Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
If your table saw came with a riving knife—use it. I’m often reminded to reinstall mine, even though riving knives didn’t become a standard feature until after my saw was released.
Riving knives aren’t a cure-all for safety, but they solve two big problems. First, they help prevent boards from hitting the back of the blade, which could cause them to lift and hurl toward you. Second, they stop stock from closing in on the blade due to internal tension.
That said, there are some hidden risks to using a riving knife that you should know. The knife must match the kerf of your blade. Table saw blades come in three common sizes: 1/8", 3/32", and 1/16". Most blades are 3/32", but if your riving knife is 1/8", it can pinch thinner blades, creating a hazard.
Blade diameter can also be an issue. Riving knives are designed to sit just behind the blade with minimal clearance. Using a smaller blade can create a larger gap, increasing the risk of kickback.
The tools we use are only as good as our understanding of them. A riving knife is a fantastic safety feature, but it’s not foolproof. It’s up to you to know how it works, how it interacts with your blade, and how to adjust it to fit your needs.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
If your table saw came with a riving knife—use it. I’m often reminded to reinstall mine, even though riving knives didn’t become a standard feature until after my saw was released.
Riving knives aren’t a cure-all for safety, but they solve two big problems. First, they help prevent boards from hitting the back of the blade, which could cause them to lift and hurl toward you. Second, they stop stock from closing in on the blade due to internal tension.
That said, there are some hidden risks to using a riving knife that you should know. The knife must match the kerf of your blade. Table saw blades come in three common sizes: 1/8", 3/32", and 1/16". Most blades are 3/32", but if your riving knife is 1/8", it can pinch thinner blades, creating a hazard.
Blade diameter can also be an issue. Riving knives are designed to sit just behind the blade with minimal clearance. Using a smaller blade can create a larger gap, increasing the risk of kickback.
The tools we use are only as good as our understanding of them. A riving knife is a fantastic safety feature, but it’s not foolproof. It’s up to you to know how it works, how it interacts with your blade, and how to adjust it to fit your needs.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
