A table saw is a tool for cutting lumber, and is used to do long cuts that are parallel to the grain of the wood. Accessory tools, like rip fences and the miter gauge, are placed on the table saw to help make angled, precise cuts.
How to Use a Miter Gauge
A miter gauge is used for holding wood pieces at a set angle while being cut by a table saw. It’s a long and thin guide. It also has a half-moon shaped device used to help cut the wood in different angles.
The gauge slides in a slot on the worktable. The slot is called a miter slot. By the way, some miter gauges have adjustable stops. This is for repetitive machine processes on the work pieces.
Before using the miter gauge, make sure that it’s accurate. Test it first and see if the square sits in place with perfect alignment. If it doesn’t, then adjust it until everything lines up.
Uses of a Miter Gauge
Square Cross-Cuts
The gauge is set to a 90-degree angle at the end of the work material. The cutting material should be placed against the flat edge of the gauge. Guide the miter gauge and board through the saw blade to make the desired cut.
Angled Cross-Cuts
The gauge is set at any angle up to 45 degrees. Guide the gauge and the board against the saw blade slowly. Use a small woodworking clamp to fix the board on the gauge. This is to prevent it from sliding off while being cut.
How to Use a Rip Fence
A rip fence is a tool that helps woodworkers cut wood safely. The fence also helps in cutting wood evenly and precisely.
The fences are bars that are made from either metal or wood. The bars run parallel to the saw blade. They can be adjusted to the desired width and length of the cut.
Using the tool is actually quite easy.
Insert the rip fence in the slot on the circular or drive saw (located in front). For a table saw, the fence is mounted on top of the worktable. It can also be mounted on the right side of the protruding circular saw.
The fence is placed into a position parallel to the blade of the saw. Make sure that it is placed securely on the correct position before tightening it down with bolts or screws.
Align the wood to your desired measurements on the rip fence. After that, you can then cut the wood.
Functional Equipment
A rip fence is necessary to protect the saw operator. This is by ensuring that the wood being cut is securely lined up, and the grain of the wood is ripped cleanly.
On the other hand, as you’ve learned, a miter gauge is essentially for making things easier. Without it, making a straight line (and cutting along it) would surely be much more difficult.
If you’re yet to explore woodworking, expect that you’ll eventually handle these functional tools once you do get into the craft.
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