How to Make a Rip Cut With a Table Saw

A rip cut is a cut that is made along the grain of the wood. Although ripping is certainly not the only thing you can do with your table saw, it is the table saw's primary function and what you will probably use your saw for most. Knowing how to make a rip cut properly is therefore an important skill when working with your table saw. Read on for instructions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Table saw
• Pushstick

1. Set the blade at the correct height for your project. The board should be approximately in the middle of the top tooth on the saw.

2. Move the rip fence to the necessary distance from the blade for the cut you will be making. Use a measuring tape to ensure accuracy. Lock the handle of the rip fence.

3. Turn on the saw and begin to feed the wood onto the blade, making sure that the edge of the wood is against the rip fence.

4. Stay to the side of the workpiece as you feed it onto the saw to avoid kickback.

5. Keep the wood pushed against the rip fence with your left hand while feeding the wood onto the blade with your right hand.

6. Feed the wood onto the blade at a smooth and consistent speed. Keep the wood moving, never stopping as you make the cut, since this could result in an uneven and choppy cut.

7. Continue pushing the wood onto the blade, never allowing your hands to extend past the end of the blade guard.

8. Use a pushstick to complete the cut past the end of the saw blade. The use of a pushstick is essential in helping to ensure safety while using your table saw.

9. Turn off the saw after the piece of wood has been cut through. Allow the saw blade to stop completely before removing the pieces of wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your cut on a test piece of wood before cutting your actual workpiece.
• Do not stand directly in front of the wood as you are feeding it onto the blade of the saw, as this could result in injury if kickback occurs.
• Always use a pushstick when feeding the end of a piece of wood or a short piece of wood onto the saw blade.
• Wear protective eyewear and use general caution when working with your table saw.