I Can’t Believe I Caught This on Camera! Epic Kickback Through a Wall Caught on GoPro!

Woodworking crafts, woodworking iNthacity Network January 21, 2025 0 Comments

Table saws are one of the most powerful tools in any woodworker's arsenal, but they can also be one of the most dangerous. Just ask Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton), a seasoned woodworker and educator who recently shared a harrowing story about a table saw kickback incident in his shop. This article dives deep into his experience, the lessons learned, and how you can avoid similar accidents in your own workshop. Trust me, this is a must-read for anyone who values their fingers—and their safety.

The Incident: A Wake-Up Call

A few years ago, Stumpy Nubs was working in his office adjacent to his main shop when he heard a loud bang. Upon investigation, he discovered that one of his team members had experienced a kickback at the table saw. A strip of wood had been violently ejected, piercing through two layers of drywall and sticking out into the finishing room. Imagine if it had hit someone! Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the incident served as a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.

This wasn’t just any kickback—it was a specific type that teaches critical lessons about table saw safety. Stumpy Nubs caught the incident on film, and the footage reveals exactly what went wrong. Spoiler alert: even with proper precautions, accidents can still happen. But by understanding the mechanics of kickback, you can take steps to prevent it.

What Caused the Kickback?

At first glance, it seemed like all the safety rules were being followed. The operator was making a bevel cut, and the blade was tilted away from the fence—standard procedure to avoid trapping the offcut between the blade and the fence. There was also a riving knife installed, which is essential for preventing kickbacks. So, what went wrong?

Here’s the kicker (pun intended): the kickback occurred at the front of the blade, not the back. Watch the footage closely, and you’ll see that as the operator finished the cut, the offcut remained next to the blade. When the workpiece was pulled away, it nudged the offcut, causing it to be caught by a front tooth and ejected at lightning speed. The entire event happened in about 1/30th of a second. That’s faster than you can blink!

Lessons Learned: How to Prevent Kickback

So, what can we learn from this near-miss? Stumpy Nubs breaks it down into several key takeaways:

1. Follow Through on Your Cuts

One of the simplest ways to avoid kickback is to push the workpiece fully past the blade at the end of the cut. This ensures that the offcut is clear of the blade and reduces the risk of contact. Whether you’re making a bevel cut or a straight cut, always follow through.

2. Use the Right Push Block

The type of push block you use matters. For narrow strips, a wide push block—like this homemade version—can help guide both the workpiece and the offcut past the blade. This minimizes the chance of the offcut getting caught and ejected.

3. Adjust the Blade Height

Raising the saw blade higher can change the direction of the teeth at the front of the blade, making them move downward instead of toward the operator. While this isn’t always the perfect solution, it can help reduce the risk of kickback in certain situations.

4. Use a Blade Guard Whenever Possible

Stumpy Nubs emphasizes that the best piece of safety technology for a table saw is still the blade guard. If your saw allows it, use an auxiliary fence with a low profile to make room for the guard. Some saws, like the one Stumpy Nubs now uses, even have adjustable fences designed for this purpose.

5. Never Reach for an Offcut While the Blade Is Spinning

This is perhaps the most critical lesson. Many accidents happen when someone reaches for an offcut before the blade has fully stopped. Even a slight movement can cause a kickback, pulling your hand into the blade. Always wait until the blade has completely stopped before retrieving any offcuts.

Why Blade Guards and Riving Knives Are Non-Negotiable

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of table saw safety: blade guards and riving knives. While a riving knife shields the back of the blade (where most kickbacks originate), a blade guard provides an additional layer of protection. Stumpy Nubs is a big advocate for using both whenever possible. If your saw doesn’t have these features, it might be time to upgrade.

Speaking of upgrades, Stumpy Nubs also recommends Ridge Carbide saw blades. These blades are not only high-quality but also more affordable than other premium brands. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back to cheap blades again.

Watch the Original Video

To see the kickback incident in action and hear Stumpy Nubs’ full explanation, check out the original video below:

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I can't believe I caught this on camera! (Kickback through a wall!)

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Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always

Table saws are incredible tools, but they demand respect. Stumpy Nubs’ story is a powerful reminder that even experienced woodworkers can encounter dangerous situations. By following these safety tips and using the right equipment, you can minimize the risks and keep your workshop a safe space for creativity.

So, what’s your take on table saw safety? Have you ever experienced a kickback? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. And if you’re not already part of the iNthacity community, what are you waiting for? Join us in building the “Shining City on the Web” and let’s keep the conversation going. Like, share, and comment—your insights could save someone’s fingers someday!

Wait! There's more...check out our gripping short story that continues the journey: The Weeping Monarch

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