Safer cutting

A safer way to cut your sheets

I used to cut a sheet of MDF by laying it on some milk crates and putting one foot on top to hold it in place while I cut it with the power saw.

The big problem with this method is that the saw is prone to grab in the job, causing it to kick back.

After nearly cutting my foot off a few times, I started to wonder just how long I could get away with it.....

The sheet slides around on the milk crates
The milk crates slide around on the ground
For long cuts, you have to move your feet while cutting.....
...or, you stop the saw mid cut, and after moving your feet, start again, risking kickback
You end up standing in the path of the saw when it kicks back

A better way...

By clamping a piece of wood to a post, and then clamping the sheet to the wood, you can eliminate all these risks.

The job is held secure - less risk of kickback

You can stand to one side, so if you do get kickback, the saw doesn't hit you in the leg

Cut two thirds of the width from the back side.

Change to the front side to finish the cut.

This means you're not over-reaching when you complete the cut.

Your cuts may take a little longer, but there will be less risk and less stress

Last update to this page 28th May 2007