Table saw missing riving knife/blade guard (2024)

FAQs

Does a table saw need a guard? ›

In a manufacturing shop, the OSHA General Safety Orders mandate guards and anti-kickback devices be installed on table saws.

Riving knives are also fitted to some hand-held electrical circular and powered miter or cross-cut saws (known generically as "chop saws"). As of 2008, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requires that all new table saw designs include a riving knife.

With the guard removed, certain types of injuries become more likely, such as: While reaching behind the blade to steady a workpiece with his left hand, a kickback throws the workpiece towards the operator, drawing his hand backwards, along with the workpiece, through the unguarded blade.

Employees must shut off and disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters. Guards and other safety devices must not be removed or defeated.

There is a high risk of being struck by projectiles from the blade or material being cut. Causes of projectiles include: the blade is excessively worn or damaged. the guard is missing or is not operating properly.

Belt-driven saws with exposed belts and pulleys should be guarded with a sturdy cover over the belts and pulleys. OSHA has specific rules for table saw guarding that are described in 29CFR1910. 213 and 1926.304. In general, blade guards are required on table saws whenever ripping or cross-cutting is done.

Never reach over the saw to obtain something from the other side. When shutting off the power, never attempt to stop the saw quickly by shoving anything against the blade. Make sure the saw has stopped before leaving it. Never make any adjustments to the saw while it is running.

I will say this again: a riving knife PREVENTS most of the kick backs from even taking place. A sensor only prevents a bloody outcome while also increasing the frequency of kickback in the first place... For folks that removed the riving knife the sensor is a nice addition.

Even though a riving knife is effective in reducing the possibility of a kickback, it cannot prevent it entirely, which is why it is always advisable to follow the basic rules of use for a table saw.

Kickback is a major hazard with table saws, occurring when the piece of wood being cut gets pinched between the saw blade and the rip fence. This causes the wood to be forcefully ejected back towards the operator at a high speed. It can happen very quickly and unexpectedly, posing a significant danger to the user.

What is the metal piece behind the blade on a table saw? ›

The riving knife is the thin piece of metal that's mounted directly behind your table saw blade. It's slightly thinner than the table saw blade, letting it ride in the kerf of a board as it's cut (the kerf is the space of waste removed by the blade). Riving knives are critical to avoiding kickback.

On a track saw, the riving knife projects below the saw's base when the plunge mechanism is engaged, and it serves to keep the kerf of the cut open behind the blade. This way, should the workpiece's kerf close up during cutting, due to stresses in the material, it can't pinch the blade and lead to a dangerous kickback.

Never defeat the guard to expose the blade. For example, tying back or removing the guard. Before starting a circular saw, be sure the power cord and extension cord are out of the blade path and are sufficiently long to freely complete the cut.

Leave safety devices in place and intact on the saw. Never remove, modify, or defeat guards. Keep your free hand away from the blade (Figure 38-1). Whenever possible, select the lightest tool or the tool with the least vibration.

The cure for kickback

Use the guard! The best cure for kickback is to deny the wood access to the back of the blade. A splitter, especially a riving knife, is by far the best protection you can give yourself. Double-check all your setups and plan your cuts carefully.