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Did you know that a table saw is one of the most versatile tools on the market?
Built for heavy duty woodworking, this power tool can handle a variety of tasks. One of these is cutting grooves in lumber and plywood.
In this article, we will teach you how to cut a groove in wood with a table saw.
Where Is a Groove Wood Used?
Grooves in lumber and plywood can be used in a wide variety of craft projects. They are especially useful for cutting window and door frames, shelving units, and furniture supports. They are also used in making decorative boxes and trays for storing small items or jewelry.
How to Cut a Groove in Wood With a Table Saw
Equipment Needed:
- Best Budget Table Saw
- Dado Blade
- Miter Gauge
Materials Needed:
- Wood (Preferably Plywood or 4×4)
Duration: 15-20 Minutes
Budget: $10-$30 (USD)
Steps:
- The first thing to do when cutting grooves in lumber with a table saw is to set up your work area with safety gear. This includes eye protection, ear protection, and gloves. When setting up your cut line mark the side that needs to be removed as waste. This is a safety precaution to avoid cutting the wrong side. Always keep the area clean and ensure clearance is available for the cut to be made.
- Then, you can begin making your cut directly on a table saw. The process of cutting a groove in wood with a table saw takes two steps. First, make sure you have your blade installed correctly.
- A table saw blade should always be at 90 degrees with the wood when it’s spinning. After you have removed all obstacles, set your fence up at an angle that matches the angle of your cut-line and lock it in place.
- For most cuts, positioning the fence at 90 degrees will work well. The fence is the metal bar on the side of the table that you will use as a guide for your cut.
- With your fence in place you can begin cutting a groove in wood with a table saw. Make sure you have your piece of wood secured firmly against the rip fence and start cutting.
- The spinning blade will first make contact with the wood at an angle, then continue through the cut-line all the way to finish. You may need to use some force during this process, but do not apply too much or you could risk injury.
- Once you have completed the cut, you will remove the waste piece. You may need to sand and plane your wood after cutting a groove in wood with a table saw. This is especially true if your piece is large and contains any splintering. When planing, make sure to keep the wood moving at all times or else it could be ruined.
How to Cut a Groove in Wood With a Table Saw Video
Table Saw Accessories for
Cutting Groove in Wood
Rip Fence
A rip fence is a mechanism used on a table saw that will assist you in making straight cuts. This will allow for clean and precise cuts every time. It’s also adjustable to fit the size of the piece you are cutting, which makes it more convenient than measuring all of the time.
Table Saw Blade
The blade is important because it will make or break your cut. A dull blade will not cut properly, and you could end up forcing it through your material, which could cause accident in the future. To avoid this problem, make sure you have a sharp blade every time to make your cuts as smooth as possible.
Miter Gauge
The miter gauge is a device used on a table saw that will assist you in making straight cuts. This will allow for clean and precise cuts every time. It’s also adjustable to fit the size of the piece you are cutting, which makes it more convenient than measuring all of the time.
Lumber Fence Holder
The lumber fence holder allows you to keep your smaller pieces from flying around while you are cutting them. It’s also adjustable, so it’ll fit most sizes of lumber.
Dust Collection System /dust Collector
This will help keep the air clear while you are making your cuts to prevent any accidents from occurring due to airborne particles.
Router Table & Router Bit
A router table is a power tool that will allow you to make intricate cuts in wood. A router bit comes in different sizes, so make sure you have one that fits your needs. The router bit is then affixed to the end of the drill so you can cut grooves in wood with a table saw.
Dado Blade
The dado blade is a piece of equipment that will allow you to cut dados, which are grooves in wood. This can make for unique and creative cuts, especially in bigger pieces. It comes in different shapes and sizes, so make sure you have one that fits your needs.
Blade Guard
The blade guard is an optional piece of equipment that will help keep you safe while using your table saw. The blade guard will fit over the spinning blade and prevent any accidents from occurring.
Table Saw Fence
The table saw fence is a device that is used to ensure accuracy and precision when making cuts. It comes in different shapes and sizes, so make sure you have one that fits your needs. Fences can be adjusted accordingly to better suit the cut you are making.
Riving Knife
A riving knife is a device used on a table saw to help protect the top of the wood you are cutting. It will fit over the spinning blade to prevent all possible accidents.
Stop Block & Stopbar
The stop bar is a piece of equipment that will help you keep all remaining pieces from flying around while you cut them. It’s also adjustable, so it will fit most sizes of lumber.
Today there are several different types and brands for table and mobile saws from which to choose for the best value and performance matching your specifications and budget. Popular brands include Dewalt, Stahls, Woodpeckers, Porter Cable, Hitachi and Skil among others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cut groove in a plexiglass?
Yes it is possible, you can learn how to cut plexiglass with a table saw and cut grooves in it. It’s just more challenging because plexiglass is more delicate to work with.
Can I join a groove and notches?
Although you can easily learn how to cut notches in wood with a table saw, grooves and notches are not joined together. Should one force to, it’s not really a strong joint if done so.
how to cut a groove in wood with a table saw Final Thoughts
This ends our How To Guide of How to Cut a Groove in Wood With a Table Saw.
We hope the knowledge you gained here will help you in the future with your DIY or Professional Woodworking projects. We want you to be sure of that what you get from us are 100% facts, so please don’t hesitate to ask for advice or to advise us in return with accurate facts.
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Henry is a long time Trade Instructor at Dunwoody College of Technology. Henry has been teaching the trade of carpentry for over 15 years and is excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of builders. With his posts you will explore some general terms, tools, and techniques that are helpful for the beginning DIY Enthusiast!. He’ll also provide a list of all the best tips needed to start your building journey right away!
