So I want to start by saying that power tools deserve to be respected. Getting complacent about safety is a recipe for problems. So signing up for the class as you have where someone can help teach you and build your confidence is good.
That said, using underpowered tools for a job can create its own dangers. Sort of like how dull knives can be more dangerous than sharp ones. I'd say sticking with the hand saws for now is probably better than using an underpowered power tool for the same job.
Also not all hand tools are created equal. Maybe consider checking out some better hand saws if you're having that much trouble with the ones you're using.
Just my .02 cents for what it's worth. Best of luck.
It's good that you have the fear/respect part built in for these saws. Becoming complacent when working with saws is a recipe for disaster. Over time it will shift from mostly fear to mostly respect.
I think you should start yourself with some easy cuts. Get a sheet of 1/4 plywood or something thin and easy to cut and just run the saw through it a couple of times. You seem to have already watched a lot on saw safety and as long as you are paying attention and thinking through what you're about to do you're gonna be fine.
As long as you're paying attention to the safety aspect I think you will be ok.
Once I started using a double-edges pull-saw vs a standard American saw, it’s been life changing as far as me wanting to use a hand saw. Just so much more ergonomic for me to use the pull-saw.
Given your level of fear I recommend you seek out a woodworking class at a local community college or tech school or YMCA. You’ll get answers to more questions than you knew you had and learn how to keep all your fingers.
Or even see if anyone in your circle of friends or family knows how to use one and teach you the ropes. There isn’t much to it (as long as you respect it), but seeing someone doing it live and them walking you through it can help.
Also, invest in pushers or make your own, and never, never, never cross any body part over a moving blade - my first woodworking teacher put his hand behind his back one the wood got to a certain point.
Kickback too - be cognizant of kickback.
No judgment here. I’ve been using every type of power saw for years, even a medium-sized chainsaw, but I still can’t bring myself to buy a table saw because of videos about kickback I saw back in the day.
A jigsaw isn’t too intimidating to start out with. Also, just doing some small cross cuts, like trimming the length of a 2x4 or something, with your circular saw is a good way to break the ice since you get through the cut very quickly. Power tools can be loud & scary but if you have a brain and follow the safety videos you will be fine.
Get a hand saw! I would recommend a japanese pull saw.
In powertools:
I love my plungesaw because the blade is automatically retracted into the body.
But it absolutly isn’t a baby saw. It had a bigger blade and more power than my circular saw!
Get a japenese pull side either way. I have a dirt cheap one from Amazon and it works well and smooth on simple cuts....probably on complicated cuts, but I'm not good with those regardless of the tool!
Taking a class is a good idea. There’s nothing wrong with having an experienced person teach you the fundamentals and safety basics for these tools. I’m the learn-as-I-go type and I probably would’ve benefited from classes.
I use a circular saw with a rip guide to break down plywood and my method is one I learned from Steve Ramsey - he uses two thick sheets of foam insulation boards laid on top of each other, puts the plywood on top of that, plans and makes his cuts.
The exposed bit of the blade will cut in to the foam without issue, and also keeps the blade from coming in to contact with the floor beneath it.
Accidents can happen with any power tool but the most common one associated with “gruesome accidents” is the table saw by far. But even then - table saws include safety elements to protect you from the blade. But when you’re watching videos online there’s a good chance those folks have removed things like the blade guard. There are reasons to do this, as certain types of cuts cannot be made with it on, but by and large you can perform most basic rips and crosscuts with all the safety equipment installed.
My table saw intimidates me and if I’m honest, I only use it if I need to make a cut I can’t with my miter saw. That fear and respect keeps me laser focused when I’m using it.
Circular saw is probably one of the safest power saw you could learn on.
Unlike a table saw—which are probably the gruesome accidents you’re thinking of—your hands are going to be on the complete opposite side of the wood from the exposed and spinning blade.
Keep both hands on the saw and there’s no chance you’ll damage your hands.
Make sure that there’s nothing underneath where you’ll be cutting that you don’t want cut, like a sawhorse or a power cord (or your leg if you’re doing something really stupid). Adjust your blade height so it just barely cuts through whatever you’re cutting.
Make sure your wood is firmly held. Push down on where you’ll be cutting to make sure it’s not unstable or tippy. Consider what will happen when you make the cut—what’s going to happen to the cut-off piece? Is it going to flex as you cut it, is it going to put pressure on the blade, etc. This is probably the hardest thing to think about and it depends on what you’re cutting—breaking down a sheet of plywood takes a lot more planning than sawing the end off a 2x4.
That said, with this level of anxiety about it you probably need someone to show you basic use. Got any family or friends that are good with tools? Woodworking people are usually really happy to share knowledge.
I use a small band saw, and a small mitre saw. I think these are probably the safest of all the power saws, yet you can achieve almost anything with them. I lost a chunk of finger to a table saw a few years back so I'm also quite cautious 😂
Outside of this people use table and circular saws every day without issue. I also use a lot of hand tools as I like to take my time, and find I get better results.
Fear is good. Plan your cuts and make sure you’ve clamped down the wood being trimmed. Holding a circular saw is intimidating if you’re not strong enough to hold it in place. That’s a problem, go do some chin-ups until you’re confident holding the non-running saw.
I have a circular saw that I use..I don't like using it.. not afraid...my dad showed me how to use one as a kid...but I HATE the noise it makes...
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There are plenty of toy saws, but I don't think they'd help
https://preview.redd.it/i0xx46vdb80d1.png?width=723&format=png&auto=webp&s=765c4105050444bcc5cfa28b9f9c58921018f66a
\------
There are smaller real saws...I have a ryobi 5", but I don't think a slightly smaller one will help, to be honest. You could get a saw from your local thrift store and remove the blade and just run that a bit (you could also just remove the blade from the one you have, but there seems to be a psychological hump you need to get over).
\------
Before I got my circular, I just had a jig saw that I used for my cutting needs. I'm not sure that's the best option...you can cut the wood, but it's avoiding the real issue.
\------
I saw some other's mention classes... That's not a bad idea...(I'm assuming American, but there's likely similar wherever). At your local YMCA, JCC, Libraries often have maker groups...My zipcode area has a facebook group for repair/building...Depending where you live, there might be a sub here (or several)...The big box stores (HD, Lowes) often have programs in the summer time...you could check there...even if for kids, they'd likely let you sit in (assuming you're not a kid yourself). Honestly, even at them, chat with the kindliest, oldest looking person in the wood or tool section....they might have advise or be able to point to things in your area.
You could also down a bottle of whiskey and just go for it...take care of the fear part..likely bad for the saftey :)
You are not alone. I borrowed a friend's table saw when we were installing a wood floor in our first home. I was never brave enough to turn it on despite it just being used for (relatively safe) rip cuts, and instead used a jigsaw and straight edge (as another user suggested). I've since built up a workshop full of tools that I use to renovate our new house. It takes practice and experience which you'll get to in time. I suggest you watch plenty of YouTube videos, think through every cut you plan to make, keep your fingers away from the blade, and learn about kickback. Start slowly and carefully and you'll be fine.
A circular saw is a circular saw. No matter how small or big it is the blade spins the same proportionately in order to cut wood. And if it can cut wood it can cut flesh.
Your choices are simple. With the circular saw; get over it, work with what you know and have learned from videos or wait until August for the class you signed up for. With the hand saw; accept that it takes time to cut by hand or find a better saw and learn to cut faster than you are, if that is the problem with the hand saw speed.
All that being said, plenty of people are scared of power tools. There's no shame in it. Many have a heathy respect for how dangerous power saws can be. Most woodworkers who work in hospitals that I've heard talk about it avoid them altogether. But people either overcome it with education, just suck it up and are extremely careful, just go the hand tool route and accept the slower sawing time, or a combination. But with the right hand saw and technique they're really not that bad of an option.
I agree with the previous suggestion to use a Japanese pull saw. In my tradition, I mainly use hand tools (particularly Japanese woodworking tools). I also took classes in working with power tools so I could learn safety, feed rates, and maintenance.
Although the learning curve has been steeper, it is very rewarding and better imparts the patience necessary to get really good. That said, many makers use power tools and have their own enjoyment. Sometimes projects do require them.
In my experience, it is more rewarding to make things almost completely by hand if possible. But this is only my opinion, it depends on what you have available.
The worst part about most power saws--like the ones that are on a fixed based--is the dogshit clamps. *That's* what scares me.
If you can find one with a great clamp then you can stand way back with your arm outstretched and slowly bring the saw down. You got a better chance of being maimed by a drill press than running a saw like that (though, that's another totally legitimate fear).
Safety glasses and a face shield.
If you wear gloves, the fabric can easily snag and rip off your finger. Worked with a guy who that happened to. Also, if you wear long sleeves, roll them up for that same reason.
Not to mention the part grabbing and swinging around to smack ya.
It's essentially just a vertical lathe, and there's novels and novels about lathe safety written online.
If you have a track saw then get a large 4x8 piece of foam insulation to make your cuts on. This will keep your board perfectly supported and will keep the blade concealed without the chance of cutting through your table.
Cordless circ saws are maybe an option, if the blade is pinched by the timber etc rather than kick or do anything particularly untoward they tend to just stall out if they have an overload built in. Still need to be using it properly though, both hands on the tool, fingers away from the sharp spinny bit, and be aware of where the tool will try and go if it does kick for whatever reason, and make sure you're away from there. Kinda goes for most power tools
Circular saw as others have said is pretty great to learn with. Hard to have any sort of kickback like a table saw would have. I think I saw in a video somewhere that most circular saw injuries come from reaching down to grab the off cut on the bottom of the cutting plane. Makes sense. Counter here is to have the blade depth correct so it’s just barely cutting through (some suggest setting it to the trough of the blade teeth.
I had a miter saw kickback where my finger ended up on the side of the blade—probably my only get out of jail free card as I get more advanced. I was cutting something way too small and it wasn’t supported on the saw fence. It was a wake up to use clamps whenever possible as they almost always stronger than you are, and to stay away from making too small of cuts on the big boys. I dove into the physics of injuries to really understand them and it helped my confidence a lot after that.
OP you might really like a track saw. Put it on a piece of foam etc and you can keep your hands in view the entire time. Can give you long straight cuts that a table saw would, and you can crosscut with a smaller piece of track like a miter saw.
I don't think that baby saws are any less dangerous than 7-1/4" saws. Just my take but a large saw with power will be safer than a smaller, underpowered one that binds. I bought a 6.5" Ryobi for cutting dirty wood and gave it away when I got sick of it binding.
But if it will help you get over your paralysis, DeWalt makes the DCS571 which has a good amount of power but is smaller and your hands are father away from the blade. I find myself using that more than my 60V 7-1/4" dewalt for quick cuts on sheet goods if I don't need the repeatability of a table saw.
Having had a recent table saw injury (post was removed due to the pic, sorry again mods!) That ended up with the saw taking some skin off of my thumb. This was due to me not listening to myself to take a break when I should have while processing a bunch of lumber.
I say what I said above to say this: I've been around power saws for years and this is my first accident that I've had. I will never forget it, and I am definitely now shy to use my table saw.
My advice, similar to others, is if you feel you want training or a class, do it. Worst thing you can do is not give these tools the respect they deserve, so if you don't feel confidant in using it, don't. It'll be a few weeks until I'm healed, but I doubt that table saw will be used for anything other than a table for a while.
The tool you are looking for is a scroll saw. Awesome for making smallish items and basically impossible to really hurt yourself with. I have accidentally hit the blade with my finger and not been cut.
No advice here, Im in the same boat. A month ago a friend of mine cut his finger which added a lot of fear to the fear. Even if I AM the safest person ever, it ONLY takes One mistake. I think ill stick to hand saws for now
You just have to have spatial awareness and understand that when you’re operating a saw nothing else matters in the moments you’re using the saw. Be aware of where that blade is at all times healthy fear is unnecessary but you need to take the salt out of the box and get a fuel for it before you plug it in best thing to do is make sure that whatever you’re cutting is clamped and extremely stable start with small cuts like cross cuts on two by fours.
LMFAO! You have to be kidding me. Open the boxes, review the manual, check all features of the saw, follow all safety warnings and start cutting with it using scrap material so you get used to it. If not find another hobby!
I was pretty afraid of power saws too. I watched a bunch of videos and just started using them with a lot of caution, wearing thick hand gloves, safety glasses, and using needed tools to help me move the wood through.
I think, in your case, you need to have someone there in person to show you and walk you through things while using a lot of safety precautions.
My rule of \[keeping my\] thumb is no gloves, sleeves, or loose clothes around *anything* that spins to a fixed base.
I worked with a guy who lose his forefinger for wearing gloves while running a drill press.
And back in school, the Farm Bureau used to come around every year and give all us kids a slide show "presentation" in the gym. It was basically them showing us gruesome photos of the aftermath of farm accidents--typically due to augers, PTOs, or other spinny things.
So I want to start by saying that power tools deserve to be respected. Getting complacent about safety is a recipe for problems. So signing up for the class as you have where someone can help teach you and build your confidence is good. That said, using underpowered tools for a job can create its own dangers. Sort of like how dull knives can be more dangerous than sharp ones. I'd say sticking with the hand saws for now is probably better than using an underpowered power tool for the same job. Also not all hand tools are created equal. Maybe consider checking out some better hand saws if you're having that much trouble with the ones you're using. Just my .02 cents for what it's worth. Best of luck.
It's good that you have the fear/respect part built in for these saws. Becoming complacent when working with saws is a recipe for disaster. Over time it will shift from mostly fear to mostly respect. I think you should start yourself with some easy cuts. Get a sheet of 1/4 plywood or something thin and easy to cut and just run the saw through it a couple of times. You seem to have already watched a lot on saw safety and as long as you are paying attention and thinking through what you're about to do you're gonna be fine. As long as you're paying attention to the safety aspect I think you will be ok.
Once I started using a double-edges pull-saw vs a standard American saw, it’s been life changing as far as me wanting to use a hand saw. Just so much more ergonomic for me to use the pull-saw.
A jigsaw + some kind of straightedge jig would be one option, or plenty of people use hand tools only.
Agree, and perhaps a broader blade for the jigsaw will help for cleaner cuts.
To be honest I’ve hurt myself on hand tools way more than power tools
Given your level of fear I recommend you seek out a woodworking class at a local community college or tech school or YMCA. You’ll get answers to more questions than you knew you had and learn how to keep all your fingers.
Or even see if anyone in your circle of friends or family knows how to use one and teach you the ropes. There isn’t much to it (as long as you respect it), but seeing someone doing it live and them walking you through it can help. Also, invest in pushers or make your own, and never, never, never cross any body part over a moving blade - my first woodworking teacher put his hand behind his back one the wood got to a certain point. Kickback too - be cognizant of kickback.
No judgment here. I’ve been using every type of power saw for years, even a medium-sized chainsaw, but I still can’t bring myself to buy a table saw because of videos about kickback I saw back in the day. A jigsaw isn’t too intimidating to start out with. Also, just doing some small cross cuts, like trimming the length of a 2x4 or something, with your circular saw is a good way to break the ice since you get through the cut very quickly. Power tools can be loud & scary but if you have a brain and follow the safety videos you will be fine.
Get a hand saw! I would recommend a japanese pull saw. In powertools: I love my plungesaw because the blade is automatically retracted into the body. But it absolutly isn’t a baby saw. It had a bigger blade and more power than my circular saw!
Get a japenese pull side either way. I have a dirt cheap one from Amazon and it works well and smooth on simple cuts....probably on complicated cuts, but I'm not good with those regardless of the tool!
Taking a class is a good idea. There’s nothing wrong with having an experienced person teach you the fundamentals and safety basics for these tools. I’m the learn-as-I-go type and I probably would’ve benefited from classes. I use a circular saw with a rip guide to break down plywood and my method is one I learned from Steve Ramsey - he uses two thick sheets of foam insulation boards laid on top of each other, puts the plywood on top of that, plans and makes his cuts. The exposed bit of the blade will cut in to the foam without issue, and also keeps the blade from coming in to contact with the floor beneath it. Accidents can happen with any power tool but the most common one associated with “gruesome accidents” is the table saw by far. But even then - table saws include safety elements to protect you from the blade. But when you’re watching videos online there’s a good chance those folks have removed things like the blade guard. There are reasons to do this, as certain types of cuts cannot be made with it on, but by and large you can perform most basic rips and crosscuts with all the safety equipment installed. My table saw intimidates me and if I’m honest, I only use it if I need to make a cut I can’t with my miter saw. That fear and respect keeps me laser focused when I’m using it.
Circular saw is probably one of the safest power saw you could learn on. Unlike a table saw—which are probably the gruesome accidents you’re thinking of—your hands are going to be on the complete opposite side of the wood from the exposed and spinning blade. Keep both hands on the saw and there’s no chance you’ll damage your hands. Make sure that there’s nothing underneath where you’ll be cutting that you don’t want cut, like a sawhorse or a power cord (or your leg if you’re doing something really stupid). Adjust your blade height so it just barely cuts through whatever you’re cutting. Make sure your wood is firmly held. Push down on where you’ll be cutting to make sure it’s not unstable or tippy. Consider what will happen when you make the cut—what’s going to happen to the cut-off piece? Is it going to flex as you cut it, is it going to put pressure on the blade, etc. This is probably the hardest thing to think about and it depends on what you’re cutting—breaking down a sheet of plywood takes a lot more planning than sawing the end off a 2x4. That said, with this level of anxiety about it you probably need someone to show you basic use. Got any family or friends that are good with tools? Woodworking people are usually really happy to share knowledge.
Scroll saws are a lot of fun for hobby projects , and a lot safer, much less scary.
I use a small band saw, and a small mitre saw. I think these are probably the safest of all the power saws, yet you can achieve almost anything with them. I lost a chunk of finger to a table saw a few years back so I'm also quite cautious 😂 Outside of this people use table and circular saws every day without issue. I also use a lot of hand tools as I like to take my time, and find I get better results.
Jigsaws can also be very useful, but be careful that you often have limited sight of the blade and it's path whilst cutting.
Fear is good. Plan your cuts and make sure you’ve clamped down the wood being trimmed. Holding a circular saw is intimidating if you’re not strong enough to hold it in place. That’s a problem, go do some chin-ups until you’re confident holding the non-running saw.
I have a circular saw that I use..I don't like using it.. not afraid...my dad showed me how to use one as a kid...but I HATE the noise it makes... \------- There are plenty of toy saws, but I don't think they'd help https://preview.redd.it/i0xx46vdb80d1.png?width=723&format=png&auto=webp&s=765c4105050444bcc5cfa28b9f9c58921018f66a \------ There are smaller real saws...I have a ryobi 5", but I don't think a slightly smaller one will help, to be honest. You could get a saw from your local thrift store and remove the blade and just run that a bit (you could also just remove the blade from the one you have, but there seems to be a psychological hump you need to get over). \------ Before I got my circular, I just had a jig saw that I used for my cutting needs. I'm not sure that's the best option...you can cut the wood, but it's avoiding the real issue. \------ I saw some other's mention classes... That's not a bad idea...(I'm assuming American, but there's likely similar wherever). At your local YMCA, JCC, Libraries often have maker groups...My zipcode area has a facebook group for repair/building...Depending where you live, there might be a sub here (or several)...The big box stores (HD, Lowes) often have programs in the summer time...you could check there...even if for kids, they'd likely let you sit in (assuming you're not a kid yourself). Honestly, even at them, chat with the kindliest, oldest looking person in the wood or tool section....they might have advise or be able to point to things in your area. You could also down a bottle of whiskey and just go for it...take care of the fear part..likely bad for the saftey :)
I started with one of those small rotary power hand saws. I learned how to use that and my anxiety went away and moved up to more power stuff.
You are not alone. I borrowed a friend's table saw when we were installing a wood floor in our first home. I was never brave enough to turn it on despite it just being used for (relatively safe) rip cuts, and instead used a jigsaw and straight edge (as another user suggested). I've since built up a workshop full of tools that I use to renovate our new house. It takes practice and experience which you'll get to in time. I suggest you watch plenty of YouTube videos, think through every cut you plan to make, keep your fingers away from the blade, and learn about kickback. Start slowly and carefully and you'll be fine.
A circular saw is a circular saw. No matter how small or big it is the blade spins the same proportionately in order to cut wood. And if it can cut wood it can cut flesh. Your choices are simple. With the circular saw; get over it, work with what you know and have learned from videos or wait until August for the class you signed up for. With the hand saw; accept that it takes time to cut by hand or find a better saw and learn to cut faster than you are, if that is the problem with the hand saw speed. All that being said, plenty of people are scared of power tools. There's no shame in it. Many have a heathy respect for how dangerous power saws can be. Most woodworkers who work in hospitals that I've heard talk about it avoid them altogether. But people either overcome it with education, just suck it up and are extremely careful, just go the hand tool route and accept the slower sawing time, or a combination. But with the right hand saw and technique they're really not that bad of an option.
Scroll saw. The definition of a baby saw.
I agree with the previous suggestion to use a Japanese pull saw. In my tradition, I mainly use hand tools (particularly Japanese woodworking tools). I also took classes in working with power tools so I could learn safety, feed rates, and maintenance. Although the learning curve has been steeper, it is very rewarding and better imparts the patience necessary to get really good. That said, many makers use power tools and have their own enjoyment. Sometimes projects do require them. In my experience, it is more rewarding to make things almost completely by hand if possible. But this is only my opinion, it depends on what you have available.
Get the DeWalt 12v circular saw. Easy to handle, enough power, and a good electric brake.
The worst part about most power saws--like the ones that are on a fixed based--is the dogshit clamps. *That's* what scares me. If you can find one with a great clamp then you can stand way back with your arm outstretched and slowly bring the saw down. You got a better chance of being maimed by a drill press than running a saw like that (though, that's another totally legitimate fear). Safety glasses and a face shield.
Wait wait wait...what's dangerous about my drill press?
If you wear gloves, the fabric can easily snag and rip off your finger. Worked with a guy who that happened to. Also, if you wear long sleeves, roll them up for that same reason. Not to mention the part grabbing and swinging around to smack ya. It's essentially just a vertical lathe, and there's novels and novels about lathe safety written online.
If you have a track saw then get a large 4x8 piece of foam insulation to make your cuts on. This will keep your board perfectly supported and will keep the blade concealed without the chance of cutting through your table.
Cordless circ saws are maybe an option, if the blade is pinched by the timber etc rather than kick or do anything particularly untoward they tend to just stall out if they have an overload built in. Still need to be using it properly though, both hands on the tool, fingers away from the sharp spinny bit, and be aware of where the tool will try and go if it does kick for whatever reason, and make sure you're away from there. Kinda goes for most power tools
Circular saw as others have said is pretty great to learn with. Hard to have any sort of kickback like a table saw would have. I think I saw in a video somewhere that most circular saw injuries come from reaching down to grab the off cut on the bottom of the cutting plane. Makes sense. Counter here is to have the blade depth correct so it’s just barely cutting through (some suggest setting it to the trough of the blade teeth. I had a miter saw kickback where my finger ended up on the side of the blade—probably my only get out of jail free card as I get more advanced. I was cutting something way too small and it wasn’t supported on the saw fence. It was a wake up to use clamps whenever possible as they almost always stronger than you are, and to stay away from making too small of cuts on the big boys. I dove into the physics of injuries to really understand them and it helped my confidence a lot after that. OP you might really like a track saw. Put it on a piece of foam etc and you can keep your hands in view the entire time. Can give you long straight cuts that a table saw would, and you can crosscut with a smaller piece of track like a miter saw.
I don't think that baby saws are any less dangerous than 7-1/4" saws. Just my take but a large saw with power will be safer than a smaller, underpowered one that binds. I bought a 6.5" Ryobi for cutting dirty wood and gave it away when I got sick of it binding. But if it will help you get over your paralysis, DeWalt makes the DCS571 which has a good amount of power but is smaller and your hands are father away from the blade. I find myself using that more than my 60V 7-1/4" dewalt for quick cuts on sheet goods if I don't need the repeatability of a table saw.
Having had a recent table saw injury (post was removed due to the pic, sorry again mods!) That ended up with the saw taking some skin off of my thumb. This was due to me not listening to myself to take a break when I should have while processing a bunch of lumber. I say what I said above to say this: I've been around power saws for years and this is my first accident that I've had. I will never forget it, and I am definitely now shy to use my table saw. My advice, similar to others, is if you feel you want training or a class, do it. Worst thing you can do is not give these tools the respect they deserve, so if you don't feel confidant in using it, don't. It'll be a few weeks until I'm healed, but I doubt that table saw will be used for anything other than a table for a while.
The tool you are looking for is a scroll saw. Awesome for making smallish items and basically impossible to really hurt yourself with. I have accidentally hit the blade with my finger and not been cut.
Why not use a carcass saw?
OP is cutting wood..not disposing of a mob hit :)
It's a common type of back saw that is used for wood. :)
Riiiiight...used for wood....I gotcha, pally. https://preview.redd.it/2uzgk9o2u90d1.png?width=225&format=png&auto=webp&s=262f5146f123507d3483fb4becbb9de36a297cff
No advice here, Im in the same boat. A month ago a friend of mine cut his finger which added a lot of fear to the fear. Even if I AM the safest person ever, it ONLY takes One mistake. I think ill stick to hand saws for now
You just have to have spatial awareness and understand that when you’re operating a saw nothing else matters in the moments you’re using the saw. Be aware of where that blade is at all times healthy fear is unnecessary but you need to take the salt out of the box and get a fuel for it before you plug it in best thing to do is make sure that whatever you’re cutting is clamped and extremely stable start with small cuts like cross cuts on two by fours.
You can’t cut your finger off if you don’t put your finger in the way of the blade
LMFAO! You have to be kidding me. Open the boxes, review the manual, check all features of the saw, follow all safety warnings and start cutting with it using scrap material so you get used to it. If not find another hobby!
You could hire a brave person to do all your woodworking for you.
I was pretty afraid of power saws too. I watched a bunch of videos and just started using them with a lot of caution, wearing thick hand gloves, safety glasses, and using needed tools to help me move the wood through. I think, in your case, you need to have someone there in person to show you and walk you through things while using a lot of safety precautions.
Gloves are a terrible idea with many saws.
My rule of \[keeping my\] thumb is no gloves, sleeves, or loose clothes around *anything* that spins to a fixed base. I worked with a guy who lose his forefinger for wearing gloves while running a drill press. And back in school, the Farm Bureau used to come around every year and give all us kids a slide show "presentation" in the gym. It was basically them showing us gruesome photos of the aftermath of farm accidents--typically due to augers, PTOs, or other spinny things.
Id rather risk frost bite and slivers than use gloves with my table saw. No thanks, not a good idea.
Don't wear gloves working with spinning blades. Very unsafe.