99% of Beginners Don’t Know These Table Saw Mistakes to Avoid!

When it comes to woodworking, the table saw is one of the most powerful — and dangerous — tools in your shop. Whether you're using a high-end SawStop or a budget-friendly jobsite saw, safety should always be your top priority. Unfortunately, many beginners don’t realize the risks they’re taking until it’s too late. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support!

In this guide, we’re breaking down 14 table saw mistakes you should avoid at all costs, followed by 5 essential tools that make your cuts safer and more accurate. Stick around until the end for one piece of safety gear almost nobody talks about — but could save your life.

14 Common Table Saw Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Wearing Loose Clothing or Accessories

Loose sleeves, hoodie strings, or even bracelets can get caught in a spinning blade. Always remove anything that dangles before turning on your saw.

2. Misaligned Blade or Fence

If your blade isn’t perfectly parallel with your miter slots or fence, you’re asking for trouble — like inaccurate cuts and dangerous kickbacks. Use a combination square to dial in your alignment.

3. Incorrect Blade Height

There’s no need to have your blade sticking an inch above your workpiece. Ideally, set it so the gullets are just above the wood — typically about 1/8” to 3/8”.

4. Using a Dull Blade

A dull blade forces you to push harder, increasing the chance of binding and kickback. Keep your blades sharp and clean.

5. Removing the Riving Knife

That little piece of metal behind the blade is crucial. It prevents freshly cut wood from pinching the blade, a major cause of kickback.

6. Ignoring the Blade Guard

Yes, it gets in the way sometimes. But whenever possible, use your blade guard. It includes anti-kickback pawls and adds a vital layer of protection.

7. Cutting Twisted or Bowed Wood

Trying to rip warped lumber is a surefire way to bind your blade or get a kickback. Use a jointing jig or flatten your stock first.

8. Making Freehand Cuts

Never — and I mean never — cut on the table saw without the fence or a sled guiding the wood.

9. Standing in the Line of Fire

Always stand to the left of the blade, never directly behind your workpiece. That way, if kickback occurs, it doesn’t hit you.

10. Using a Push Stick Too Early

Wait until your board is mostly on the table before switching to a push stick. Using one too early can cause instability and kickback.

11. Grabbing the Offcut Near the Blade

Don’t reach across the blade to remove offcuts. Let them fall or use your push stick to move them away after the saw is off.

12. No Outfeed Support

If your board tips off the back of the saw, you might be tempted to catch it — which can lead to serious injury. Use a roller stand or outfeed table.

13. Not Using a Zero Clearance Insert

This simple accessory helps prevent small offcuts from falling into the blade slot and becoming projectiles.

14. Using Fingers Near the Blade

Never use your fingers to push the cut when near the blade. Use a push block or a thin-rip jig instead.

“If It Don’t Feel Right in the Gut, Don’t Make the Cut.”

You read that right. Your instincts are one of your best safety tools. If a cut feels sketchy — stop. Step back, reassess, and find a safer way. There’s no rush in woodworking that’s worth losing a finger.

5 Must-Have Tools for a Safer Table Saw Experience

1. Featherboards

Bow Featherboards are a game-changer. They keep your stock snug against the fence and help prevent kickback. Always mount them before the blade, not after.

2. Push Sticks & Blocks

Ditch the cheap plastic push sticks. Invest in (or make) better ones like the Bow push stick, or the Microjig GRR-RIPPER for maximum control and hand safety.

3. Thin-Rip Jigs

For ripping narrow strips safely, nothing beats a dedicated jig like the Microjig ThinRip Guide. Avoid cramming your hands near the blade.

4. Crosscut Sled or Quality Miter Gauge

A crosscut sled offers unbeatable accuracy and safety. If you're not ready to build one, try a reliable miter gauge like the Incra V27.

5. Outfeed Support

If space is tight, try the BOW Fence Extender or a simple roller stand. Outfeed support keeps your material from tipping — and your hands away from the danger zone.

PPE You Need (But No One Talks About)

• Safety Glasses – Protect your eyes from flying debris.

• Hearing Protection – Table saws are loud enough to cause permanent damage over time.

• Dust Mask – Fine sawdust is a serious health risk. We recommend the RZ M2 or M3 mask.

• Tourniquet – Yes, really. If the worst happens, a CAT tourniquet could save your life. Keep one near your saw and know how to use it. Learn here.

Table Saws I Recommend (From Budget to Best-in-Class)

Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading your woodworking setup, choosing the right table saw can make a huge difference in both performance and safety. Here are a few models I personally recommend based on experience, reliability, and value:

🔹 Skil 10-Inch Table Saw — Best Budget Option

If you're a beginner or working with a tight budget, this Skil saw offers impressive power and precision for the price. It's great for hobbyists or small project woodworkers who want solid performance without spending a fortune.

🔹 DeWALT Jobsite Table Saw — Proven and Reliable

The DeWALT Jobsite Saw is a workhorse. It’s built tough, easy to transport, and delivers consistently accurate cuts. This one’s perfect for those who need portability and proven reliability on the job or in a small shop.

🔹 SawStop 3HP PCS Cabinet Saw — Top-Tier Safety and Build Quality

This is the saw I personally use in my shop. The safety brake technology is industry-leading, but even beyond that, the build quality, precision, and power are outstanding. It’s ideal for serious woodworkers who want the best.

🔹 SawStop Jobsite Saw — Portable Safety Option

If you want SawStop’s legendary safety tech but need something more mobile and budget-friendly than the PCS model, this is a fantastic choice. It’s compact, accurate, and safer than most portable saws on the market.

Wrap-Up: Table Saw Safety Isn’t Optional

Woodworking should be fun and rewarding — not life-threatening. Every cut you make should be done with intention, focus, and the right gear. And remember:

If it don’t feel right in the gut… don’t make the cut.

For more woodworking tips, tool reviews, and shop safety must-knows, be sure to subscribe to 731 Woodworks on YouTube and check out our daily content at 731woodworks.com.

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