Stopped using my table saw for ripping long boards after a close call in Seattle

I was ripping a 12 foot white oak board on my saw and the kickback almost sent it through my garage wall. My neighbor Dave, a contractor with 30 years in, walked over and asked why I wasn't using my circular saw and a straightedge for that. He showed me his method with a $50 track setup and now I only use the table saw for crosscuts and small stuff. Anyone else made that switch or am I the only one who learned the hard way?

2 comments

2 Comments

scott.jana1mo ago

Learned that lesson with a cherry board last year.

paul2861mo ago

Did Dave show you the track saw trick with the guide rail clamps or just freehand the straightedge? I'm curious if that setup handles 12-footers without wandering off the line.

-1