Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Mar 04, 2004 09:12pm | #1

   If you're trying to rip the edge off of a full size sheet of plywood, you'll still need the 48 inch capacity to the right of the blade.

   John W.

1. 
   corners | Mar 05, 2004 05:59am | #2

   Seems to me if I needed to rip a full sheet to 47 inches I would set the fence at 1 inch minus the blade width. From this point of view any size rip up to full sheet could be done with a 24 inch fence capacity.

1. 
   proje | Mar 05, 2004 06:47am | #3

   Might be tricky to do beveled edges on panels wider than 24", putting the waste on the fence side.

   Also it will be difficult to truly square a panel wider than 24". Easy to make the sides of the cutoff parallel, but no way to cut parallel to the other side of the keeper piece.

   proje

2. 
   BG | Mar 05, 2004 02:50pm | #4

   Corners,

   I have 26" to the right and have not had a problem so far cutting dados.  I use the fense too....in every case I've been able to flip the stock and cut the dados from the bottom up or top down...registering against the fense for accuracy.  I would guess that your sliding table and fense would make the dado job considerably easier...on wide panels

   Edited 3/5/2004 6:51:37 AM ET by BG

3. 
   JohnWW | Mar 05, 2004 05:32pm | #5

   The only way to guarantee that the two edges of a sheet are parallel, which is critical for good work, is to run the edge you want to be parallel to against the fence.  This is standard shop practice. 

   The technique also guarantees that all of the sheets cut at that fence setting are exactly the same width, irregardless of the width of the uncut panel.

   John W.

1. 
   jackplane | Mar 05, 2004 08:14pm | #7

   You could use the method you suggest. I guess you're cramped for space and want to alter your machine. The problem is that your measuring system to cut as you want involves factoring in the kerf each time, something you may not do at other machines, and this could lead to error.

     If you have a radial arm saw, I find it easier to cut dados on this, rather than on a sliding tablesaw.

2. 
   migraine | Mar 05, 2004 08:05pm | #6

   Don't cut it.  I perfer and longer rail and of course, that means more $.  It's amazing that when you have it, you don't need it... that often.  But when you need it, it's there