting plunge cuts to make an opening in the workpiece.
Discussion—Definitions of specific types of manual work-
3.2.13.8 rabbet cut, n—a two-sided notch (typically rectan-
piece feeding devices are given in 3.2.11.1 – 3.2.11.3.
gular) that is open to the edge or end of the surface into which
3.2.11.1 push block, n—a handheld device with a handle on
it is cut.
top to keep the workpiece against the table top and a heel or
3.2.13.9 raised panel cut, n—a beveled rip cut of a panel
notch at the bottom rear end that transfers the feeding or
standing on its edge or a cove cut performed at the edge of the
control force, or both, of the operator to the trailing edge of the
panel’s surface situated on the table top.
workpiece, mostly used in non-through cutting situations.
Discussion—In either case, the saw blade intersects the
panel’s edge but not the entire panel’s thickness dimension.
3.2.11.2 push pad, n—a handheld device with a handle on
top to keep the workpiece against the table top and a friction
3.2.13.10 resawing cut, n—a combination of two cuts per-
pad on the bottom that transfers the feeding or control force, or
formed with an ordinary saw blade in the same plane but on
both, of the operator to the workpiece, mostly used in non-
opposite edges of a workpiece that results in reducing the
through cutting situations.
thickness of the workpiece.
3.2.11.3 push stick, n—a handheld, stick-like device with a 3.2.14 reasonably foreseeable misuse, n—the predictable
use of facilities, equipment, or materials in a way not intended
handle on the back end and a heel and toe-type notch at the
front end to feed the trailing edge of the workpiece, mostly by the designer, but which may result from readily predictable
human behavior.
used in through cutting ripping operations.
3.2.15 safe distance, n—a distance that, under ordinary
3.2.12 maximum cutting capacity, n—the cutting capacity at
cutting where the workpiece is advanced by hand in accor-
the maximum depth setting of the saw blade and, unless
dance with the instructions provided with the table saw and
otherwise specified, at 0° bevel.
safe working practices, reduces the likelihood of a saw blade
3.2.13 non-through cut, n—any cutting operation where the
contact accident.
cutting device does not extend (protrude, penetrate) through
Discussion—For a majority of table saw systems, a 6 in. or
the thickness of the workpiece.
more hand to blade separation is considered to be a safe
Discussion—Definitions of specific types of non-through
distance.
cuts are given in 3.2.13.1 – 3.2.13.10.
Discussion—When using jigs or other work helpers, a safe
distance is dependent on the design of the device.
3.2.13.1 cove cut, n—guiding a workpiece over an ordinary
saw blade at an angle other than parallel to the cutting line of
3.2.16 saw blade, n—a material-removing device that cuts
the saw blade, and in very small increments, increasing the
through the workpiece.
depth of the cut after each pass to shave off large, arcing
Discussion—See Appendix X1 for more information on saw
surface areas.
blades such as kerf thickness, tooth profile design, and selec-
tion criteria.
3.2.13.2 dado cut, n—a cut performed with a dado set or
Discussion—Definitions of specific portions of the saw
dado blade of a desired thickness to produce an essentially
blade are given in 3.2.16.1 – 3.2.16.3.
rectangular-sided notch or trough in the workpiece.
Discussion—A dado cut made parallel to the grain of the 3.2.16.1 front quadrant, n—saw blade quadrant where the
wood is also known as ploughing. blade teeth rotate down into the table top.
E3280 − 22
3.2.16.2 quadrant, n—a portion of the saw blade above the 3.2.19.6 miter cross cut, n—a cross cut performed with the
plane of the table top that is divided by an imaginary line workpiece guiding surface of a miter gauge or of a cross
extending up from the arbor and perpendicular to the table top. cutting fence set to a miter angle other than 90° to the saw
blade line of cut.
3.2.16.3 rear quadrant, n—saw blade quadrant where the
blade teeth rotate up and out of the table top. 3.2.19.7 rip cut, n—any cutting operation performed utiliz-
ing a rip fence to guide a workpiece.
3.2.17 table insert, n—a removable portion of the table top
Discussion—For natural wood, a cut is performed predomi-
to facilitate the changing of the saw blade, adjustments of the
nantly in a parallel direction with the grain of the wood; for
riving knife, or both, and having a specific size slot opening to
engineered materials, a cutting operation is performed parallel
allow for a standard saw blade protruding through the insert.
with the length of the workpiece.
Discussion—Definitions of specific types of table inserts are
given in 3.2.17.1 and 3.2.17.2.
3.2.19.8 simple (or square) cross cut, n—a cross cutting
operation performed with a saw blade and a workpiece guiding
3.2.17.1 dado table insert, n—a table insert having a spe-
surface of a miter gauge or of a cross cutting fence set to 90°.
cific size slot opening to allow for a dado blade set or molding
head protruding through the insert.
3.2.19.9 tapered cut, n—a cut performed utilizing a jig to
holdtheworkpiecesuchthatthestraightedgeoftheworkpiece
3.2.17.2 zero-clearance table insert, n—a table insert that is
is at tapered, non-parallel angle to the cutting line of the saw
manufactured without any slot for the saw blade, with the
blade. The jig is guided by the rip fence or a miter gauge slot.
intention that the slot in the table insert will be cut after
installation in the table saw by the actual saw blade installed in
4. Significance and Use
the table saw.
3.2.18 table top, n—surface of the table saw supporting the 4.1 This guide is intended to provide guidance on the safe
operation of table saws.
workpiece.
Discussion—Definitions of specific table top portions are
4.2 This guide deals with hazards relevant to table saws
given in 3.2.18.1 and 3.2.18.2.
when they are used as intended by the manufacturer and under
3.2.18.1 infeed side, n—the portion of the table top where
conditions of reasonably foreseeable misuse.
the workpiece is approaching or is in contact with the front
4.3 Table saws are multi-purpose tools, configurable for
quadrant of the saw blade, where the saw blade rotates down
multiple uses/operations. This document describes the ac-
into the table top.
cepted best practices for safe operation of the tool.
3.2.18.2 outfeed side, n—the portion of the table top where
4.4 This guide does not and is not meant to supersede safety
the workpiece is exiting or is in contact with the rear quadrant
instructions provided in manufacturers’ product use instruc-
of the saw blade, where the saw blade rotates up and out of the
tions or manuals.
table top.
3.2.19 through cut, n—any cutting operation where the saw
5. Operator Qualifications and Training
blade extends (protrudes, penetrates) through the thickness of
5.1 It is highly recommended that a person who operates a
the workpiece.
table saw should be medically and physically capable to do so
Discussion—Definitionsofspecifictypesofthroughcutsare
and have no impairment that prevents the safe use of table
given in 3.2.19.1 – 3.2.19.9.
saws.
3.2.19.1 bevel cross cut, n—a cross cutting operation with a
saw blade at bevel angle other than 90° to the table top surface. 5.2 Appropriate safety training for any table saw operation
is highly recommended for both occupational users and con-
3.2.19.2 bevel rip cut, n—a rip-cutting operation with a saw
sumer users of table saws.
blade at a bevel angle other than 90° to the table top surface.
5.2.1 Training for occupational users is prescribed in OSHA
3.2.19.3 chamfering cut, n—a beveled rip cut or beveled
2254 Training Requirements in OSHA Standards; ANSI O1.1
cross cut performed at the edge of the workpiece such that the
Woodworking Machinery—Safety Requirements; and the
saw blade intersects the edge of workpiece side dimension and
manufacturer’suserinstructionmanualforthetablesawinuse,
the workpiece bottom surface that is situated on the table top.
which will include an evaluation by a qualified person and
3.2.19.4 compound angle cross cut, n—a cross cutting
other requirements deemed necessary by the employer.
operation performed with a saw blade and a workpiece guiding
5.2.2 Training for consumer users of table saws should be
surface of a miter gauge or of a cross cutting fence set to a
based on a thorough understanding of the manufacturer’s user
bevel or miter angle other than 90°.
instruction manual and mastering of the recommended table
saw operating procedures of the instruction manual and of this
3.2.19.5 cross cut, n—a cutting operation performed utiliz-
guide.
ing a miter gauge or a cross cutting fence to guide the
workpiece. 5.2.3 Additional materials concerning the training of the
Discussion—For natural wood, a cut is performed predomi- table saw operator may be utilized from resources, including:
nantly in a perpendicular direction to the grain of the wood; for ANSI(AmericanNationalStandardsInstitute);theAssociation
engineered materials, a cutting operation is performed perpen- of General Contractors (agc.org); OSHA; and the National
dicular to the length of the workpiece. Safety Council (nsc.org).
E3280 − 22
6. Installation Requirements 6.2.2 Some table saws may have a manually adjustable
blade guard, that is, the blade guard does not open in response
6.1 Work Area Requirements:
to the advancing workpiece. Such blade guards shall be
6.1.1 Table saws shall be installed in an area that will be
manually adjusted for the material thickness being cut to be no
kept clean and free of unnecessary clutter.
more than ⁄16 in. above the workpiece thickness. Follow the
6.1.2 Table saws shall be installed in an area with sufficient
manufacturer’s instructions for setting and locking the blade
lighting to allow good operator visibility of the table saw,
guard.
workpiece, and the surrounding area where the operator may
Warning—Do not set a manually adjustable blade guard
be working.
higher than recommended. A larger gap above the workpiece
6.1.3 Table saws shall be installed in an area where the
may allow the fingers to reach the saw blade. A manually
surrounding floor or ground is level and will allow for good
adjustable blade guard may be designed to reduce the magni-
operator footing and balance.
tude of a kickback by restraining the workpiece from being
6.1.4 Table saws shall be secured in a level and stable
lifted by the saw blade.
position so that it is unlikely that the saw will move or tip over
6.2.3 Table saw riving knives shall always be mounted and
during normal use, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
instructions. This may be achieved by mounting the table saw
6.3 Saw Blade Fitting Requirements:
on a support, fixing it to a bench or the floor, or other means.
6.1.5 Table saws shall be installed in an area that provides 6.3.1 Refer to Appendix X1 for guidance on selection of the
saw blade to be used.
enough room to easily handle the size of any anticipated
workpiece, keeping in mind that the size of the workpiece shall 6.3.2 Table saws shall always be used with saw blades that
are appropriate for the riving knife. For the riving knife to
not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.
6.1.6 Table saws shall not be permanently installed in an function properly, the saw blade diameter must match the
appropriate riving knife, the body of the saw blade must be
area that is exposed to rain.
6.1.7 Table saws shall be installed in an area where the thinner than the thickness of the riving knife, and the kerf
thickness of the saw blade must be wider than the thickness of
ambient conditions (for example, temperature and humidity)
are in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for the riving knife.
6.3.3 Table saws shall always be fitted with saw blades
operating the saw.
6.1.8 It is recommended that table saws be installed in an having the correct diameter of arbor holes, in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
area not subject to wet or damp conditions. If operating a table
saw in a wet or damp location is unavoidable and is allowed in 6.3.4 Table saws shall always be fitted with saw blades
having a saw blade diameter in accordance with the markings
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, either theAC
power supply or the table saw shall incorporate a listed on the saw.
6.3.5 Table saws shall always be fitted with saw blades that
ground-fault circuit interrupter for operator protection.
6.1.9 Table saws shall not be installed in an area with an are marked with a speed equal to or higher than the speed
marked on the saw.
explosive atmosphere, such as in the presence of flammable
6.3.6 Saw blades shall always be installed on table saws to
liquids, gases, or dust.
rotate in the proper direction.
6.1.10 Table saws shall be installed in an area that is
6.3.7 Saw blades shall be mounted on table saws using the
properly ventilated to control the airborne dust generated by
correct saw blade mounting means (for example, flanges or
the sawing process.
washers) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6.1.11 If a dust extraction system is used, it shall be
connected to the table saw in accordance with the manufactur-
6.4 Table saws shall not be fitted with bonded grinding or
er’s instructions.
cutting wheels, wire brushes, or abrasive diamond wheels.
6.1.12 AC power supply table saws shall be installed in an
area with an appropriate electrical outlet that has a socket type 7. Workpiece and Work Aids/Helpers
and rating in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7.1 General:
6.1.13 AC power supply table saws shall be connected to
7.1.1 Warning—Before any table saw operation, examine
the AC power supply in accordance with the manufacturer’s
the workpiece for imperfections such as workpiece being
instructions, including cabling, fusing, socket type, and
warped/bowed/twisted or workpiece with embedded foreign
grounding requirements.
objects and workpiece lacking a structural integrity to with-
6.1.14 AC power supply table saws that are mostly used to
stand the cutting process. Do not cut workpieces with these
cut metal shall incorporate a listed ground-fault circuit inter-
imperfections.
rupter protection for personnel in either the AC power supply
7.1.2 Workpiece aids/helpers such as push sticks, push
or the saw.
blocks, push pads, featherboards, jigs, and fixtures should
6.1.15 AC power supply table saws shall not be installed in
provide a substantial amount of safe distance between the hand
an area where the power cord may be subjected to excessive
and the saw blade in order to facilitate safe cutting conditions.
heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
When properly matched to the sawing operation, they can
provide enhanced control of the workpiece.
6.2 Table Saw Guard and Saw Blade Fitting Requirements:
6.2.1 All table saw guards shall be mounted and adjusted in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
E3280 − 22
7.2 Push Sticks: A shoe-type push block may not provide as much hand
clearance as a push stick when pushing the workpiece past the
7.2.1 Apushstickcanbeshopmade,purchased,orprovided
cutting tool.
by the table saw manufacturer. Many shapes/designs are
7.3.4.1 One variation of the shoe-type work aid/helper is a
commercially available.
block with an upright handle that straddles and slides along the
7.2.2 The general requirements for a push stick are as
rip fence (see Figure 10 of OSHAPublication No. 3157). This
follows:
type of push block functions like a push stick.
(1) It shall be made of a nonmetallic material, for example,
wood or plastic; 7.4 Featherboards and One-Directional Rollers:
7.4.1 A featherboard (also known as a comb) is a work-
(2) It shall provide a grasping area at the end opposite the
notch end; guiding and hold-down device incorporating a series of spring-
like fingers along one end. The device is held securely against
(3) Itshallbelongenough(typicallyatleastthreetimesthe
table saw maximum cutting capacity from the notch to the the table or rip fence during any ripping operation, with the
spring-like fingers guiding and holding the workpiece down on
nearest point of the grasping area) to keep the hand at a safe
distance from the saw blade during use; and thetabletoporagainsttheripfence,orboth.Featherboardsare
used with push sticks or push pads/push blocks, or combina-
(4) It shall be strong enough to withstand breakage during
use. tions thereof, to help control the workpiece, maintain a guided
cut,reducethepotentialforkickback,andtoallowthetooluser
NOTE 1—For typical table saws having a saw blade diameter of 8 in. to
to keep his/her hands a safe distance from the cutting tool.
12 in., the strength of the push stick should be commensurate to the saw
7.4.2 Featherboards are especially useful when ripping
blade diameter, that is, 90 to 140 lb of force.
small or narrow workpieces and for completing non-through
7.2.3 For the purposes of this guide, devices used to push
cuts.
the top or side edge, or both, of a workpiece against a rip fence
7.4.3 The use of featherboards or suitable jigs is required by
are not considered push sticks. See 7.4.
OSHA when a standard guard cannot be used, as in dadoing,
7.2.4 The use of push sticks is required by OSHA when
grooving, jointing, molding, and rabbeting (see 29 CFR
cutting small workpieces and pushing stock past the blade (see
1910.213(a)(15)).
29 CFR 1910.213(s)(9)).
7.4.4 Featherboards can be shop made or purchased. Many
shapes/designs are commercially available.
7.2.5 OSHA does not specify push stick requirements.
Specific, quantitative requirements can be found in ANSI/UL 7.4.5 The ends of all fingers of a featherboard shall be
linearly aligned and mitered.All fingers can be the same length
987 and ANSI/UL 62841-3-1.
or the fingers can be of varying lengths.
7.2.6 The operator shall use push sticks provided by a table
7.4.6 Featherboardsaresetatthemiteredfeatherboardangle
saw manufacturer or push sticks that meet any specific require-
to the workpiece and provide an anti-kickback type action.
ments provided in the operator/owner’s manual for the tool to
7.4.7 A one-directional roller is typically attached to a rip
be used.
fence and a high-friction rolling component is adjusted to press
7.3 Push Pads/Push Blocks:
on the workpiece. The one-directional roller allows the work-
7.3.1 A push pad or push block should not be utilized in a
piece to move in the cutting direction, but will provide a
manner that causes the operator’s hand holding it to travel
resistance to a motion of the workpiece in the opposite
directly over the saw blade when making a cut, unless it is
direction.
specifically designed for such an operation and provides an
7.5 Cross Cutting Sleds:
equivalent guarding function from the hazard of the rotating
7.5.1 A cross cutting sled is a jig-type workpiece holding
saw blade. It is recommended that push pads or push blocks be
and guiding device that is typically guided by rails that fit in
used only on areas of the workpiece that cover (that is, are
miter gauge slots, generally employed to accurately cross cut
supported by) the saw’s table top.
material of a size or configuration that is not easily cut with a
7.3.2 A push pad or push block can be shop made or
standard miter gauge. These devices may vary in size and
purchased. Many shapes/designs are commercially available.
configuration, and can be purchased commercially or, more
7.3.3 General requirements for a push pad or push block,
commonly, fabricated in a workshop. See Fig. 11.
except for the shoe-type work aid/helper described in 7.3.4, are
7.5.2 A workshop-fabricated cross cutting sled is generally
asfollows:(1)itshallprovideahandleabovethework-holding
constructed of a flat panel (the workpiece support surface) that
block with sufficient grasping area for an entire hand, and (2)
isfittedwithasetofbottomrailsandtwoparallelverticalrails,
any fasteners used to secure the handle to the block shall be
one at the front and one at the rear. The bottom rails are
recessed above the bottom surface of the block. Rubber-like
installed in line with the table saw miter gauge slots and serve
bottom coverings for enhanced gripping of the workpiece are
to guide the flat panel from the infeed side of the saw table top
recommended.
to the outfeed side during the cutting operation. The rear
7.3.4 A shoe-type push block is a type of work aid/helper vertical rail, the rail closest to the operator, is referred to as the
that incorporates a long sole that pushes down on the work- fence and functions to support the workpiece during the cut.
piece and a heel that engages the rear edge of the workpiece. The front or outfeed side rail stabilizes the flat panel and
Thistypeofdeviceusuallyincludesahandletoprovidecontrol providesrigiditytotheassembly.Thewidthofthesledmustbe
and clearance between the operator’s hand and the saw blade. designed to accommodate a minimum of 6 in. hand clearance
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from the saw blade cut line. Both the front and rear rails shall 8.1.1.5 The procedure described below applies to pull-type
haveaheightthatisgreaterthanthemaximumcuttingcapacity table saws, provided that the saw blade sliding mechanism is
lockedintherip-cuttingposition;italsoappliestoslidingcross
of the table saw. To limit saw blade exposure during use, the
cuttingtablesaws,providedthattheslidingtablemechanismis
sled assembly shall be fitted with a clear, impact-resistant (for
locked.
example, polymeric) saw blade cover that spans the front and
rear rail at least 2 in. to both the left and right of the saw blade
NOTE 3—Pull-type saws are also known as “push-pull saws.”
and a box-style wood exit guard at the surface of the rear rail,
8.1.1.6 For table saws with a sliding cross cutting table and
which is closest to the operator, which effectively shields the
forpull-typetablesaws,itisrecommendedthatthemechanical
protruding portion of the blade as it passes through the rear rail
operations of the sliding table and/or the setup of the cross
at the completion of the cut.
cutting fence (as applicable) be performed in accordance with
7.5.3 A cross cutting operation employing the sled is ac- the instructional guidelines contained in the owner’s manual
complished by first adjusting the saw into a non-through for the table saw.
cutting configuration (in accordance with the operator’s
8.1.2 PPE Requirements and Dust Control Systems:
manual) and then placing the sled on the saw’s table top with
8.1.2.1 Eye/face and hearing protection shall be used during
the bottom rails engaged in the miter gauge slots. The
the sawing operation.
workpiece is placed on the sled table against the interior
8.1.2.2 Respiratory protection or a dust extraction system
surface of the rear rail with the intended cut line aligned with
attached to the table saw, or a combination thereof, is highly
the saw blade. The workpiece is then secured against the
recommended for indoor installations.
interior surface of the rear rail, either by some accessory
clamping means or by employing one or both hands either to
8.1.3 Work Aids/Helpers, Tools, and Fixture Requirements:
the left or right side of saw blade.
8.1.3.1 Push stick, Fig. 1, or a push pad that is suitable for
the particular operation.
NOTE 2—Securement of the workpiece against the fence is dependent
8.1.3.2 Clamps and featherboard, Fig. 2.
upon workpiece positioning on the sled and the cutting operation to be
performed. It is recommended that a minimum 6 in. hand clearance from
8.1.3.3 Narrowstripcuttingauxiliaryfenceandnarrowstrip
the rotating saw blade be maintained throughout the cut.After starting the
cuttingpushblock,seeFigs.3and4,forcuttingstripslessthan
saw blade motor, the sled is advanced by the steady application of hand
2 in. wide. In this subsection, these two work helpers will be
forcetowardtheoutfeedsideofthesaw’stabletopthroughthecompletion
simply referred to as an auxiliary fence and as a push block.
of the cut. It is recommended that the saw blade motor be shut down and
8.1.3.4 Outfeed, infeed, or side workpiece support or com-
the saw blade rotation stopped before clearing cut material from the sled
binations thereof, required for a long and/or a large panel
table.
workpiece where the mass of the overhanging portion of the
7.5.4 The rear rail may be fitted with clamps, end stops, and
workpiece is greater than the mass resting on the table top at
angle fixtures for supplemental workpiece support, repetitive
any time during the cutting process.
cutting, and cutting miters and joints.
8.1.3.5 Straightedge rule or carpenter/machinist square.
8.1.3.6 Carpenter’s pencil or marker.
8. Instructional Guidelines for Safe Table Saw Cutting
8.1.3.7 Featherboard or a one-directional roller.
Operations
NOTE 4—The push block construction illustrated in Fig. 4 is for a fence
positioned on the right-hand side of the saw blade.
8.1 Rip Cuts:
NOTE 5—The horizontal base of the auxiliary fence and of the push
block is made out of ⁄8 in. thick plywood and the vertical portion of these
8.1.1 Scope:
8.1.1.1 Arip cut is any through-cutting operation performed
utilizing a rip fence to guide a workpiece. For natural wood, a
cut is performed predominantly in a parallel direction with the
grainofthewood;forengineeredmaterials,acuttingoperation
is performed parallel with the length of the workpiece.
8.1.1.2 A bevel rip cut is a rip-cutting operation with a saw
blade at a bevel angle other than 90° to the table top surface.
8.1.1.3 The described procedure is applicable to table saws
fitted with a standard saw blade.
8.1.1.4 Operators performing non-through rip cuts, that is,
operations utilizing a rip fence to guide the workpiece, such as
cuts made during rabbeting, resawing, or kerfing operations,
will benefit from reading this subsection. However, the instruc-
tionsinthissubsectionconcerningtheimplementationofblade
guards, auxiliary fences, and push blocks, as well as depth of
cut settings, do not apply to non-through rip cuts. FIG. 1
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8.1.5 Use of Guard, Riving Knife, and Anti-Kickback De-
vice:
8.1.5.1 The riving knife, barrier guard(s), and anti-kickback
device(s) or a 3-in-1 blade guard shall be used when perform-
ing rip-cutting operations.
8.1.5.2 Table saws with a manually adjustable blade guard
shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions. Also, see 6.2.2.
8.1.5.3 For table saws with an overhead blade guard, the
guarding system shall be used in accordance with the manu-
facturer’s instructions.
8.1.6 Measurements and Layout for Rip Cuts:
FIG. 2
8.1.6.1 Arip cut is predominantly a sizing operation; that is,
the workpiece is cut to the required width dimension when the
rip fence is set to the desired distance from the rip fence side
saw blade tooth tip.
8.1.6.2 Inordertoperformaripcutsafely,itisessentialthat
the table saw and its components are set up properly.
8.1.6.3 The saw blade shall be parallel with the miter gauge
slots of the table top. Adjust the saw blade if any measurable
discrepancy of ⁄32 in. or greater is detected.
8.1.6.4 The rip fence shall be parallel with the saw blade.
With the saw blade elevated to the maximum cutting capacity,
the distances between the fence side of the saw blade tooth tip
and the workpiece guiding surface of the rip fence at the front
andattherearofthesawbladeshallbeidentical.Adjusttherip
fence if any measurable discrepancy of ⁄32 in. or greater is
detected.
FIG. 3
NOTE 6—The fence parallelism should be checked at a few rip fence to
saw blade settings.
NOTE 7—The fence parallelism is likely to be influenced by how the
fence was moved to the desired position. If the fence is moved by holding
the workpiece supporting arm over the table top, then the arm of the fence
may be biased in the direction of the fence adjusting movement.
Therefore, whenever adjusting the rip fence, always move the rip fence
only by holding the T-square head and either pushing toward or pulling
away from the table top (depending on your fence construction) while
sliding the rip fence to the right or to the left. Lock the fence before
making the saw blade to fence measurements.
8.1.6.5 The table saw blade guarding system shall be
installed. The riving knife or the spreader shall be aligned
within the kerf thickness of the saw blade. The saw blade
barrier guard(s) shall move (open) by advancing the workpiece
and the blade guard(s) shall not bind and shall return to be in
contact with the table top, once the workpiece is removed
(except for manually adjustable blade guards).
FIG. 4
8.1.6.6 Whenever possible, the desired finished workpiece
devices is made from ⁄4 in. hardwood.
dimensionshallbesituatedandadvanced(pushed)betweenthe
rip fence and the saw blade and the cut-off portion of the
8.1.4 Saw Blade Selection: workpiece is on the non-fence side of the saw blade:
8.1.4.1 Install a sharp rip-cutting saw blade with a medium (1) When the rip fence to the saw blade dimension is
tooth count. greater than 6 in., the workpiece may be advanced (pushed) by
8.1.4.2 The saw blade body thickness must be less than the hand;seeFig.5.Thehandthatcorrespondstotheripfenceside
thickness of the riving knife (or thickness of the 3-in-1 blade of the saw blade and is advancing the workpiece by applying
guard spreader) while the kerf thickness of the saw blade is the push force between the fence and the saw blade will be
wider than the riving knife (or thickness of the 3-in-1 blade referred to as a “feeding hand.” The other hand, which is
guard spreader). guiding the cut-off side of the workpiece and keeping the
workpiece in full contact with the rip fence, will be referred to
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advanced (pushed) by hand until the trailing end of the
workpiece is even with the front edge of the table top; see Fig.
5.At this point, a suitable push stick, see Fig. 6, is engaged to
finish the cut.The feeding hand that is corresponding to the rip
fence side of the saw blade is holding the push stick and is
advancing the workpiece by applying the push force between
the rip fence and the saw blade. The guiding hand is guiding
the cut-off side of the workpiece on the side of the saw blade
that is opposite of the rip fence location, and keeping the
workpiece in full contact with the rip fence. The guiding hand
shall contact only the workpiece in front of the saw blade and
shall never be positioned to the side or behind the saw blade!
The push stick shall have a minimum separating distance from
the closest portion of the hand grip to the workpiece notch of
at least three times the maximum cutting capacity of your table
FIG. 5
saw and shall be strong enough for the size of the workpiece
being cut.
(3) When the rip fence to the saw blade dimension is less
than 2 in., the push stick may interfere with the blade guarding
system. For this narrow strip cutting situation an auxiliary
fence, see Fig. 7, is fastened to the rip fence and a push block,
see Fig. 8, is used to advance (push) the workpiece.
(a) Fasten the auxiliary fence to the rip fence and adjust
the distance between the workpiece guiding surface of the
auxiliary fence and the fence side of the saw blade tooth tip at
the front and at the rear of the saw blade to be identical and
equal to the desired finished workpiece strip width.
(b) Pushing by hand, advance the workpiece until the
trailing end of the workpiece is even with the front edge of the
table top. At this point, engage the push block with the
workpiece to complete the narrow strip cut; see Figs. 7 and 8.
(4) Theplacementofthefeedinghandorofapushstick(or
a push pad) to advance (push) the workpiece should always be
a safe distance from the blade guarding system, but in most
FIG. 6
safe situations the force should be applied approximately at the
midpoint between the rip fence and the saw blade. If the force
is applied close to the rip fence, the workpiece may be
“steered” away from the rip fence possibly increasing the
jamming side load on the rear quadrant of the saw blade, thus
increasing the likelihood of kickback.
8.1.6.7 For rip cuts, featherboards should be used whenever
reasonably possible. Featherboards provide more consistent
FIG. 7
as a “guiding hand.” The guiding hand sh
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