There are a variety of cuts that can be made on a table saw, and one of the most common is the wedge. Wedges can be used in a variety of ways in woodworking, and learning how to cut them on a table saw is a valuable skill. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this cut easily and accurately. Stay safe while using your table saw, and enjoy making beautiful wedges!
How to cut a wedge on a table saw step by step
STEP 1: Mark the wood and cut the first angle
First, measure out from one end of your board and mark a 45-degree angle where you want to begin cutting. With your saw still off, line up the blade with this mark and adjust it so that it is protruding 2 inches or more past the edge of the board. Switch on your saw and carefully push it into the wood until you have reached this first mark, then lift it back out. This should leave a shallow ‘v’ in your material. Now measure how deep you need to go in order to create a full wedge (approximately half an inch) and make another ‘v’ towards this depth but not quite reaching it. Again, switch off your saw and move it away from the board.
STEP 2: Connect the two angles with a straight line to finish the cut.
Now use your pencil to connect these two ‘v’ shapes, creating a clean 90-degree angle that runs right through your board. This should be your final cut line. You are ready to start cutting! learn more here How to cut long shims on table saw.
STEP 3: Cross-hatch for safety before making any cuts on the actual wood.
Cutting materials using a table saw can be dangerous, so before you make the first slice, it is necessary to cross-hatch (or ‘score’) both sides of this wedge notch in order to mark where you want the blade to go through. Simply slide your pencil across one side according to the angle you created earlier, and repeat this process on the other side so that your pencil marks will line up when you go to make the cut.
STEP 4: Cut out wedge notch from both sides.
Starting from one of these cross-hatched lines, carefully lower your saw blade into the wood and push it through until it exits at the other cross-hatched line. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out in a perfect 90-degree angle – just try to get reasonably close! With a sanding block or sander, sand down the inside of your two cuts until they meet in a smooth finish.
STEP 5: Glue in wedges and let them dry.
Next, use your chisel to split your board into two wedges by forcing the blade into the cuts you made. The wedge should slide in easily and be a tight fit. Let this dry for a few minutes before removing it from the saw to ensure that it’ll hold its shape once set. This is not necessary but will make cutting out the waste much easier! learn more here How to cut laminate countertop with table saw
STEP 6: Cut off any leftover material on both sides of each wedge.
Now use your table saw to cut away the excess wood from both sides of each wedge, making sure to follow your pencil lines as guidelines so that you don’t accidentally go through your cuts from earlier! Finish off with sanding paper for a smooth finish, and enjoy your new custom-made wedges!
Safety tips when using a table saw for wedge:
Always make sure to use the right blade for the job. For cutting wide boards, use a cross-cut blade or an ‘alternative-bevel’ rip blade, which is designed specifically for ripping boards in half. They are much wider than a regular table saw blade and will leave you with much smoother cuts in less time. learn more here How to cut crosscut sled for the table saw.
- Keep your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
- Use a push stick to help feed wood through your saw, especially when cutting wide boards.
- Unplug your table saw before changing blades or making adjustments.
- Stand to one side of your table saw and keep it behind you, holding it firmly with both hands while you pass the wood over the blade.
- Make sure all screws are tightened securely before plugging it in.
- Check the blade guard is working by running your hand against it – it should stop your fingers from getting dangerously close to the saw blade.
FAQ’s:
What are the dangers of cutting a wedge on a table saw?
The greatest danger is the kickback. When you cut, there is a chance that it will chew through your board unevenly and the part of the wood not sawn cleanly can fly back at you. This can cause serious injury to your hands or face.
How do I sand down my wedge after making the cuts?
Sanding your wedge is fairly easy. You can use sandpaper or an electric sander to help bring the cuts together and smooth out any rough edges, but be careful not to overheat them by standing for too long at one time. It’s also important to wear safety goggles when finishing off, because bits of wood may break off completing the cuts and fly into your eyes.
Is it ok to use a regular table saw blade for cutting wedges?
No! Using the correct blade is essential in preventing accidents when cutting wood on a table saw. The cross-cut blades are specialized for this task, so they’re perfect for creating notches of any size. They’re also much safer for this because they’re wider and leave a smoother finish.
Conclusion:
I hope this article was helpful in showing you how to cut a wedge on your table saw. Be sure to use the safety precautions mentioned and always double-check that the blade is switched off before making any adjustments. Remember, practice makes perfect so try cutting some wedges at different angles until you feel comfortable with the process. Thanks for reading!
