8 Uses of Table Saw You Should Know Before 2025!

Are you making the most of your table saw?

If not, you’re missing out on a tool that can do so much more than just basic cutting. In 2025, mastering the versatility of a table saw is important for any woodworker. From accurate crosscuts to complex joinery, this tool can give access to various possibilities.

Many woodworkers face common table saw problems, such as misalignment or blade issues, but they can be easily fixed. Read on to explore the table saw uses everyone should know to enhance their woodworking projects and improve their skills.

1. Crosscutting Lumber

Crosscutting is one of the most essential table saw uses for cutting wood against the grain. This technique is crucial when you need to cut lumber to specific lengths with accuracy. To crosscut, adjust the fence to your desired measurement and ensure the blade is aligned correctly.

Always use a push stick to keep your hands safe from the blade. This simple yet effective method allows for quick, clean cuts, saving time on the job and ensuring precision in your projects.

2. Rip Cutting for Width Adjustments

Rip cutting involves cutting wood parallel to the grain to adjust its width. It’s one of the most basic table saw uses but incredibly important for every project. Adjust the fence to the required width and guide the wood through the saw with steady pressure. When using a table saw for rip cuts, ensure the blade is sharp for a clean, straight edge. This technique is perfect for resizing plywood or boards that need to be customized to fit your project’s dimensions.

3. Making Bevel Cuts

Bevel cuts are angled cuts that create a sloped edge, often used for furniture, frames, and other decorative elements. Using the table saw for bevel cuts is simple: adjust the blade to the desired angle, usually between 0° and 45°.

Bevel cuts are important in projects where you need an edge that joins at a specific angle. By setting the blade properly and using a miter gauge, woodworkers can achieve professional-quality bevels with minimal effort.

4. Dado Cuts for Joinery

Dado cuts create grooves in wood, making them essential for joinery. This cut type is used to fit two pieces of wood together, such as in cabinet making. When operating a table saw for dado cuts, use a dado blade set, which includes multiple blades stacked together.

To ensure accurate cuts, adjust the fence and ensure the dado blade is set to the correct width. Understanding the parts of a table saw, such as the blade and fence, is crucial for achieving precise dado cuts. Dado cuts are ideal for projects that require strong, interlocking joints like bookcases or shelving units.

5. Cutting Large Sheets of Plywood

Cutting large sheets of plywood can be challenging without the right tools. Table saws safety is crucial here, as large pieces of plywood can be difficult to control. Use a helper or support system to keep the plywood steady while feeding it through the saw.

With the right technique, use of the table saw for these cuts becomes much easier. You can quickly break down large sheets into smaller, more manageable sections. This makes cutting plywood for cabinets, furniture, or paneling much safer and more efficient.

6. Miter Cuts for Precision Angles

Miter cuts are angled cuts commonly used in trim work, frames, and moldings. They’re often made at 45-degree angles, but can also be set to other precise angles. To make miter cuts, set the angle using the miter gauge, then feed the wood through the saw.

With the help of this method, woodworkers can create perfect corner joints. Using a table saw for miter cuts allows you to create clean and precise angles for projects that demand fine detailing. This technique is a must-know for any woodworker aiming to build high-quality furniture or home decor.

7. Ripping Thin Strips of Wood

One of the lesser-known table saw uses is cutting thin strips of wood. While it may seem difficult, with the right adjustments, you can safely rip thin strips for inlays, patterns, or small trim pieces.

To do this, set the fence slightly off the blade and use a push stick to guide the wood safely through. Thin strips are often used in decorative projects or for creating uniform wood pieces that fit specific spaces. This technique is essential for anyone working with intricate wood designs or trying to cut multiple pieces from a single board.

8. Creating Beadboard and Tongue-and-Groove Joints

Creating beadboard or tongue-and-groove joints on a table saw can elevate your woodworking projects. These joints are perfect for creating paneling, cabinetry, or decorative flooring. Operating a table saw for these cuts requires using a special blade or router bit that shapes the wood into interlocking designs.

By adjusting the blade height and fence, woodworkers can cut consistent grooves or beads along the edges of their material. This method is perfect for those who want to add texture and visual interest to their projects.

Conclusion

The table saw is an essential tool that can do much more than just basic cuts. Knowing how to use a table saw effectively can vastly improve the quality and efficiency of your projects. Mastering these top 8 table saw uses can help you work smarter and achieve professional results.

By practicing these techniques and focusing on table saws safety, you’ll be ready to take on any woodworking challenge that comes your way. Moreover, If you’re looking to understand why your table saw is binding, this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.