accuracy

Key Techniques

Test your saw for accuracy by cutting scraps at 45 and 90 degrees and adjust the fence or the saw if necessary. To make the cut, hold the board firmly against the fence. Make sure the board is fully supported and lies flat on the table. Pull the saw toward you, cutting the board so the saw kerf is on the scrap side of the line.

dado

To cut a notch for a dado or rabbet, raise the blade to the desired height; test the cut depth on a scrap. Check that the board lies flat; any warp will distort the cut. Cut on each side of the notch, then make a series of cuts in the interior. Clean out the notch with a chisel. If you have a lot of notching to do, use dado blades.

rip

Turn the saw so the blade rotates up against the board, the opposite of a crosscut or dado cut. Start the saw with the blade slightly raised above the tabletop, then lower it to the cut line. To avoid kickback, hold the board firmly as you feed it into the blade. Pull the board through the blade to finish the cut.

chopsaw

Hold the piece firmly against the fence, start the saw, and lower the blade to make the cut. In many cases, the cut will not begin at the edge of a board, but in the middle; make your marks accordingly. When cutting crown molding, hold wood at the correct angle with triangular blocks.