There are a variety of cuts that can be made on a table saw, and one of the most common is the wedge. You can use wedges in many ways in woodworking. It is worth learning how to make them on a tablesaw. In this post, well walk you through how to make this cut easily and accurately. Stay safe while using your table saw, and enjoy making beautiful wedges!
How To Cut A Wedge On A Table Saw Step By Step
STEP 1. Mark The Wood And Cut Your First Angle
First, measure out from one end of your board and mark a 45-degree angle where you want to begin cutting. While your saw is still on the table, align the blade with the mark. Adjust the blade so that it extends 5 cm beyond the board’s edge. Switch on your saw and carefully push it into the wood until you have reached this first mark, then lift it back out. This should leave a shallow v in your material. Now measure how deep you need to go in order to create a full wedge (approximately half an inch) and make another v towards this depth but not quite reaching it. Switch off the saw again and move it away.
STEP 2. Connect The Angles Using A Straight Line To Complete The Cut.
Use your pencil to connect the two v shapes. This will create a clean 90-degree angle running through your board. This is your final cut line. Now you can start cutting! Learn more about how to cut long shims with a table saw.
STEP 3: Cross-hatch For Safety Before Making Any Cuts On The Actual Wood.
Cutting materials using a table saw can be dangerous, so before you make the first slice, it is necessary to cross-hatch (or score) both sides of this wedge notch in order to mark where you want the blade to go through. Simply slide your pencil across one side according to the angle you created earlier, and repeat this process on the other side so that your pencil marks will line up when you go to make the cut.
STEP 4: Cut Out Wedge Notch From Both Sides.
Starting from one of these cross-hatched lines, carefully lower your saw blade into the wood and push it through until it exits at the other cross-hatched line. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should come out at a reasonable angle. Use a sanding block, or a sander to sand the inside of your cuts until they meet in smooth.
STEP 5 – Glue The Wedges Together And Let Dry.
Next, use your chisel to split your board into two wedges by forcing the blade into the cuts you made. The wedge should fit snugly and slide in easily. To ensure it stays in its original shape, let it dry for a while before you remove it from your saw. This is not necessary but will make cutting out the waste much easier! learn more here How to cut laminate countertop with table saw
STEP 6 – Cut Any Excess Material From Both Sides Of Each Wedge.
Now use your table saw to cut away the excess wood from both sides of each wedge, making sure to follow your pencil lines as guidelines so that you dont accidentally go through your cuts from earlier! For a smooth finish, finish the job with sanding papers. Enjoy your custom-made wedges!
Safety Tips When Using A Table Saw For Wedge:
Make sure you use the correct blade for the job. For cutting wide boards, use a cross-cut blade or an alternative-bevel rip blade, which is designed specifically for ripping boards in half. They are much wider than a regular table saw blade and will leave you with much smoother cuts in less time. Learn more about how to cut crosscuts for the tablesaw.
- Keep your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
- A push stick is a great tool to feed wood through your saw, especially if you are cutting large boards.
- Unplug your table saw before changing blades or making adjustments.
- Stand to one side of your table saw and keep it behind you, holding it firmly with both hands while you pass the wood over the blade.
- Make sure all screws are tightened securely before plugging it in.
- Check the blade guard is working by running your hand against it it should stop your fingers from getting dangerously close to the saw blade.
FAQs:
What Dangers Can You Face When Cutting A Table Saw Wedge?
Kickback is the greatest danger. When you cut, there is a chance that it will chew through your board unevenly and the part of the wood not sawn cleanly can fly back at you. This can cause serious injury to your hands or face.
How Can I Sand Down My Cut Wedge?
It is easy to sand your wedge. You can use sandpaper or an electric sander to help bring the cuts together and smooth out any rough edges, but be careful not to overheat them by standing for too long at one time. Its also important to wear safety goggles when finishing off, because bits of wood may break off completing the cuts and fly into your eyes.
Is It Ok To Use A Regular Table Saw Blade For Cutting Wedges?
No! No! The cross-cut blades are specialized for this task, so theyre perfect for creating notches of any size. Because they are wider, they leave a smoother surface and are safer.
