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Stesso

Rip Cut Safety: Push Stick and Riving Knife

0:58
1:51
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At 0:58 in

Table saw how to

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What happens here

Before making any rip cut, ensure you have a push stick (or push block) readily available. Never push the workpiece through the blade with your bare hands, especially when the cut is narrow. The push stick keeps your hands safely away from the spinning blade. Additionally, always make sure your table saw's riving knife is installed and properly aligned. The riving knife is a safety device located behind the blade that prevents the cut wood from pinching the blade, which can lead to dangerous kickback.

Goal: Implement essential safety measures for rip cuts.

Tools and materials

  • Push Stick — Safely pushing the workpiece through the saw blade, keeping hands clear
  • Riving Knife — Preventing the workpiece from pinching the blade and causing kickback
  • Table Saw RIDGID — The tool being operated

What they say

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eighth because the blade is an eighth inch thick. Blade's plumb, set at the correct height, we have our fence measured correctly. Always use a push stick. Push stick, push block, whatever. Don't put your hands anywhere near the blade and be safe. Also, your riving knife. This riving knife causes the material to open up in the back so it doesn't pinch on your blade. So, let's rip this.

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