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I have worked a big portion of my life at a table saw. I have and still occasionally do things at it that I will not even mention for it will make most cringe. I am however perfectly aware at all times of the possible consequences and try to minimize them as much as possible. Those insane instances are reserved for the seldom “ impossible “ task. I was only hurt at it once luckily not losing any digits cause being distraction from a damn cell phone ringing in my pocket. I have recently watched a few people using table saws and it brought back memories of all the reasons that cause injuries most of the times. They are always simple reasons and causes of trouble ; Most common and important Is the lack of understanding of the physics of a blade turning in your direction at 3500 RPMs. Much to be learned here. Second it will be the relationship of fence to blade. Most misunderstood or ignored point of that is that one should never use a full length fence to rip solid wood but instead adapt an attachment that will only act as a a guide only to the front or to the center of blade preventing wood from pinching back of blade. That along with a splitter behind blade is essential for safely and efficiently ripping of solid wood . Full length fence is good only for sheet material. Fence alignment in relation to blade is also important. Using incorrect type or dull blades. Different materials require different blades from the number of teeth, to teeth cutting angle or set. Safety part of those differences has to do with chip ejection and blade overheating. Just as with a hand saw the mechanics and material properties of ripping vs cross-cutting are totally different. Lack of , insufficient or inadequate material support inbound, outbound or at side of blade. Material must be fully supported such as not to move unless moved by you through blade. One should only be pushing material and not supporting it in any manner whatsoever. Incorrect and improper stance or body placement at table saw. Specifically never stand directly in front of blade but to the left side of it if you are right handed. Never reach over blade to retrieve a cut off , support a piece ,or push through. One can spend lots of money in all kinds of gadgets to make things easier and safer but there is no need . You can build everything needed with simple at hand items. Just a little time and ingenuity and understanding is needed. Below are some examples that I use to overcome the above listed issues with my humble contractors saw that has served me for almost 40 years. Infeed table. A simple board 7”x6’-0” that attaches and slides on the fence rail. It is located side to side as needed as fence is moved. When not in use just pulled out and stored not taking any floor space. I cut full 10’ long plywood sheets using it. No drama and no effort. Out feed table. Table is canted to right just enough to make rollers push material tight against fence. At end of table another hinged section provides an additional 4 feet of support when door is open. Side extension pulls out up to 4 feet for side support such as when cross-cutting an entire plywood sheet. Above blade dust collector acts as a guard. Not possible to place hand on blade while cutting , it’s totally enclosed. Guard also keeps material from coming up from table such as in case of kickback. Material is locked onto table until guard is released. Switch is strategically placed in front at left of blade. As I cut switch is placed exactly where I stand with my left thigh placed agains it. I can switch saw off without taking my hands off the top or moving from where I stand. I merely push switch with my thigh. Simple trough on fence keeps the always missing pencil and ruler at hand. It is more importantly the vehicle for about a dozen attachments some listed below. Push stick is always in the right spot ready to be used. It fits into trough which then slides back and forth on fence. Push stick rides as part of fence maintaining total control. Hand rests safely and comfortably on moving block with only thumb pushing down on actual push stick. Hand never in danger since blade is also entirely enclosed. Heel of hand pushes down on stick back releasing it from work piece. Every single different blade has their own insert. This one has a replaceable splitter built in. Ripping attachment for fence. Fence only goes to front or center of blade depending on circumstance but never past the center for ripping. Simple and effective adjustment of fence forward location and locking in place. The ultimate achievement. No possible way to touch blade with hands and no possible way for piece to be thrown at you.

867

the 876

"Artsy" enough for ya Sylvia?

I know just the picture!

"Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup..." Don

A field triage pic.

Wearing the honest paint of nearly five decades of service.

How about pics of our tractors up close and personal? Kinda close, tight, perhaps even dare I say “artsy…” Post em if you got em…

Like that hood ornament idea so I figured I'd toss one in.

eight horse, eight speed, 1 and an eighth axles

Not a tight one Dan but reliving memories here Silvia...... get over it.... Ok here's a tight one .... Guess who? Steve on a stick with Steve on a stick!

Another shot from Uncle Jim’s place… I almost had it fixed!

@Achto layin the boots to her count?

This one’s pretty tight if you ask a young’n.

@oldiron613 Rob’s lever steer.

Get back on track boys… only or the mods are gonna get called in for some

Tight as in not too much room to squeeze an extra fart into this load!

Is that the key to our hearts Dino?

Yep the oil reservoir fits!

My all-time least favorite is when the pliers slip and you get a blood blister on a finger to show for it ... Bill

Here's mine

Rag fires! Working in a Chevy dealership and a guy working across the shop is cutting an exhaust off. He has a rag in his back pocket and it catches fire. I see it and yell "Tony you're on fire!" Guy next to him grabs a water hose. Tony pats out the fire. Then the guy with the hose seeing the fire is out, blasts him with the hose anyway! Good Times!

The day Mrs. P saw her very own Ride Away Senior…

Some may find this interesting

funny, I’ve never seen an ugly Chevy…

Have another...

Most likely if you take it off you'll need it leave it on and your almost guaranteed not to

got the 520-8 waxed up

maybe getting the tank cleaned out a bit helped your situation