Table Saw Safety and Training

This is not the finished tutorial video, this video is only posted on Nexus for demo purposes. Video has outdated graphics and information.

This video is designed to give students a foundational understanding of the SawStop table saw available at the Design and Technology Lab (DCC-B30). Please note, this video does not equate to completed training — you must participate in in-person instruction and receive approval from a technician before independently operating the equipment.

In this concise overview, you’ll be introduced to how a table saw functions, the built-in safety features of the SawStop system, and the essential practices required for safe operation. The video highlights key risks — including kickback and blade contact — and demonstrates proper setup, body positioning, and cutting techniques for common tasks like rip cuts and crosscuts. It also reinforces critical safety habits, from pre-use checks to proper shutdown and workspace maintenance.

By the end of this video, you’ll have a strong foundational awareness of safe table saw operation — preparing you to participate in hands-on training and apply these principles under supervision in the lab. More specifically, learners should have a foundational understanding of:

• How the Saw Stop table saw works and how to use it safely
• Hazards of using this and any table saw
• Proper body positioning and required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Making different types of cuts, such as rip cutting and cross cutting
• Common mistakes to avoid when using a table saw

Credits and Acknowledgments

Manager, Makerspaces: Adrian Kenny
Consultation, Workshop Technologist: Carol Kaifosh
Manager, Technology Infrastructure: Lindsay Hanna
Produced, Directed, and Post-Production by: Victoria Learn