Table saw tips and techniques are a valuable resource for novice woodworkers looking to expand their knowledge of this workshop centerpiece.
Your basic table saw is designed to perform three basic operations; crosscutting (cutting to length), ripping (cutting to width), and bevel cutting ( cutting at an angle). In the hands of an experienced woodworker though, the table saw is capable of much more.
One of the characteristics of the table saw that makes it such an invaluable tool in the workshop, is it’s adaptability. Over the years, savvy woodworkers have devised many innovative techniques and procedures for the table saw, greatly expanding what can be accomplished with this simple machine.
Learning these skills will make your time in the workshop more productive, more enjoyable and allow you to move on to more complex projects.
These useful tips and tricks, as well as skill enhancing table saw techniques will help you along in that direction.
Making box joints on your table saw
There are two viable tools for making box joints in the home workshop, the router and the table saw. Both require the use of a special jig to form and space the fingers of the joint.
While many woodworkers like to cut their finger joints with a router, my prefered method is using a shop made jig mounted in the miter slot of my table saw. It’s quick, accurate and once you gain a bit of experience, very easy.
Adjust your throat plate to improve cut quality
When was the last time you checked to see if your throat plate was level with the saw’s table? This often overlooked adjustment can cause all sorts of trouble and much time is often wasted looking elsewhere for the problem.
When your workpiece hangs up on the front of the table saw insert, it’s pretty obvious that the insert needs adjustment. What’s not so easily noticed is when the back of the insert is raised slightly, causing the workpiece to lift a small amount as it passes over this high spot.