92A

The radial arm saw has been a staple in my shop since 1977 when I bought a top of the line 10 in Dewalt. I've replace the DeWalt with a 12 inch radial sold by Original Saw Company. I consider the radial easier to use than a table say and, since you can see the blade, it is more safe than a table saw.

I cut off the tip of my left middle finger on a jointer in January of 1988. That convinced me to be more careful around all woodworking machinery...including the tablesaw.

My sense is that tablesaw injuries stem from the same error that led to the jointer accident: failure to use the proper guard. All tablesaw guards incorporate a splitter behind the blade. Most guards also contain anti-kickback cauls. The combined effect of these two safety features make ripping significantly more safe. Use of a guard would have prevented injury to my friend's hand when, without the proper guard in place, he reached behind the blade in a ripping operation to hold down the stock. The stock closed on the blade, kicked back, and dragged his left hand over the blade.

Tablesaw guards also prevent extraordinary use of the tablesaw: e.g., plunge cutting, use of exotic shaping blades, cutting tenons, etc. Manufacturers love to advertise these extra features because it sells tablesaws. However, most of these extraordinary uses require removing the guard.

My jointer accident proved to me that if a woodworking operation cannot be performed with the proper guard in place it is unsafe. That principle also applies to the tablesaw.

I read all that Krenov wrote. The philosophy he developed that supported woodworking imporoved not only my woodworking, but my work as a University Professor: care about what you produce, pay attention to detail, use simple and straightforward reasoning, enjoy the process.

James Krenov improved my woodworking and my research. He was a great spirit and will have a lasting influence.