SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-kickback-def

What is kickback on a table saw?

The workpiece is thrown back toward the operator.

Start playing free

  1. The blade jumps out of the table slot
  2. The motor suddenly reverses direction
  3. The wood is thrown back at the operator ✔

Why: Kickback is an instant, violent reaction when the wood binds against the back of the blade. The spinning teeth grab it and fling it toward you, far faster than you can react.

Huh, didn't know that: Rockler says to stand to the left of the blade when making rip cuts, not directly behind it.

The dad joke
How did the apple tree get the job? It had the right qua-leaf-ications.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: The wood is thrown back at the operator. Kickback is an instant, violent reaction when the wood binds against the back of the blade. The spinning teeth grab it and fling it toward you, far faster than you can react.

  1. Rockler Table Saw Basics www.rockler.com/learn/table-saw-basics
    Instantaneous, violent reaction that occurs when a workpiece binds the back of the blade ... toward the operator
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Trades & ShopOSHA requires hand-fed circular ripsaws to have which part to help stop wood being thrown back?Trades & ShopIn a CPSC survey of table saw injuries, the stock kicked back or jumped in about what share of cases?Trades & ShopWhat does a riving knife on a table saw do?

That's stuff everyone should know.