Table saw safety, can I safely do this?
My board is 27 inches wide (36 in long) I need to make a rip cut to make it 26 inches wide
my fence is 24.5 inches wide
can I use the fence, running the 1 inch cutoff between the blade and fence?
not sure if this a table saw no no or not.
thank you
Replies
Seems like it would be hard to control (accuracy might suffer). I’d use a circular saw with a guide.
This can be done, though as Hollywood_Engineer says, you would be better using a circular saw.
The problem is that as you get towards the end of the cut, there is little wood left and there is a risk that the board will bend and potentially dig in to the back of the blade. This will damage the workpiece and may result in kickback, though with a large piece it is unlikely.
It is not a good idea to have a small piece trapped between the fence and the blade as it can be pushed against the blade and can be ejected with some force.
Of course, the risks can be managed.
If you really want to do this on a tablesaw, make a sled that will hold the piece properly.
Sure you can do this. I've done this a few times. However like mentioned unless you can also have a push stick pushing pushing that 1 inch piece of wood between the fence while also controling the panel you may end up with a projectile! 36 by 26 is a hefty panel and I wouldn't want to be trying to control that with just one hand unless I had a good outfeed table. I'm guessing you're likely working on a job site saw at that rip capacity? If you're really stuck on using the table saw have someone help you out controlling the work piece so that you can push that cut off through safely.
Or like others have said it'd be far easier and safer to use a circ saw in combination with a straight edge. This would be my go to if I were you I'm this situation.
My rule of thumb is that if I have to ask, it probably isn't ;-)
I have a large sled for just such occasions. Always more than one way to skin the cat. A clamped straight edge or other form of guided circ-saw is also good.
Thanks everyone appreciate the feedback
The saftest way to make that cut would be to uce a sled. Kings Finewooding website shows how to make a excellent sled. Stay safe.
I have made cuts similar to this, but using two GRR-Rippers push blocks with attachments that allow the block to straddle the blade and provide solid control - the back tab is sacrificial, you just saw through it. Even with those to help, it’s not a cut I enjoy making. Next time I have such a cut, I am going to try using an L Fence. It was discussed on the STL podcast a few episodes ago. The L fence clamps to the rip fence. You would attach a guide board on top of your work piece (Use screws if there is waste or hidden parts, or double sided tape) that rides along the L and adjust the L fence to be just above the blade and for the 1 inch width you want. Your workpiece slides underneath the L and the guide runs against the L. If you are an unlimited member, search for L Fence and you will find a video. Be safe!
Just use an L Fence
When I have this type of rip I thank the stars for my rollerball tripod. That's all I can offer, but consider the others' warnings.
Mikaol
A panel cutting sled is much safer. Easy to build, and you don’t need a big wide standard sled.
If you’re not familiar this is a sled with one miter slot runner and one that rides the table edge. A fence in the far side only can accommodate up to 30” panel.
Without making a sled or jig, I'd go with a circular saw to get it close, then a router with pattern bit (or a jointer hand plane) to get it nice and clean.
Not sure what the final project is, but here is another option. Cut the board right down the middle safely using your fence. Then cut each half to 13", once again safely using your fence. Then glue them back together. that also gives you the opportunity to add a decorative strip down the middle if you want. Like I said, not sure what the final project is.
Another option is to find access to a wider table saw. Try your Woodcraft or Rockler store or local high school. Sometimes they will rent shop time or make the cut for you.
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