On Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:02:30 GMT, Phisherman wrote:

Cutting squares or smaller pieces increase the chance of kickback. I
like to stand out the "kickback danger zone." A bandsaw would be a
safer choice. I use a canvas apron but not for family-jewel
protection.

Very true. Any time the length of the cut is not greater than the
distance to the fence, especially if cut length is also less than the
length of the exposed blade, you're in a crosscut situation and it
should be treated as such irrespective of whatever direction the
wood's grain is running.

IMO, the terms "rip" and "crosscut" relative to wood grain direction
have meaning in the Neander world because of the difference in handsaw
tooth form and sharpening. Normites at the tablesaw should forget
grain direction and look strictly at cut geometry in treating a cut as
a "rip" or "crosscut" and act accordingly.
Tom Veatch
Wichita, KS
USA