As a woodworker or DIY enthusiast, you must be familiar with the rip fence. It is a useful tool that helps you make accurate cuts while working with a table saw. The rip fence is a guide that runs parallel to the saw blade and helps you maintain a consistent distance between the blade and the workpiece during the cut.
However, there are situations where using the rip fence may not be the best option. In this article, we will discuss when you should not use the rip fence and what alternatives you can use instead.
When Should You Not Use The Rip Fence?
1. When Crosscutting
The rip fence is designed to make rip cuts, which means cutting along the grain of the wood. If you need to make crosscuts, which are perpendicular to the grain, you should not use the rip fence. Crosscuts require a different type of guide, such as a miter gauge or crosscut sled. These guides allow you to make accurate cuts across the width of the workpiece.
2. When Cutting Small Pieces
When you need to cut small workpieces, the rip fence can be a hazard. The small pieces may get caught between the blade and the fence, causing kickback or other accidents. To avoid this, use a push stick or a crosscut sled to guide the workpiece through the saw blade.
3. When Ripping Narrow Strips
Ripping narrow strips of wood using the rip fence can be dangerous. The narrow strips may get trapped between the blade and the fence, causing kickback or other accidents. To avoid this, use a feather board to hold the workpiece against the fence and prevent it from moving during the cut.
4. When Cutting Curved Shapes
The rip fence is designed to make straight cuts. If you need to cut curved shapes, such as circles or arcs, you should not use the rip fence. Instead, use a jigsaw or a band saw to make the cut. These tools are better suited for cutting curves and will give you a more accurate cut.
5. When Cutting Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood often has irregular shapes or edges. Using the rip fence to cut reclaimed wood can be dangerous as it may cause kickback or other accidents. Before cutting reclaimed wood, inspect it thoroughly and remove any nails or other debris. Use a miter gauge or a crosscut sled to guide the workpiece through the saw blade.
Conclusion
The rip fence is a valuable tool that helps woodworkers make accurate cuts. However, it is important to know when not to use the rip fence to avoid accidents and injuries. If you need to make crosscuts, cut small workpieces, rip narrow strips, cut curved shapes, or cut reclaimed wood, use an appropriate guide or tool to ensure a safe and accurate cut.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – When Should You Not Use The Rip Fence?
1. What is a rip fence and why is it important?
A rip fence is a tool used in woodworking to guide the workpiece while it is being cut. It helps to ensure that the cut is straight and accurate. It is an important tool for woodworkers and is commonly used in table saws.
2. When should you not use the rip fence?
There are certain situations when you should avoid using the rip fence. For example, if you are making a crosscut, using the rip fence can be dangerous as it may cause the wood to bind against the blade. Similarly, if you are cutting a piece of wood that is not straight or has knots, using the rip fence can result in kickback, which can be hazardous.
3. What are the risks of using the rip fence incorrectly?
Using the rip fence incorrectly can be dangerous and can result in serious injury. If the wood is not held securely against the fence, it can kick back and cause injury to the operator. Similarly, if the wood is not straight or has knots, it can bind against the blade, resulting in kickback. Additionally, if the blade is not set at the correct height, it can cause the wood to kick back or bind against the blade.
4. What are some alternatives to using the rip fence?
If you are making a crosscut or need to cut wood that is not straight or has knots, it is best to use a miter gauge or a sled. A miter gauge is a tool that is used to guide the workpiece at a specific angle, while a sled is a platform that slides on the table saw and holds the workpiece securely. Using these tools instead of the rip fence can help to ensure that the cut is accurate and safe.
Read Also: Should I Rip Or Crosscut First?