How to Square a Board with a Table Saw? (4 Steps)

How to Square a Board with a Table Saw

A table saw is an ideal tool to help the user come up with perfect results. Even wood professionals consider the saw as the right tool for squaring a board. It is easy to adjust the tool to obtain the right square cut in a single pass.

Following the device’s steps and reasons why the table saw is the right choice, you will come up with a perfect way how to square a board with a table saw without struggles.

 

Steps to follow when squaring a board using a table saw.

 

1. Marking the board

Woodcutting needs to be precise and correct. Therefore, the user must have a measuring and marking tool like a ruler and pencil at hand. With the devices, the user can mark visual guides on the table. Notably, the guides lead to what dimensions the user wants.

Marking is the significant step of the whole procedure since it ensures the final output is mathematically square. It is also necessary in some situations to use a framing square. For instance, when the user wants to make a continuous horizontal or vertical line, the framing enclosure ensures a perfect result.

2. Adjusting the guides

After marking your board, you must get it ready to pass through the table saw’s blade. Using freehand may not give accurate results. Therefore, the user must acquire some assistance while working across the blade for precise results. The user may use a clamped strip or the unit’s guides.

Using a clamped strip is possible on table saws that have a channel managing the movement of the workpiece across the table’s units. The strips are scrap wood, and the user clamps them away from the intended place of squaring the board. Using fences or guides limits the movement of the board as it passes over the blade.

3. Choosing and adjusting the right blade

Performing the square cuts needs the user to choose a blade. A fine-tooth woodcutting table saw blade is the best choice for a professional-grade result. Notably, the blade cuts through dense wood efficiently and with ease. Therefore, the user keeps the square cut on track.

Picking on the right saw blade needs you to adjust it, which includes the blade’s height. The blade’s size should be slightly above the height of your board. Consequently, the square cut is accurate throughout the width of your board.

4. Making the cut

With all the tools and stocks ready, the user can make cuts efficiently. When cutting, the user must ensure they use all the saw table techniques, especially when using the guides or fences. Additionally, the user should stick to the safety techniques after activating the blade.

Thanks to Kris Harbour Natural Building for making this video.

How to get a square edge using a table saw. (making oak flooring for the roundhouse)

Benefits of a table saw.

It is portable

The compactness and light weight of the table saw ensure comfortability while carrying it to various job sites. With a table saw at hand, you should not worry about storage since it only takes up a small space. Additionally, its small size makes it possible to work in crowded places without tampering with the saw’s crosscut abilities.

Saves on energy

The tool uses a low amount of energy-saving the user from high bills of electricity. Therefore, the user has low expenditure with a table saw at hand.

It is affordable and versatile.

The table saw is cheap, making it affordable even for low-income earners. Its lightweight, good performance, and minimal engine make it accessible. Additionally, the tool manufacturers use durable materials, ensuring long-lasting service to the users. Notably, the tool handles both light tasks and medium tasks that involve working on hardwoods.

Safe for the user

The tool comes with a small size and high compatibility that prevents the occurrence of accidents. However, users must ensure they observe safety tips. Choosing the right blade for every material is the first safety tip. You must unplug the tool before changing the table.

Ensuring that the power code of the table saw is away from the cutline is essential. Additionally, the user must ensure that the table saw’s blade is clean and sharp to avoid kickbacks when using it.

How does a table saw work? 

The tool has an electric motor that drives a circular saw blade. It projects through an opening on the surface of the table. The blade rotates toward the front part of the table, and the user pushes the board into the blade against the direction the blade rotates.

A table saw helps the user perform two cutting operations, which are ripping and crosscutting. Ripping reduces the width board by pushing it along a fence.

The fence is parallel to the blade, and its location is a distance from the blade that equals the chosen width. In crosscutting, the board reduces in length. A miter gauge carries the board through the blade and holds it at a perpendicular angle to the blade.

The operations vary since you can drive a motor laterally so that the blade forms another degree rather than ninety with the table’s surface.

Users may adjust the miter gauge to form ninety degrees with the miter slot and the table saw blade allowing better cutting. Setting the blade’s height lower than the board’s thickness makes it possible to make adjacent and parallel cuts.

Final Thought

A table saw is a perfect tool to help you come up with an ideal result. The agency handles any wood and thickness of the board. Additionally, it saves energy-saving users from increased electricity bills.

Accidents are less when using the tool since it is not heavy and comfortable for the user to handle. When using the device, remember to take the mentioned safety measures to avoid accidents.

After following the task’s right steps, a table saw helps you develop a perfectly square board. Visiting the website is critical to give you more information on how to square a board with a table saw for safety measurements.