Table saws are powerful and precise — but they’re also the source of thousands of injuries every year. One moment of distraction, one bad setup, and fingers can pay the price. That’s why using smart safety devices isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Whether you’re a weekend woodworker or running a commercial shop, investing in real table saw safety tools is the cheapest insurance you can buy. We’ve rounded up the best safety devices that make a real difference in preventing kickback, guiding material, and protecting your hands.
Top Table Saw Safety Devices
1. Microjig GRR-RIPPER Push Block
This isn’t your average push stick. The GRR-RIPPER lets you apply downward, forward, and lateral pressure all at once — keeping your hands far from the blade and your stock tight against the fence.
- Fully adjustable legs for narrow rips
- Great for short pieces or thin strips
- Increases control and reduces chance of kickback
Price: ~$70
2. Kreg Precision Miter Gauge System
Accurate crosscuts are safer cuts. A sloppy miter gauge leads to binding or drift — and that’s how hands get close to blades. Kreg’s miter system includes a long fence, stop block, and micro-adjust.
- Precision-machined bar fits snug in miter slots
- Stops for repeat cuts
- Prevents twisting or tipping mid-cut
Price: ~$150
3. Featherboards (Milescraft, Kreg, Magswitch)
Featherboards keep stock pressed against the fence — which helps prevent kickback and wobbly cuts. Magnetic versions from Magswitch snap into place instantly, no T-slots required.
- Provides consistent pressure during the cut
- Magnetic options allow easy positioning
- Reduces blade binding, especially with long stock
Price: ~$25–$60 depending on style
4. SawStop Safety Brake System (Built-In Saw)
If you’re buying a new saw, this is the safest money can buy. SawStop’s technology detects skin contact and stops the blade in milliseconds. Yes, it’s pricey — but your fingers are worth it.
- Blade drops below table instantly on contact
- Only damages blade and brake cartridge
- Models available from jobsite to industrial
Price: $2,000–$5,000 depending on model
5. Blade Guard with Riving Knife
Riving knives prevent the kerf from closing behind the blade — which is a major cause of kickback. Many saws come with guards, but if yours doesn’t, aftermarket kits are worth it.
- Helps guide material cleanly
- Prevents work from pinching the blade
- Often includes anti-kickback pawls
Price: ~$100–$200
Additional Accessories That Improve Safety
- Zero-Clearance Inserts: Reduces tear-out and keeps small offcuts from falling into the blade opening
- Push Sticks and Push Pads: Budget options that still keep your hands out of danger
- Outfeed Tables: Prevent boards from tipping or binding after the cut
- Overhead Dust Collectors: Improve visibility and reduce distractions
High-End Safety Setups (Over $2,000)
If you’re outfitting a high-end shop, consider building a safety system around a top-tier saw like the SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw. Pair it with the following:
- Custom outfeed table with rollers
- Overhead blade guard with integrated lighting
- Digital fence positioning system
- Foot pedal start/stop switch
Total setup: ~$4,000–$6,000, but built to last and designed to protect
Final Word
Working with a table saw doesn’t have to be risky — but it does demand respect. These safety devices are small investments that yield huge peace of mind. Whether you’re gripping a GRR-RIPPER or standing behind a SawStop, the goal is always the same: finish the job with the same number of fingers you started with.
Set your shop up smart. Protect yourself before the blade ever spins. And remember — safety isn’t optional, it’s built in.