For this process, The main tool you’ll need for ripping is the Rip Fence System. You’ll also want to have your Table Saw Blade Tilt Set at 0° and Table Saw Blade Bevel Angle set to 0° [or even leave it at 90°].
First, we need to assemble all these tools for ripping wood with help of a table saw that is:
Rip Fence System
A Rip Fence System has a fence that goes all the way around the table saw, and it has a Rip Scale that is used to accurately measure the width of your wood.
There are several different types of wood cutting saws that can be used for ripping wood. The table saw is one of the more popular tools because it’s easier to use than a hand saw, and provides more consistent results.
Wood should be ripped at a distance of two to three inches from your saw blade, depending on the type and thickness of the wood.
The fence must be set in such a way that it is away from the blade by two to three inches.
Check to see whether your fence has been properly calibrated to your saw blade; measure from the fence’s blade side to the saw tooth (not blade face) to figure out the distance it is away from your wood.
Blade Bevel Angle & Height
Blade Angle: 0° – 90°
Table Saw Blade Bevel Angle needs to be set at 0 or 90 degrees as well as the Rip Fence System.
Most table saws can bevel the blade and produce an angled cut along the length of your rip cut, which is useful for many cutting tasks. The bevel angle on all components of the table saw, including this one, must be adjusted to ensure you’re making square cuts.
This is done to ensure consistency and accuracy while cutting, as your blade will be perpendicular to your wood’s surface before you make the cut.
Blade Height:
Set the blade on your saw to a height that is less than half of the material you are cutting.
If you are cutting material that is thicker than 2 inches, I recommend making multiple short cuts and gradually increasing the blade height rather than trying to make one long cut.
You need to set the blade height at exactly half the thickness of your wood.
To adjust the Rip Fence System to Rip Wood, get it parallel with your saw’s table.
Let’s Rip Wood! Rip Fence System
Move the Rip Fence System all the way to your blade, Tilt it back.
Set the Rip Fence Lock Handle (on top of Rip Fence) to 0° Rip Fence Angle.
Adjust Rip Fence system until you can slide a straight edge through the Rip Guide and Straight Edge Stops. Be sure that you are on Material for this process, not your table saw surface! This is important so you get accurate cuts on your wood.
Now, turn on your saw and start pushing wood through while holding it firmly against the fence.
Make sure that when pushing wood through, there is no upward pressure on either part of the Rip Fence System while ripping. This will cause your Rip Fence System to move and give undesirable results.
While you’re making your Rip Cut, make sure that your fingers are behind the Rip Fence Lock Handle and Rip Fence system. Otherwise you could end up with a very nasty accident on your hands!
When finished Rip Cutting all of your wood, Tilt Table Saw Blade 0° and Bevel Table Saw Blade 0° (or leave it at 90°). Now turn off the saw and move Rip Fence out of the way before shutting off power to the table saw completely.
Ripping Wood With A Table Saw: Advanced Rip Fencing Tips!
If you just purchased a new Rip Fence System for your table saw, there’s some extra steps you need to know before you Rip.
If you happen to have a Rip Fence System that’s been around for a while, then it still might need some adjusting too! Rip Fences are usually adjusted by loosening Rip Fence Knob and moving Rip Fence Side To Side to make sure it sits securely between the Straight Edge Stops. Then tighten Rip Fence Knob once it’s in place.
Once Rip Fence is secure, Tilt Table Saw Blade 0° and Bevel Table Saw Blade 0° (or leave table saw blade at 90°). Now turn off saw and move Rip Fence out of way before shutting off power to table saw completely. When finished with these steps, your Rip Fence should be perfectly aligned with your saw blade.
How To Rip Wood With A Table Saw: Conclusion
Rip Fences are a crucial part of every table saws features because it safely and accurately lets you Rip Cut wood with ease.
If you’ve ever attempted Rip Cutting wood without a Rip Fence System, then you know how difficult the process can be.
Rip Fences give you total control over cutting even the most stunning pieces of wood for projects that have been in your mind for months or years!
Use Rip Fence system to incorporate into other woodworking projects as well by just measuring out where to cut first before using other methods such as slitting your wood with a circular saw or jig saw.
Ripping is one of those things that’s easy once you have the right tools and information to Rip Cutting wood properly!
We hope you enjoyed this article on how to Rip Wood With A Table Saw Step By Step.
F&Q’s
Can you rip cut with a table saw?
A table saw is the safest tool to use when you are cutting wood. You should always keep the blade guard on the saw whenever possible. When you have to take it off, be sure to put it back on as soon as you can.
How thick of wood can a table saw cut?
Most table saws can only cut a depth of 4 inches at a 90-degree angle. For a 45-degree angle, the maximum depth is 2-¾ inches.
Can I rip a 4X4 on a table saw?
You can cut a 4×4 with most table saws. You will need to make two cuts, then rotate the 4×4 90 degrees, then make two more cuts. Be wary!