8 Best Table Saw Tips and Tricks | How to Get the Maximum Output

Do you want to make efficient, cleaner, and safer cuts with your table saw? Then, these 8 best table saw tips and tricks will certainly help you.

In any DIY project and modern woodworking shop, a table saw is the centerpiece. It’s one of the most versatile and productive woodworking machines. But, to get the maximum output from a table saw, you must learn some table saw cutting techniques along with some care and maintenance tips.

We’re here to help you by providing easy-to-follow tips and techniques for using your table saw.

Table Saw Tips And Tricks

1. Before start using tune- up your table saw

Only a properly tuned-up table saw can cut efficiently. Tuning up will keep your saw running smoothly, and let you work as safely as possible. So, tuning up your table saw before starting work is essential.

By following a few tips you can do the job:

1. Inspect the blade. It must be perfectly flat, free of pitch and sharp. You should replace a wobble blade. Check the table saw blade’s alignment carefully. Keep the blade and the miter slots parallel to each other.
2. Check the rip fence’s alignment. Keep the fence aligned to the miter slot. To do this, stand a straight-edge in the miter slot and sight down the straight- edge. Look for any gaps between the fence and the edge. If any, adjust the fence to remove the gaps.
3. Check the blade position. For efficient cutting, the result keeps the blade square to the table platform. Adjust the arbor angle to the zero-degree stop. To check whether the blade is 90-degrees to the table or not, use a small framing or layout square standing on its edge. If not, adjust the zero-degree stop on the table saw.
4. Check the position of the throat plate. Make sure the plate is at or just below the level of the table platform. You may adjust the height accordingly using the adjustment screws (if any). There must not have any sawdust on the lip on the table platform that supports the throat plate.
5. If your table saw features a riving knife or splitter, check their alignment. You can do it by using a straight- edge against the blade and splitter.
6. Inspect the inside of the table to make sure that the dust collection system is free of pitch or sawdust. Clean if necessary. Make sure that the miter gauge slides freely through the slots.
7. Inspect the fence’s locking mechanism carefully. Make sure that the fence won’t slip when moderate lateral pressure is applied to it.

2. For straight and smooth cut use feather board

Feels challenging to keep the workpiece adequately aligned with the fence? A feather board can be helpful for you.

To have a straight and smooth cut, use feather board. The “fingers” of the feather board will tightly hold your workpiece against the board and let you push the board through. It’ll help you not only hold the workpiece on a place but also maintain enough pressure at the same time.

3. For ripping, longboards use an outfeed to support

Looking for an inexpensive way to support the longboards or full sheet of plywood during the ripping process? Set up a temporary outfeed with the clamp to support the last portion of a long workpiece during ripping.

Remember: This will only work if you use a contractor- size, larger table saw.

4. To guide longboards clamp on a long fence

Are you a DIY enthusiast and do you work alone? Facing difficulties to keep tight the longboard against the fence? If your table saw features a short fence, then keeping a long workpiece tight against it is difficult.

There’s a solution: Clamp a straight, longboard, or a long level to the fence. Indeed, it’ll be easier to keep the workpiece firmed against the fence.

5. For ripping complicated grain clamp a straight ¾- inch board against the fence

Need to rip wavy wood? Does the complicated grain bind the saw blade?

Knotty wood or unevenly dried wood often warp badly while you rip it. If the halves bend outward, it may cause kickback, uneven cut, and burn marks. To overcome these problems, place a straight, smooth ¾- inch lumber against the fence. Notice that one end of the clamp remains at the center of the blade. This technique will keep the wavy wood from binding the blade.

6. Use a sliding jig to cut a range of identical, narrow strips

Looking for a convenient way to make a range of identical and narrow strips without moving the fence or removing the blade guard for every cut?

Follow the steps below:

• Take a short strip of wood. It must be slightly thinner than the rip cut width. Attach the strip to the end of 1 x 6 (4-ft.).
• Add a handle near the end of the jig. It’ll give you better control when you push the jig through the blade.
• Hold the workpiece against it and then slowly push the jig through.

This technique will help you to rip a series of pieces easily.

7. Keep several push sticks on hand

Which types of push stick do I need to use – long and narrow or broad and flat?

To keep safe your finger from the table saw blade, it’s important to use a push stick, especially when your hands are starting to get close to the spinning blade. It’s one of the most important table saw safety tips. However, it’s convenient to keep several push sticks on hand to feed the workpiece through the blade.

What’s more, keep two types of push sticks at hand- a) broad and flat b) long and narrow.

If your workpiece is light and small, use a long and narrow push stick. On the other hand, for wide and heavy boards, use broad and flat sticks.

8. Table saw maintenance tips

How to maintain a table saw to keep it rust-free and clean?

In general, the table saw’s table platform construction features cast iron which is susceptible to rust. So, to prevent rust uses protective grease on the platform. If your table saw have a steel or aluminum platform, apply wax monthly.

Never use silicone-based grease on the platform as it may interfere with the finishes on wood. Don’t forget to acquire the basic knowledge of table saw safety features.

Here is a Youtube Video about Table Saw Hacks

Summing Up

This will only work if you use a contractor- size, larger table saw. Now that you know the 8 best table saw tips and tricks, your DIY projects will be more productive and less challenging.

Good luck with your DIY woodworking projects with the best table saw.