One of the difficult parts of handling woodworking projects has to be cutting the main material in a certain specific way. There’s no doubt, straight cuts are often easier to master. But when it comes to angled ones, some of us fall slightly behind to understand how to proceed.
And if it’s about certain projects that need a very specific style of cut and all you have is your table saw, it’s going to be challenging. One such example would be attempting to rip cut an angle on a table saw.
So, we have decided to come up with this piece of writing to help you with how to rip cut an angle on a table saw and everything relevant on it. Let’s just start!
Rip Cut at Angle with Table Saw – Something to Know Before.
Trying any freehand ripping on a table saw is a big no. Even if you’ve got the best table saw, that won’t be a good route to go for. If you can go for a circular saw, bandsaw, or jigsaw, the results would be much better.
However, in case you have no other choice, then a simple taper jig for table saw will make the process much easier. Clamping the workpiece at the angle to another board while it can stay against the rip fence, is another way things can work.
Read Also: What Is Rip Capacity On A Table Saw?
Quick Overview
How to Rip Cut an Angle on a Table
Is It Okay to Rip Angle Cuts on a Table Saw?
At this point, you should know how to rip cut on a table saw quite well. Because it’s one of the fabulous abilities of this tool that someone would choose to learn first. And that’s also why table saw is so ideal for wood grain parallel long cuts.
However, most of the time, the tools are used to rip cut an angle that is not more than 45 degrees. Because even with measurements that crosses 45-degrees, those aren’t going to be a case of true angles. And that’s why the table and miter saw would not adjust anything but up to that extent.
But, if there’s a need to go beyond 45 degrees, then the wood piece will need adjustments and modification. That’s what helps for such scenes. Whatever angle measurement you have in mind, minus 45 from it. And then go with the necessary angle adjustment of your saw. A knob or release will help in doing so. It should be available at the front side.
Get These Supplies Ready.
- A proper dust mask.
- Safety glasses.
- Ear protection plugs.
- Marking pen or regular pencil.
- Taper jig.
- Drafting triangle.
- Scarp wood pieces.
- And of course, the table saw.
Start By Preparing the Workpiece.
To rip an angle on a table saw, you must prepare the wood first. Make sure the saw is off while you do so. Basically, you need to measure the part that would go through rip cutting.
And it’s an angle, so you would need to use a ruler for it. Along the sides of the wood, simply make necessary measurements. And mark those with pen. Or simply use a regular pencil. You can use a measuring tape for now. And then go with a drafting triangle to set the angle later on.
The beginning and end of the cut need to be well indicated with the mark you just made. Also, make sure that you draw a thick line that is clearly visible. Later when you start cutting in this measured angle, there won’t be any way to go back. So, make sure you have created an accurate outline, recheck if necessary.
Get The Blade Adjustment Next.
You must raise the blade slightly, so that the cut is as clean as possible. Usually, a quarter inches should be enough. Because most of the time, the blade is set at 1/8 inches. The straight cut would go well with that height. But not when we are talking about cutting an angle.
Setting the Wood to a Certain Angle.
It does not matter if you are cutting shallow angles on a table saw or simply bigger ones, make sure to use a drafting triangle. So that the flat edge helps in achieving that perfect angled cut. To set the angle, you must have enough room to work with. So, keep that in check as well.
Usually, to cut on a table saw, you need to set a miter gauge right against the flat edge. You can use the gauge markings for positioning the wood at the angle you’d like to cut it.
If you must make adjustments to the angle, simply move the gauge right or left. Just make sure you do the back-and-forth movement gradually. The tool is pretty touchy itself so it could be slightly difficult.
For a 90-degree angle cut, use one of the edges of drafting triangle. Have it against the blade of the saw. And then let the miter gauge sit on another end. That should be enough and there’s no need for more adjustments afterward. However, with rip cuts, you would need something else than a miter gauge.
Use The Best Table Saw Taper Jig for Ripping Angle Cut.
If you know how to make a long taper cut on a table saw, then this segment shall seem easier to understand. Instead of the miter gauge, you simply use the taper jig for better rip cuts.
Just opposite the cut, carefully set the board side. Also, you need to place a jig against the board. The fence of the saw shall fit well with the jig’s opposite side. Now for rip cutting, which means going along the board length, you can use a sled style jig.
The base and clamp will make sure there’s no need for you to hold while dealing with the blade of the saw. You can use the table saw angle jig or taper jig for outlining the cut.
Also, before we explain how to cut a taper for the angle, you must set the fence with your workpiece. Slide it to grip the taper jig and you should be able to hold the material in place. And this also helps in giving that extra space between the blade and your finger while working.
Finally, Make the Cut.
While making the cut, make sure you hold the wood with firm hands. Your dominant hand shall be in front of the fence. Setting the wood right between saw and fence, make sure you align it with a sketched outline. Also, the miter gauge should be out of the way.
You should hold the far end of fence as well as wood. It should not be on the side you plan to rip cut. Your hand and blade should have 6 inches distance at least. Also make sure to use your dominant hand, so that full control of the piece can be possible.
Then stand right behind the wood, not blade. Two steps towards the dominant hand side. This position shall protect you from any accident that could take place due to kickback. Just to keep things safe.
Now gradually push the workpiece as well as the fence towards the blade of table saw. You want to keep it very consistent as well as steady. As soon as the saw goes all the way through, stop pushing. This is the movement you need to practice and master for having the right-angle cuts.
Try to have an extra piece of scrap wood at the end. Because most likely the saw will cut into the fence slightly. And having a scrap wood piece shall help avoid further issue. For cutting lengthwise, you can use a wood stick to push the blade.
Once you’ve finished cutting, get all the things back towards you. Safely get the piece out after turning the saw off.
Wrapping Up
And that was how to rip cut an angle on a table saw. You can now take your time to go through the steps and maybe do further research on parts that still seems confusing. We would highly suggest you watch videos if necessary to have a clear idea of what’s going on.
Mastering the perfect angle rip cut using a table saw would first need you to grasp the whole concept without any confusion. And we tried our best to keep the guide comprehensive to make that happen.
See you soon in a similar fun but important woodworking content. Till then, Take Care!
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