In woodworking, when you are building furniture frames, cabinet door trim, drawer slides, or joining wood panels, ripping wood into long pieces is an essential step. For precise and straight rip cuts, a table saw can be the most reliable tool. Therefore, learn how wood is cut when ripping with a table saw is quite helpful.
This post explains what wood ripping is, as well as the preparation, setup, and detailed steps for ripping wood. Now, please read on to learn how to safely and precisely cut wood into strips with a table saw.
What is Wood Ripping?
Wood ripping is the process of making rip cuts in wood. A rip cut is a common woodworking cut that runs along the grain to turn a wide board into several narrow strips.
Ripping wood demands high precision and consistent straightness and parallelism. Failure to achieve this may result in gaps or instability during subsequent assembly. A table saw is the most stable and accurate tool for rip cutting. Why is the table saw the best choice?
- A precise rip fence for parallel reference.
- A stable and large table surface to support long boards.
- A fixed blade remains a consistent height and angle, resulting in high cutting efficiency.
Therefore, even though other power saws can also make rip cuts, the table saw is the best choice. Next, we will introduce the steps for ripping wood with a table saw.
Preparations for Ripping Wood
Before making rip cuts on a table saw, proper preparation is crucial for safety and accuracy.
A) Select the right rip blade, the most essential part for ripping. A 24T-30T blade with large gullets is an ideal option for ripping. That blade can make fast and clean cuts with reduced burning.
B) Check the blade if it is sharp and clean. A dull or damaged blade will cause the saw to bog down and leave burning marks on the wood. After inspection, set the saw blade height. Set the saw blade height about 1/8" above the top surface of the wood.
Tip: If the material being cut is thick (over 2 inches), it is recommended to make multiple shallow cuts. Do not attempt a single deep cut.
C) Adjust your rip fence to be parallel with your saw blade to prevent wood kickback. Set the fence to the desired distance (cutting width) from the blade, using the scale as a guide. But for precision work, ensure it is correctly calibrated beforehand. Measure from the side of the fence facing the blade to the saw teeth (not the blade surface).
D) Prepare the workpiece. Ensure your lumber has at least one straight edge that stays tight to the fence and a flat surface that rests evenly on the table. A jointer can do that job. The lumber must be dry and free of nails, screws, glue, or other debris.
E) Install table saw accessories, including blade guard, featherboard, push stick, riving knife, and anti-kickback paws. Wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask.
Steps to Rip Wood with a Table Saw
After completing a series of preps, ripping wood is a very easy task to start with. Now, it's time to make safe and precise rip cuts with a table saw.
Note: Avoid wearing loose clothing, tie back long hair, and remove necklaces and other jewelry. Never place your hand near the saw blade.
Step 1: Power on the table saw.
After turning on the saw, allow the blade to reach a stable rotational speed before feeding material. Do not push wood while the blade is accelerating.
Step 2: Keep the correct operating posture.
Stand on the left side. This makes it easier to support the board forward and prevents it from kicking back and injuring you.
Place your left hand on the left side of the board and keep it stationary, applying pressure toward the fence to keep the edge tightly against it. Use your right hand to push the board forward until your fingers touch the fence, then hook the fence with your right pinky finger.
Step 3: Use the push stick and feed the lumber.
Even with the blade guard installed, the rotating blade remains dangerous. You should use the proper tools to protect your fingers. When the fence is close to the saw blade, use the push stick to feed the board through.
Tip for Cutting Long Boards
Cutting super-long pieces can be challenging because the cut pieces may fall off the back of the table surface. In this case, an extended outfeed table is your best helper for catching the falling wood. The surface of the outfeed table should be level or slightly lower than the table saw’s surface.
What We Like
By following the above preparations and steps for ripping, you will obtain several precise, clean, narrow wood strips. With a good table saw and a set of accessories, you can significantly improve the cutting quality.
If you're considering purchasing a compact, reliable table saw, the newly released FS255 10" compact table saw from FindBuyTool is an excellent choice. This compact table saw features a precise rack-and-pinion rip fence that makes adjustments fast and easy, resulting in accurate rip cuts.
The powerful 15A, 2.5HP motor delivers 4200 rpm, which can easily handle hardwood. It has a 24-inch rip capacity, enabling it to rip 4x8 lumber in a single pass. Moreover, the extendable table can be extended from 31.5” to 41.3”, enhancing support and stability while working with larger materials.
Special Attention: FindBuyTool has a great deal for Black Friday. From November 10th to December 3rd, all products are available at a minimum 6% discount, with savings of up to 15% on select tools.
Suppose you're planning to buy that FS255 10" Compact Table Saw. Now is the perfect time to place your order. Not only can you use a discount code, but you also qualify for a combo deal (8% off).
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment with your valid email address at the end of this article. We'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Also Read: Best Compact Table Saws for Fine Detail Work 2025
FAQ About Ripping Wood with a Table Saw
#1. Can you rip with a table saw?
Yes, of course. The rip cut is the most essential function of a table saw. Because of the precise rip fence and a stable, large table, the table saw is the most suitable equipment for ripping wood.
#2. What is the best blade for ripping hardwood on a table saw?
The best blade for ripping hardwood on a table saw is a 24T blade with large gullets. That blade can make fast and clean cuts.
#3. What should be used when ripping on a table saw?
When ripping on a table saw, you need some table saw accessories, including a rip fence, a push block or a stick, a black guard, a featherboard, a rip jig guide, and a rip saw blade.
