Do You Use The Rip Fence When Cross Cutting?

As someone who enjoys woodworking, you may have come across the term ‘rip fence’ before. It’s a tool that is used to guide the wood when making a rip cut (cutting a board lengthwise with the grain). However, when it comes to cross cutting (cutting a board across the grain), many woodworkers wonder if they should use a rip fence or not.

The short answer is no, you should not use the rip fence when cross cutting. The reason for this is that the rip fence is designed to guide the wood parallel to the blade, which is not what you want when cross cutting. If you use the rip fence, it will push the wood towards the blade, which can cause kickback and serious injury.

Instead, when cross cutting, you should use a miter gauge or crosscut sled. These tools are designed specifically for cross cutting and will keep the wood perpendicular to the blade, ensuring a safe and precise cut.

Miter Gauge

A miter gauge is a tool that attaches to the table saw and allows you to guide the wood across the blade at a specific angle. It has a fence that is perpendicular to the blade and can be adjusted to the desired angle. Miter gauges are great for making angled cuts, such as when making picture frames or cutting molding.

To use a miter gauge, simply adjust the angle of the fence to the desired angle and place the wood against it. Hold onto the wood with both hands and guide it across the blade, keeping it firmly against the fence. Make sure to keep your hands away from the blade and use a push stick if necessary.

Crosscut Sled

A crosscut sled is a tool that is designed specifically for cross cutting. It is essentially a platform that rides along the table saw’s fence and has a fence of its own that is perpendicular to the blade. The sled is designed to hold the wood securely and keep it perpendicular to the blade, ensuring a safe and accurate cut.

To use a crosscut sled, place the wood onto the sled and slide it towards the blade, keeping it firmly against the sled’s fence. Make sure to keep your hands away from the blade and use a push stick if necessary. The sled can be adjusted to make angled cuts as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when cross cutting, it’s important to use the proper tools to ensure a safe and accurate cut. While the rip fence is great for rip cuts, it should not be used for cross cuts. Instead, use a miter gauge or crosscut sled to guide the wood across the blade at a perpendicular angle. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your woodworking projects are not only beautiful, but also safe.

More to explore: How To Build A Saw Guide?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a rip fence?

A rip fence is a guide that helps to ensure a straight and accurate cut when using a table saw.

2. Do I need to use the rip fence when cross cutting?

No, you do not need to use the rip fence when cross cutting. In fact, using the rip fence when cross cutting can be dangerous and result in kickback.

3. How do I make sure my cross cuts are straight without the rip fence?

To ensure straight cross cuts without the rip fence, you can use a miter gauge or a crosscut sled. These tools will help to guide the wood through the saw blade and produce accurate cuts.