A table saw is one of the conventional woodworking power tools that has continued to make precise cuts.
Its powerful and robust functionality is the reason behind its popularity globally.
Additionally, it is easy and convenient to work with.
However, to make accurate cuts using a table saw, you must have talent and skills.
There are many hacks and guidelines that you could use to ensure that you use your table for more accurate and precise cuts and produce high-quality work.
However, the failure to fine-tune and to use your table saw efficiently could lead to shoddy quality work and full of errors.
This piece will enlighten you on how you could make accurate cuts using a table saw.
Adjust your Table Saw
Many woodworking enthusiasts tend to think that table saws are zero maintenance woodworking tools, and this perception is entirely deceitful.
For a table’s perfect and efficient functionality, you should ensure that you adjust and fine-tune it more often.
Tuning your table saw will play a significant role in ensuring that it is perfectly positioned to function optimally and produce high-quality and accurate cuts.
For excellent cuts using a table saw, the miter slots, the blade, and the fence must be correctly aligned.
If you ignore guidelines, your table saw will not only be challenging to work with but will also be unsafe to use.
A poorly adjusted table saw in a big way exposes the user to severe dangers, including kickback, leading to injuries.
Not only will a poorly adjusted table saw expose you to hazards, but it will also cause erroneous work.
Thus, it’s essential that you fine-tune your table saw for safety reasons and more accurate cuts.
Limit Table Saw Fence Adjustments
The accuracy and preciseness of a table saw are determined by the accuracy of the measurement system that you use.
The table saw measuring tape has some level of percentage error, just like a tape measure. This level of error is quite tricky to observe.
The remedy to this problem is to get used to it and to put it in mind when cutting pieces of wood using a table saw.
When setting the fence through a measuring tape or any other type of tape measure, you should expect the final cut to have an error of about +/-1/32 inches.
You should ensure that you avoid moving the fence of your table saw from time to time as it could lead to erroneous work.
To ensure consistency of the pieces of wood that you are cutting, the fence should remain at the same point throughout the cutting session.
Use Templates for Precise Measurements
If it’s challenging for you to make cuts without moving the table saw fence.
It will be ideal for you to set it again by using pieces of wood with the exact size of the workpiece you want to cut.
The first piece of wood you cut should act as the template you will use to trim the other wood components.
However, they should be of the exact dimensions as the first workpiece.
Using a template when using a table saw will lead to the production of more accurate cuts and with a minimal amount of errors.
A template will serve as the point of reference you will use to cut the other workpieces.
The size and the dimensions should match for more accurate and precise cuts.
Opt for a Digital Measurement System
If you find it challenging to make precise cuts using your table saw, then it’s high time that you consider installing a digital measurement system.
This will help you improve the quality of cuts that you make with zero errors and a high accuracy level.
Additionally, you wouldn’t have to worry about moving your fence.
This is because even if you reposition the wall, the level of accuracy remains intact thanks to the digital measurement system.
You could also opt to use a laser or LED beam guide on your table saw for an enhanced level of accuracy.
The beam guide will enable quickly and efficiently make cuts that are of a high level of accuracy.
As a result, you will never have to worry about workpieces full of mistakes and errors.
Limit the Size of Work Piece
Despite measuring accurately using your table saw, you will notice that you continue making cuts full of errors.
Attempting to cut a huge piece of lumber using your table saw could be the reason why you keep on producing erroneous work.
You should ensure that you work with a workpiece of which your table saw can withstand.
Not only will attempting to cut huge pieces of wood damage your table saw, making it wobbly and shaky, but it will also inconvenience your work, leading to errors.
Therefore, it’s essential that you cut pieces of wood with reasonable and optimum size.
It’s much easier to work with smaller sizes of wood as compared to big ones.
However, you can cut more significant pieces of wood if you possess the required levels of skills and expertise.
Don’t Operate your Table Saw when Intoxicated
It would be best not to operate a table saw and any other woodworking machinery when intoxicated.
The use of drugs and alcohol impairs sight and judgment.
When you use a table saw under the influence, not only do you endanger yourself, but you will also produce low-quality and erroneous work.
To avoid inconvenience and make high-quality cuts, always ensure that you operate your table saw while sober and in the right state of mind.
Bottom Line
A table saw is designed to help woodworkers, DIYers, and enthusiasts make accurate cuts on pieces of wood.
However, it can be much challenging if you do not know how to use it.
However, with the above tips and guidelines, you will be better positioned to make accurate cuts using a table saw.
