The video “DANGEROUS new trend in internet table saw videos? You decide…” is by Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton). In this video, he explores a controversial technique involving the lateral cutting of wood on a table saw, addressing safety concerns and sharing his perspective on the method.
Many viewers have raised questions about the safety of cutting or carving wood by passing it laterally across the top of a saw blade. This technique, while not new, has sparked debate. Some people see it as sketchy or irresponsible, but James has a surprising opinion on the matter.
First and foremost, James emphasizes that a table saw is a dangerous tool, and using it involves some level of risk. Unexpected things can happen, which is why safety devices like blade guards, driving knives, safety glasses, and push sticks are crucial. As a general guideline, if something doesn’t feel right, it’s best not to proceed, regardless of what others, including James, may say.
Assessing Risk: Questions to Consider
When it comes to assessing risk, James suggests asking two essential questions: What could go wrong? and How can you protect yourself if it does? These questions are especially relevant when evaluating the lateral cutting technique.
The first person who popularized this method was Izzy Swan, who demonstrated how to turn dowels or furniture parts like chair legs on a table saw. This method allows for consistent sizing and shaping of multiple pieces more efficiently than an unskilled turner could achieve with a traditional lathe. James has even created a video demonstrating a similar process of turning bowls on a table saw.
Potential Risks of Lateral Cutting
So, what could go wrong with this technique? Some concern that the saw blade isn’t designed to endure pressure on the sides of the teeth, fearing a tooth could break off and become a projectile. James disagrees with this assessment. He explains that the cuts made are shallow and only engage the top corner of each tooth, meaning the pressure applied is minimal.
To illustrate this, he likens the pressure of turning a bowl by hand to pressing his thumb on the side of a tooth—no way would that snap off a carbide tooth. Consider the force a saw blade experiences during normal operations, where each tooth strikes the wood at approximately 140 miles per hour, resulting in about 4,000 collisions every second. In contrast, the lateral cutting technique involves a mere side-swipe action.
Another potential risk involves the workpiece catching on the blade and becoming a projectile. However, James explains that the workpiece is securely held between two center points, making it unlikely to break free during cutting. He uses a bolt driven deeply into each end of the wood to ensure stability.
Additionally, he mentions that the technique used to cut coves on a table saw has been around for generations, further supporting the idea that this method is not as reckless as it may seem.
Protective Measures
In terms of protection, James advises wearing safety glasses to guard against any flying debris. He also emphasizes the importance of using jigs that keep hands away from the blade. The jig itself can act as a guard, ensuring that hands remain at a safe distance during the cutting process.
He highlights that during the bowl cutting process, the blade was fully covered, providing additional safety from any potential flying debris. Thus, James concludes that these techniques are not reckless but rather common practices that have been employed safely for many years.
Are These Techniques the Best Option?
While James believes these methods are relatively safe, he questions whether they are the best way to achieve the desired results. For those with access to a lathe, the traditional method of making bowls is often more enjoyable. However, there are instances where a table saw jig can be particularly useful, especially when creating long, straight cylinders or multiple copies of simple shapes.
Finally, James shares his admiration for Ridge Carbide saw blades, describing them as the best-kept secret in woodworking. He praises their quality and performance, noting they are often more affordable than other ultra-premium brands.
In conclusion, James provides a thorough examination of a controversial table saw technique, weighing the risks and benefits while emphasizing the importance of safety. For those looking to explore this method, it’s crucial to do so with caution and the right protective measures in place.