In many workshops, the table saw is the most used machine and for all it's use, there are not many things we can do to make it much easier or or more precise, but there are still a few things ....
One of the things I have learned the hard way over the years is that the more precise I can make my cuts and joints, the easier it is to put wood projects together simply because the fit better.
I'm pretty sure my Brass Set-up Gauge blocks are my most used accessory. I always seem to be reaching for them with the Router Table, the Table Saw, the Bandsaw, the Drill Press and often even for thicknessing lumber. They are quick, accurate and easy to use.
You can read more about them here on the Woodworkweb Amazon Page - Whiteside Set-Up Blocks
I often seem to need to be replicating lengths of wood and even if only need a 2 or 3, they often need to be identical, which of course means setting up a stop block. I do this often enough that I purchased a pair of lighter weight Magswitches, just for this. The work great and I can use them again .. on bandsaw, router table, table saw, and they come in handy for many other things too.
If you are unfamiliar with Magswitches, you can see the vast amount of tool accessories here at MAGTOOL
There are many, many jigs that can be made for table saw usage, this is one of my earlier jigs for precise vertical cutting. Back in the day when I often made mortise and tenon joinery, this one one of the ways I made tenons, I still use if for vertical cutting but have long since moved on to doweling for faster, easier and more accurate joinery. I most use this now for creating some forms of cabinet doors and trimming wood that is too thick.
Another shortcut I often use is saving wood and making less noise and sawdust by using a 7-1/4 Circular Saw blade in my table saw. This blade is particularly handy when ripping thin strips or making fine cutting. The blades I use are the Diablo 24, 40 and 60 tooth blades.
I like the 24 tooth for breaking down hardwood lumber because using it on my table saw gives me much more power than my circular saw, and then for cutting thinner plywood, I prefer the 40 or even the 60 tooth to get a much finer cut. (and a lot less sawdust and noise)
To give you an idea about how much wood you can save by using a very thin circular saw blade I have prepared 3 cuts with 3 different Freud Diablo blades below.
Cut on LEFT - Full Kerf Blade = 17/128"
MIDDLE cut - Thin Kerf Blade = 3/32"
Cut on Right - Ultra Thin Blade (Circular Saw Blade) 1/16"
You can check out all the blades on the Woodworkweb Amazon Page, here is the link to the 40 tooth
The blades I used were Diablo, I also have a full Kerf Ridgid Blade (Combination blade) that I also like very much, it also has 17/128" Kerf. Both the Diablo and the Rigid blades are all high quality LASER cut blades and produce excellent cuts.
For more information Rigid Blades, click the link below for Taylor Tools,
Happy Woodworking ...
Colin Knecht
