Woodworking accessories for table saws

There are a number of different woodworking accessories for table saws that are worth considering. This is especially true if you are looking to take up woodworking as a hobby or something a little more serious. In this article we will look at a number of them.

1. Rip Fence

All table saws have a fence (guide) which runs from the front of the table (side nearest to the operator) to the back. It also runs parallel to the cutting plane of the blade. The distance that the blade is from the fence can be adjusted and this will determine where on the piece of wood the cut is made. It is referred to as a "rip fence" because of its use in guiding the wood during the process of making a rip out (cut). You will find that most saws come with a standard version but the more expensive table saws are available without a fence so you can then purchase one separately if you so wish.

2. Miter Gauge

A table saw will have one or two grooves which run from the front to the back and again are parallel to the cutting plane of the blade. These miter slots or grooves can be used to position and guide either a miter gauge or a crosscut sled. However a miter gauge is normally set to a 90 degree angle to the plane of the blade's cut. This will cause the cut made in the wood to be made at a right angle. However, the miter gauge can be adjusted in order that a cut can be made at a more precisely controlled angle if so wished.

3. Crosscut Sled

This is generally used to hold the wood at a fixed 90 degree angle to the saws blade. Which allows for precise repeatable cuts at the most commonly used angle to be made. It is normally guided by a runner that is fastened under it and which slides into a miter slot. Such devices are normally shop made or you can purchase one if necessary.

4. Tenon Jig

This accessory holds the wood vertically so that cuts can be made across the end and it allows the tenons to be formed. Again this can be shop made or purchased.

5. Stacked Dado

Generally table saws made for the US market are capable of using a stacked dado blade set. It has two outer blades and number of inner chip cutters which can be used to cut dados (grooves in wood) of any width (usually up to a maximum of 7/8").

So as you can see from above there are a wide variety of woodworking accessories for table saws available today. It really is up to you which ones you decide to include in your tool kit.