Table Saw Tips & Techniques

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Build your table saw skills to make this essential tool even more valuable. Learn to use your table saw for milling, joinery and even coving.

Knowing Your Table Saw

Meet master woodworker and award-winning author Kevin Rodel as he highlights the valuable techniques you’ll learn to use your table saw to its full potential. Get an in-depth look at the major components of a 10-inch table saw and the common types of blades. Kevin also introduces you to a variety of basic cuts.

Table Saw Jigs

Maximize the efficiency and accuracy of your table saw work with several custom jigs! Kevin shares expert tips for building and using a sliding rip fence, crosscut arm and crosscut sled to do everything from cutting tenons and making multiple cuts, to working with larger wood panels.

Cutting Common Joints

Learn how to cut common joints with Kevin’s guidance. Discover two effective ways to cut and fine-tune tenons, and then practice making a tongue-and-groove joint, essential for door construction. In addition, Kevin walks through the steps of cutting versatile — and decorative — half-lap joints.

Additional Joints

Add more advanced joinery techniques to your arsenal! Get step-by-step instruction on creating precisely angled bevel and miter cuts. You’ll also learn Kevin’s tried-and-true method for creating tightly fitting bridle joints using the jigs from Lesson 2.

Stopped Cuts

Discover how efficient it is to make stopped cuts on a table saw. Kevin demonstrates the proper technique for sawing into both long and short boards with a rip blade. Then practice making stopped rabbets and dados using a sacrificial fence to protect your jig. Plus, get expert tips on preventing kickback.

Making Multiple Identical Parts

Apply the skills you’ve learned to accurately cut multiple identical parts. Kevin shares time-saving tips and tricks for using a crosscut arm — along with a stop and spacers — to streamline the measuring and cutting process. In addition, you’ll learn an efficient way to cut numerous half-lap joints.

Special Cuts

Round out your repertoire by making a variety of special cuts on the table saw. Discover how to use an auxiliary fence to create arch-shaped cove cuts, perfect for large moldings. Then, create decorative square cutouts and learn how to re-saw thick boards to make bookmatch panels or veneers.