For many, a table saw is a must if you are building houses or just love to work with wood, but in order for it to perform and to keep you from being injured, your table saw should be balanced at least once a year. These instructions are for a contractor-style table saw. Although the basics are the same on most table saws, you should still follow the instruction manual that came with your table saw.

Table Saw Jig Basics Explained

A table saw jig exists to make almost every table saw task more accurate and safer. Among the basic table saw jigs that woodworkers find most helpful are a miter sled and miter fence, a push block, a rip fence and a rip jig. Find more information below about these basic jigs that you can buy or make for your table saw.

Table Saw Blade Alignment

Advice on keeping a table saw blade parallel to the fence, and some general observations on accuracy and tolerances. I would say the first thing you should check on is bearing wear. With the belts off the arbor pulley, spin the arbor and try to feel for any hesitation, spots that turn harder or even grinding, etc. If you don't notice any of these traits, grab the arbor and try to wiggle it - put the indicator on the arbor while you do this and watch your needle.

Fence Systems for Accurate Table Saw Ripping

Ripping wood is a primary function of the table saw, and because its importance, many manufacturers pay particular attention to the quality the rip fence on the saws they offer. Still, many factory fence systems lack the reliability and precision that would qualify them for exacting work. In this article, we’ll look at the basic requirements for good table saw ripping, and how an after-market fence system.

Fence Guide

A table saw fence guide is sometimes called a rip fence guide. This tool can be handy when using a table saw on more projects than just making fences. A fence guide can help you cut large amounts of materials that need to a uniform length or width.

Table Saw Tactics

When fibers, splinters, or even sizable chunks of wood break away from your workpiece while you're cutting or shaping it, that's chip-out. Fortunately, you can avoid nearly all of that surface damage by taking a moment to prepare before you cut, rout, or joint a piece of wood. Follow two basic rules to prevent chip-out: Use sharp cutting tools, and provide solid backing for surfaces that are likely to be damaged. We'll describe here some of the best ways to lend that support, no matter which cutting tool you use.