A carpenter is operating a table saw to rip several sheets of plywood. After making a cut, the piece of plywood kicks back violently, striking the carpenter's leg. What is the most likely cause of this kickback?

Question: A carpenter is operating a table saw to rip several sheets of plywood. After making a cut, the piece of plywood kicks back violently, striking the carpenter's leg. What is the most likely cause of this kickback?

Answer options:

• The blade was dull and needed sharpening. ✅ The rip fence was misaligned with the blade, pinching the workpiece.
• The saw's motor was underpowered for the thickness of the plywood.
• The dust collection system was not turned on.

Correct answer: The rip fence was misaligned with the blade, pinching the workpiece.

Explanation: Kickback on a table saw is most commonly caused by the workpiece becoming pinched between the blade and the rip fence, which can happen if the fence is not perfectly parallel to the blade or if the operator forces the wood into an angled fence. This causes the blade's teeth to grab and propel the wood backward. A dull blade might cause burning or slow cutting, but not typically violent kickback.