I'm trying to make a cut on a piece of wood without scoring the ends, sort of like a plunge cut. My plan is to have the wood on the table saw with the blade fully lowered, turn on the saw, and then slowly raise the blade as it cuts through the top. Once it breaks through, I'd push the wood through the desired length. Is this a common practice, or just a recipe for disaster?
3 Answers
I've done this plenty of times, and it usually works well! Just be sure to hold the wood firmly as you raise the blade gradually to reduce kickback risk. Mark the end of the board on your fence so you know when to stop. Just remember, keep your hands clear of the blade area, even if it's covered by the wood!
For safety, I’d recommend using a router instead. It's a much safer option, especially since table saws can throw material back towards you. A plunge router with the right bit lets you make the cut accurately without the risk of kickback.
It can be done, but make sure you're cautious! I've tried this method a few times, and if the material is more than an inch thick, it gets tricky. I prefer to lower the material onto a pre-set blade height instead of raising the blade. Just be super cautious and ensure everything's clamped down well to avoid accidents!
Totally agree! Consistent pressure makes for a cleaner cut. I don’t mind stopping to readjust, but when cutting thick material, just make sure to clamp everything down securely—safety first!