Here's A Simple Technique For Safely Ripping Wood Strips

Show Notes & Links

I consider a tablesaw to be the most dangerous woodworking tool. That said, proper training on the safe use of the saw is critically important.

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[philipmiller]

This is an old trick, but IMO can be made a little safer by picking up the piece before it gets so close to blade, where you can control it better because it is still over the edge of the table.

[xIChaosReaperIx]

My dad's been doing this for years. I finally got my own table saw yesterday, and I've been seeing so many techniques and safety gizmos that I thought he may have been doing it wrong. Good to see that these old school techniques are still valid.

[imlew]

Amazing how some simple tricks in life that could be a major game changer could easily be missed or overlooked. There are tons of them in life.

[FoamSquatch]

this is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for the tip.

[austinballard]

Ive been doing this technique for a while and while id really recommend it to those with experience with table saws, it definitely works. But like he says, you must be careful about feeding the other end into the blade by sliding it, not coming down on the blade (never do that regardless). I cut shims for a window recently using this very technique....thanks for sharing, excellent video

[UmamiPapi]

Big tip for quick and safe ripping. Thanks!

[dndrich]

This is absolutely great, and I have not seen this discussed before in this way. I use this trick all the time. Safe, and makes it easy to rip long stock by myself. Wow. Super terrific!!

[dwayneford]

I am just starting out and I have a GREAT deal of respect for the table saw. I am about to rip some thin stock into even thinner stock and this technique might very well have saved me from losing a finger or two. Can't thank you enough for this tip and also the added bonus tip of finding out if your blade is square to the table. Excellent stuff. It is a pleasure to watch a real pro.

[colbysummerlin]

I do this, was never taught, but seemed like a good idea vs pushing through with a push stick. Still getting used to the table saw, but fear can make you respect it more. Great video!

[WriterAndBanker]

If you're concerned with the lifting you can always turn off the saw before flipping the piece you're cutting. May make saw burns but my saw is a little dodge so I use this technique, saves fear of kick back and losing fingers. Also I only go to half way with both cuts, keep as much control as possible.

[MrPetex]

Excellent idea, thank you for showing. That cut was ok for external trellis work

[stephenwright]

Couple of points. By feeding the stock in this manner, so that the cut piece is against the fence, rather than the stock piece, makes kickback more likely. I know it makes setting the fence easier for the desired thickness of cut timber, but you just have to add the thickness of the kerf to the fence position to get accurate strips by holding the stock piece against the fence and the cut piece is free of being trapped and causing kickback. Also, as long as your stock is square and the blade at 90 deg, a safer method is to set the blade height at just over half the thickness of the timber, after the first full pass, turn the timber over and another full pass to complete the cut, that way the blade is buried within the stock and less likely to cut you if something goes wrong.

[greybeard]

I learnt this technique only a couple of days ago from a video of the late Bob Chase which he called ”cutting wood strips using the flip method”, and I must say that I was an instant convert. What I've learnt from this video is how to lift the piece safely (hopefully 🤞🏼. And at least for longer boards)) at the end of the first of the two part cutting process. Thank you!🙏🏽

[josephgonzales]

I'd be reluctant to recommend this technique to anyone who doesn't have much experience. There's alot that can go wrong with that lifting motion. You did it so effortlessly. And you lifted it very evenly with no tilt. But I'd be worried about the scenario where the operator...while lifting the piece with his left hand, rotates the piece enough for the teeth to catch the material. Seems very possible to happen...especially with so many repetitions.

[matthewbrinton]

Perfect! Just did 10. Confidence and intention is the key.

[aphex]

Brilliant. Thanks for the tip, Herrick!

[carolynkid]

Speaking of Ground Cherries...I saw your video from last season and I ordered seeds from Fruition. I have 8 plants growing in my containers and so far they are looking good. I have a feeling it will be jungle-like very soon! Can't wait to try these fruits. Thanks so much.

[arymonem]

Nothing replaces getting a tip from an old timer with experience. I’ve never gotten a bad tip from them.

[Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Now I can finally make that straight cradle out of 2by4's for my painting panels.

[CS-bhur]

I love anything that makes things safer