Table Saw Tips and Tricks to Make Weird DIY Projects

If you want to feel limitless, there’s no better way than taking up woodworking. You can make anything from a pencil case to a large piece of beautiful furniture. Your new skills will turn heads and give you a sense of pride and accomplishment with every completed project.

If you’re looking up some weird, DIY woodworking projects, you’ve probably noticed that a table saw will save you a lot of trouble rather than relying on hand sawing.

Keep reading for some tips and tricks to safely use that new table saw for your future projects.

Table Saw Tips and Tricks

The table saw is likely the most versatile and productive of all machines dedicated to woodworking. With this one tool, you can rabbet, rip, cross-cut, square, dado, and miter-cut.

You should read more about what kind of table saw might be right for you before making the purchase. Once you’ve found the perfect saw, keep reading for 5 tips and tricks that can help you with your woodworking projects.

1. Keep your Saw Rust-Free

The cast iron that your saw is likely made from can be prone to rust.

When you first receive your table saw, you’ll likely notice it is covered in a special protective grease. This was done to prevent rust during shipping and warehouse storage.

While this coating has to be removed before you can use the saw, you should apply a seal before even using the saw. Carnauba-based paste wax is a common one, but there are a lot of other options to choose from.

2. Keep Your Saw in Place

When you’ve found a nice, level area to place your saw, it’s important to leave it there.

The vibrations and movement from operating the table saw can move it, so it’s important to mark it’s place in the work area. You can use spray paint to spray a square around the legs, or use tape to delineate as well. You can now even stow the saw away and move it back to a level location with confidence.

3. Calibrate Your Miter Gauge

Set your miter gauge for a 90 degree cut, then crosscut one end of a 6″+ scrap of wood. Flip the cut piece of scrap top-for-bottom while keeping the same edge against the gauge.

Then, repeat the same cut onto the other end of the wood. Compare the lengths of these two edges by using a precision steel ruler. If these match, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll have to adjust the miter gauge and repeat the tests until you properly calibrate it.

4. Set up an Outfeed

When working with projects demanding longer pieces of wood, you’ll be thankful for already having an outfeed. Although a permanent outfeed may not be practical if you’re working in a small area on a smaller scale, you can also get a fold-down outfeed table for when you do need it, and can stow it away when you don’t.

5. Know Which are Your “Wide Teeth”

When using an adjustable dado blade, it can be difficult to determine which tooth cuts farthest to the left and which cuts farthest to the right. To find out, locate the widest-cutting tooth or teeth by using a square. Label that post using a permanent marker so that you can measure from that tooth when preparing to cut.

Final Thoughts

Always practice proper table saw safety practices, and we hope these 5 tips help you improve on your woodworking skills.

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