Essential table saw accessories have been developed to upgrade the table saw and optimize the process greatly. As a common equipment in your woodworking, the table saw is capable of making most types of cuts (rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts, grooves, dadoes, and rabbets). However, people are more concerned about safety and cutting efficiency. With the right tools, you can get twice the results with half the effort.
We will list the 9 best table saw accessories and their respective uses. After reading, you should know how to use the right tool to improve efficiency and protect your security.
Saw Blade
A saw blade, as one of the most essential table saw accessories, is directly related to the cutting effect. You can choose a saw blade in three aspects: blade diameter, blade thickness, and number of teeth.
- Blade diameter - The larger the diameter, the thicker the material it can cut, and the faster the speed when cutting, with a stronger cutting ability. However, if the diameter is too large, the vibration of the blade may increase. Therefore, table saws should have a blade diameter of no more than 255 mm (10 inches).
- Blade thickness - Choose the thickness of the saw blade according to the equipment and the processing technology you use. When grooving or processing thicker materials, a thicker blade is better; while thinner blades are more ideal for more expensive materials, to avoid excessive waste of material.
- Number of teeth - A saw blade with fewer teeth is better for roughing work, while one with more teeth is more suitable for finishing work. However, it is not the case that a saw blade with more teeth is better. The more teeth it has, the more cutting action it generates per second, and the more force it feeds back to you. You will feel very strenuous without the help of an external force.
Featherboard
The effect of force is mutual. When cutting your workpiece, the saw blade will produce a reaction force. The magnitude and direction of this force are not controllable, and you can’t control it 100% just by your bare hands. Featherboard is a great solution to this problem. As the name suggests, its shape seems to be a bird’s feather, and its arrangement direction is consistent. When the force is in the direction of the feather, it is easy to pass through. On the contrary, when the direction of the force is against the feather, the deformation of the feather will offset it.
Stock Guide Roller Feeder
The stock guide roller feeder performs as a roller to restrict the material. The rubber rollers can press the workpieces tightly to make precise cuts. The edges of the rollers can balance the impact force from the material by a slight change in shape, which prevents potential kickback.
Miter Gauge
A miter gauge is an essential accessory for achieving miter cuts, fitting within a miter slot on the table saw’s surface. It can improve the woodwork cutting safety and ensure accurate, clean cuts. Also can avoid accidents when feeding the workpieces. When using it, you should adjust the angle to a desired setting by rotating the gauge, and then lock it in place. It’s worth noting to check the compatibility of the miter gauge with your specific table saw.
Thin Rip Jig Guide
If you want to rip a piece of wood into a thinner piece, a thin rip jig guide is a good option. It can be placed in the T-track slot, available for repetitive and effortless thin rip cuts. Two bearings on it can make the cutting more stable during the process, with no risk of binding and kickback.
Push Block (or Push Stick)
Generally speaking, the table saw rotates at 3000-5000 rpm and is somewhat dangerous to operate. When using it, you need to push the material forward until the blade cuts completely. If you are not careful during the process, your hands will touch the high-speed blade and get hurt. This is where a push stick or a push block comes in handy. Its structure and friction can push the material, keeping your hands as far away from the material and the blade as possible.
Splitter
A splitter is a stationary blade of similar thickness to the table saw blade and is mounted behind the saw blade. It separates the two pieces of material after the saw blade finishes its cutting action. It ensures that there's no angle between the two pieces due to the stress of the material (which will bring lateral extrusion to the blade). It can also reduce the friction of the saw blade when cutting, prolong the blade's lifespan, and make a polished cut on the side of the material.
Blade Guard
A blade guard is on top of the splitter, like a cover over the periphery of the saw blade, and it has a gap of about 2cm from the saw teeth. The blade guard prevents you from accidentally touching the saw blade during the operation. It lifts when pushing the material forward. However, it has a limited lifting height, so you only need it when cutting small pieces of wood.
Mobile Base
Mobile base can't increase safety or optimize the cutting work as the previously mentioned accessories for the table saw, but it strengthens mobility. If you have a large, heavy table saw and value portability, a mobile base is an obvious solution.
Final Words
It is well-known that there are potential dangers when operating a table saw, so some accessories are available to better protect your safety. In addition to the above ones, more tools that can provide convenience when using a table saw. Choose the right one for yourself to be able to do more than expected.
Our FindBuyTool offers a large selection of high-quality workshop accessories and saw blades. They ensure accurate cutting and improve safety in woodworking. Come and shop with us.
FAQ About Table Saw Accessories
1. What are the basic accessories that are commonly used with a table saw?
There are 9 best table saw accessories that are commonly used in woodworking. You can choose the right tools based on the demand level of security:
- Saw blade
- Push block (or a push stick)
- Featherboard
- Stock guide roller feeder
- Miter gauge
- Thin rip jig guide
- Splitter
- Blade guard
- Mobile base
2. What is the most common accident caused by table saws?
Kickback and blade contact injuries to the hands are the most common accidents caused by table saws. They are the results of people failing to take sensible safety measures or use appropriate accessories.
3. What is a splitter on a table saw?
A splitter is a stationary blade of similar thickness to the table saw blade and is mounted behind the saw blade. It separates the two pieces of material after the saw blade finishes its cutting action.
