I'm trying to help my dad with a project where we need to cut a 6-foot long, 20-inch wide board into 19-inch segments. He wants to use the rip fence, but the SawStop manual advises against using the fence for crosscuts. I'm worried it might be unsafe, but he's not convinced. Should we stick to the manual and avoid the rip fence? If we don't use the fence, is the miter gauge adequate for this size, or should we go ahead and make a cutting sled? Also, as a side note, is it wise to make dado cuts along the length of a board this long using a table saw? Appreciate any professional advice!
2 Answers
I really wouldn’t recommend using the rip fence for crosscuts. It’s much safer to use either a crosscut sled or the SawStop's sliding crosscut table. You need to ensure both the piece and the offcut are fully supported through the entire cut. Make sure you're using adequate outfeed support too, especially with a piece this big. If you're unsure about the setup, better to cut it in smaller sections using a circular saw, then finish it on the table saw. Safety is key!
If the piece is flat and smooth, you might be able to use the fence without any issues. Just set the fence at 38.5" for the first cut, then adjust to 19" for the rest. Just keep an eye on the wood to avoid any tilting. It's pretty straightforward if you have good technique!
Totally agree! Just remember to handle it carefully so nothing tilts too much when you're cutting.