re: TIPS: safety on the table saw

When cutting small pieces, use a zero clearance plate around your blade.

On the matter of lights, I’m adding a second bank of lights on another [three-way] switch. Baring a total power loss to the shop, loss of one bank of lights should leave me with the other.

For sheet material, I built a 2′×4′ cart, which sits to the side, running length ways. In addition to the back support mentioned, this cart adds side support and can even roll with the material. Even if it doesn’t, the extra side support is nice to have. [When not in use for this purpose, it’s another horizontal surface to work on.]

“OFF” switches for the saw should be easy to hit, while the “ON” switch should take some effort to activate.

Next, there is the matter of dust collection.