5 Table Saw Uses – Most Useful Things You can do! 2024

The table saw is one of the most powerful and versatile tools that can be used for different woodworking projects, making various types of cuts and joints including crosscuts, dadoes and rip cuts easily and conveniently.

Furthermore, this tool allows the users to make accurate and precise cuts which are significant for every woodworking project. This efficient tool can quickly cut through thick wood pieces as compared to the hand saw. Therefore, with many uses and benefits, it is a valuable addition to your workshop. If you don’t have one please have a look at the list of best table saws with pros & cons I have compiled for you.

1. Crosscutting

One of the major benefits of table saws is cross cutting. Crosscutting is basically cutting the wood across the grain which is basically the orientation of the wood fibers. Furthermore, three features of a table saw are involved in crosscutting including blade angle, height, and miter square accuracy. The best quality cross-cut is obtained by using a blade that is particularly designed for cross-cutting, having more and smaller teeth.

As the blade on the table saw is highly adjustable, however, raising it to a certain level will create certain safety hazards. The rotary handle present at the front side of the saw performs all the blade adjustability mechanisms. Unlock the lever and then turn the handle on either side in order to lower or raise the blade. With the help of this feature, the user can easily adjust the cutting height for the thickness of the wood.

2. Ripping

This is again one of the most common uses of a table saw. Ripping is simply cutting larger and thicker wood pieces into smaller ones or cutting the wood pieces to the width. For ripping, the user will have to run the board directly from the front side against the rip fence in order to avoid the risk of jamming the saw and twisting the board. For making the accurate rip-cut, again three noteworthy features of a table saw are used including blade angle, blade height, and fence alignment. Have a look at the detailed information about rip capacity on a table saw.

Unlike blade height used for cross-cutting, the blades used for ripping have fewer but larger teeth. Furthermore, the new table saw is equipped with a pinion mechanism and a rack whose main function is to adjust the distance of the fence or wood piece from the blade. The benefit of this mechanism is that it ensures the fence is placed parallel to the blade regardless of the settings that you choose. While using the table saw for the first time, make sure to check the accuracy of its built-in scale.

3. Bevel Cuts

Bevel cuts are easily made by tilting the blade of the table saw and making the square tabletop. This blade can be adjusted accordingly using the bevel gauge or digital square and tilting the blade away from the fence. The vertical depth of the cuts reduces as you tilt the blade. Therefore, you will need to adjust the blade to a higher level in order to get 1/8 inch of the blade. Apart from this, any other technique can also be used when making the bevel cuts.

4. Cutting Grooves And Rabbets

Grooves and rabbets are common joint cuts that are made with much ease, accurately, and precisely by using the table saw. Grooves are the cuts that are more towards the center whereas rabbets are the cuts out of the edges of the wooden panel or boards. Since these cuts are achieved quickly and conveniently, they are riskier as well.

The reason behind this problem is the blade guard and riving knife that needs to be removed for achieving precise cuttings.

5. Cutting Joints

The table saw is also capable of creating various joint cuts apart from grooves and rabbets. However, for cutting joints, the user will need to remove the blade guard and riving knife for getting precise and accurate joint cuts. While removing, make sure to take extra safety precautions. Moreover, there is a list of various cutting joints that you can achieve by using a table saw.

• Tenon
• Lap
• Finger
• Dado
• Reinforced miter
• Dovetail

Table Saw Blades Types

• Crosscut Blades: These blades have smaller teeth as compared to the rip ones and are specifically designed to precisely cut across the grain or wood fiber without damaging or tearing it.
• Rip Blades: These are larger blades and have deep teeth. This blade is suitable for clearing out sawdust produced during cutting with grain or wood fibers.

• Combination Blades: These blades are specially designed to cut both across and with the wood grains due to which they are best suitable for home workshops. The best aspect of these combination blades is that the user will not need to replace and remove the blade for crosscutting or ripping as these blades offer both cuts in a single blade and are more time-friendly.
• Carbide-Tipped Blades: This versatile combination of blades offers the high-performance equivalent of specialized blades, offering more convenience and ease to table saw users in achieving various types of cuts. Hence, it is the best yet most expensive option for professionals and home wood workshops. Check out the best table saw blades I have reviewed.

FAQs

What can you not do with the table saw?

It is advised to the users of table saw not to use it freehand or without wearing any safety item as it is always advised to use glasses and hearing protection while using this tool. Also, never cut and clear small wood pieces when the blade of the table saw is moving. Furthermore, make sure to adjust the whole setup and saw before using it.

What features to look for in a table saw?

The foremost noteworthy factor is to check the power of the table saw whether it is capable of performing a particular task or not. Furthermore, while buying the table saw, make sure that outfeed tables or auxiliary sides can be attached easily. Apart from this, it should also be flexible towards changing and removal of different types of blades.

Can I use the table saw without a stand?

You cannot use the table saw without a stand as the user will need perfect support for achieving perfect and quality cuts. Therefore, you should equip your table saw with a heavy-duty and sturdy stand that supports your workpiece during various blade movements. Mostly these stands are oval-shaped which makes a tight and perfect fit for the blades.

What is the table saw best for?

The table saw is best suitable for woodworking projects that make straight and smooth cuts on long and short wood pieces and boards. This table saw is mostly used in DIY projects that require more accurate and precise cuts than machine or handheld saws. This powerful and versatile tool is suitable for professionals as well as beginners.