re: Do as I say not as I do AKA Don't do this at home

Safety is number one. I never had a bad accident but I think that’s because I always “dry run” pieces that require odd or dangerous cuts. If it doesn’t feel right, or if the piece is very large, I want to see where its going to go before pushing it through the blade. Will it land on the rollers? Do I need more support on one side or the other? Etc, etc. I don’t have a guard at all so it makes me even more aware of these things.

When I got the saw as a gift from my woodworking mentor he gave me some solid advice. Don’t overtighten the arbor nut. Don’t use it after a few drinks. And don’t use it if you’re upset for any reason (fight with your wife, etc). You have to think before using these tools, you have to respect them for what they are and you have to maintain focus at all times while using them.