Replies

1. 
   esch5995 | Dec 08, 2023 02:31pm | #1

   There is no absolute answer, but generally yes but be cautious.

   I do have a few suggestions:

   You say it's live edge; it's never safe to rip on a tablesaw unless you have at least one true edge to run against the fence.

   Some of those knots appear to be a bit loose if that's the case they can become projectiles when ripping so face protection and staying out of the blade path are recommended.

   At the first sign of tension in the board, the board wanting to either pinch the blade or spread open stop and reconsider the cut. Hopefully your saw has a riving knife if not some type of splitter, make sure you use it and it is adjusted properly.

   Use a true ripping blade versus a combination blade for the smoothest and safest cut

   Use a bandsaw if that is an option, always a safer option with squirrelly wood.

1. 
   chancito | Dec 08, 2023 02:43pm | #3

   Thanks esch5995,
   Do you think a circular saw would be better for this then?

2. 
   jharveyb | Dec 08, 2023 02:42pm | #2

   My answer is don't rip it on a tablesaw. serious risk of kick-back. Make a cut line (using a straight edge or chalk line) and cut with either a bandsaw or hand held saber saw. Having seen a friend's hand after a kick-back with a hand held circular saw, don't think that would be safer!
   In general, I use the bandsaw first to rip most woods oversized, to guarantee strsight parts. ALWAYS with cherry, 2x framing lumber, and any wood that is recently out of the dry kiln. Then I joint one edge and rip a very small amount off the other edge.

1. 
   chancito | Dec 08, 2023 02:46pm | #4

   Thanks jharveyb,
   I do have a small band saw that should work. Appreciate the emphasis on safety.

1. 
   esch5995 | Dec 08, 2023 03:04pm | #5

   I will add breaking the board down into smaller pieces before ripping is always safer. If you are making a frame layout where horizontal and vertical pieces will fall on the board and make it into two pieces before ripping it.

1. 
   chancito | Dec 08, 2023 04:13pm | #6

   Thanks again, sounds wise.

3. 
   phantomtrapper | Dec 08, 2023 04:45pm | #7

   You can cut a longer piece of plywood to a bit more than 1/2 the width of your board. Attach the board with destaco clamps or screws in waste portions of the board, centering it on the blade edge of the plywood. This will keep a live edge away from the fence. If the cut wants to bind, stop and put a wedge or old chisel to force it open while you finish your cut. As was said above, protect your face against loose knots.

1. 
   chancito | Dec 08, 2023 06:57pm | #9

   Thanks phantomtrapper,
   Hadn’t thought of this but makes sense

4. 
   gulfstar | Dec 08, 2023 05:55pm | #8

   There are some good advices here but ripping through knots is actually quite common, trees have branches. Do wear PPE, a full face mask is preferable and a thick apron and have a straight edge riding the fence.

1. 
   chancito | Dec 08, 2023 06:58pm | #10

   Thanks gulfstar,
   Always appreciate your practical advice.