I was in the same boat not too long ago. I needed to cut a shim that was about 2 feet long, and I didn’t have a way to do it. So what did I do? I turned to the internet of course! And after doing some research, I found the best way to do it.
In short, to cut long shims on a table saw, adjust the height of the blade, set the fence, and make a slow, steady cut.
In this article, I’m going to show you how to do it safely on a table saw. It’s actually very easy, and with just a few simple steps, you can have your shim cut in no time! Follow these simple steps!
How To Cut Long Shims On a Table Saw step by step guide
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First, you should set up the fence about 1/16” above the blade. The fence should be positioned directly under the blade. Make sure that the blade is running at its slowest speed.
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Next, put a straightedge across the top of the workpiece. Hold the straight edge firmly against the top surface of the workpiece.
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Now, position the blade along the straightedge. Make sure that the fence is set up correctly. Adjust the blade as necessary until the entire width of the straightedge is covered.
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Once the blade has been adjusted properly, flip the workpiece over and lower the blade into the workpiece. Slowly move the blade back and forth across the workpiece. Be careful not to let the blade touch the straightedge.
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Once the blade has moved completely through the workpiece, lift the straightedge and slide it forward. Repeat steps 2-5 until all the material has been removed.
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When you’re finished removing the material, turn the workpiece over and repeat steps 2-6.
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips to follow when cutting long shims on a table saw:
- Always wear eye protection when using a table saw.
- Be sure to keep your fingers well away from the blade while cutting.
- Cut the shims one at a time to avoid kickback.
- Use a push stick or other device to help guide the shim through the blade if necessary.
- Never try to force the shim through the blade – this can lead to serious injury.
- Make sure the shim is securely clamped before beginning to cut.
- Cut slowly and evenly to avoid splintering or breaking the shim.
- Use a sharp blade to ensure a clean, smooth cut.
- Once the shim is cut, remove it from the saw blade carefully to avoid injury.
- Always unplug the table saw before attempting to clean or maintain it.
Conclusion:
That’s all there is to it! You should now have the skills and knowledge necessary to cut long shims on a table saw. The next time you need to make this type of cut, give it a try. Be sure to experiment with different widths and lengths until you find the perfect fit for your project.
As always, if you have any questions or run into any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. I’m always happy to assist our readers in whatever way I can. Thanks for reading and happy woodworking!
FAQ,s
How to cut a foot shim on a table saw?
Cutting a foot shim is easy with a table saw. First, measure how much space you need to leave between the front legs of your table and mark the location of those legs on the backside of the board. Next, clamp the board in place. Now, run the blade slowly around the perimeter of the board and remove the excess. Finally, drill a pilot hole in the center of the board and attach it with screws.
How to make a table shim?
A table shim is used to raise the height of a table. Table shims come in many different shapes and sizes. They are usually attached to the underside of a table using either nails or screws.