Of all the tips and tricks I’ve learned, none have improved my accuracy as quickly as this one did.
It’s about how to cut to a line with a table saw — and once you learn it, you’ll see the massive difference it makes in your woodworking.
Here's how to use this tip for crosscuts, but the idea is the same for ripping (just adjust the table saw fence):
- Use a marking knife and square to scribe your layout line (a marking knife is critical as you’ll see in the next steps).
- Set your workpiece on your table saw crosscut sled or miter gauge. Make sure you know which side of your layout line is the waste side (worth marking with pencil).
- On your table saw blade, find a tooth that’s set closest to your line.* Adjust the position of your workpiece until this line clicks into the very corner of the tooth. Make sure the kerf of the blade is on the waste side of your workpiece.
*ATB (alternate tooth bevel) blades will only have half the teeth pointed the correct direction, so make sure you use a tooth where the tip faces towards the line you want to cut. On FTG (flat top grind) blades, any tooth will work for this trick.
- Hold the board steady, and you’re ready to make the cut. If you plan to cut multiple boards to this same length, set up a stop block and you only have to line up the first cut!
This tip is dead simple but works SO well.
The most important part is using a marking knife to mark your layout, since blades can literally “click” into the lines.
Use the same technique to set up cuts for routers, bandsaws, miter saws, and more.
Want to learn more? Here’s 9 other ways marking knives can improve your accuracy.
If you need a solid, affordable marking knife that works like a dream — this double bevel marking knife can’t be beat.
The double bevel makes it perfect for both left and right handed users, and it produces a super thin line that can skyrocket your woodworking accuracy.
Have any other techniques for lining up table saw cuts? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow us on Instagram @katzmosestools, on TikTok @katzmoseswoodworking, and check out my YouTube channel for more great woodworking content...
And as always, STAY SAFE IN THE SHOP!
2 comments
John
Always worth a good reminder of how many hand tool tricks can be applied to their mechanical counterparts!
Always worth a good reminder of how many hand tool tricks can be applied to their mechanical counterparts!
eliot feldman
The tip is something that every hand tool worker knows well. The REAL tip is to use a good light!
The tip is something that every hand tool worker knows well. The REAL tip is to use a good light!