Stop
Kickback can throw wood or your hand into the blade at high speed; never disable the riving knife or blade guard, and always use a push stick for narrow cuts.
Symptoms
- Wood suddenly shoots back toward the operator
- Loud bang and workpiece flies off the table
- Happens most with ripping narrow stock
- Blade seems to grab the wood unexpectedly
Likely causes
- CommonFence not parallel to the bladeA fence angled even slightly toward the blade pinches wood as it feeds.
- CommonMissing or misaligned riving knife/splitterThis part keeps the kerf open behind the blade to prevent pinching.
- CommonFreehand cutting without the fence or a guideWandering material can twist and bind against the blade.
- PossibleCutting warped or twisted lumberStock that isn't flat can pinch the blade unpredictably.
- PossibleStanding directly behind the blade's line of fireThis doesn't cause kickback but greatly increases injury risk when it happens.
What to do
- Check that the fence is parallel to the blade using a tape measure at the front and back of the blade.
- Confirm the riving knife or splitter is installed, aligned, and the correct thickness for the blade's kerf.
- Always use the fence or a miter gauge to guide the cut; never cut freehand.
- Stand slightly to one side of the blade's cutting line, never directly behind it, while feeding material.
- Use a push stick for narrow rips so your hands stay well clear of the blade.
- Inspect lumber for warping or internal stress before ripping it, and avoid ripping badly twisted boards on the table saw.
Tools and parts
- Table saw with riving knife
- Tape measure
- Push stick
- Miter gauge
When to call a pro
If the fence can't be adjusted parallel or the riving knife won't align correctly, have the saw serviced before using it further.
Safety
Stop
Kickback can throw wood or your hand into the blade at high speed; never disable the riving knife or blade guard, and always use a push stick for narrow cuts.