Tip #70
How to Rip Lumber
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Operations

1. Select a piece of stock 3/4" by 6" and 2' or 3' long. Use soft lumber such as pine. WARNING: The stock should not be warped. Warped stock will bind and kickback.

2. Put saw blade on saw arbor. See Owner's Manual if you need help.

Fig. 2 Click image for larger view.

3. Lower or raise the table until the saw blade projects 1/4" to 3/8" above the thickness of the stock (in this case 1" to 1-1/8").

Fig. 3 Click image for larger view.

4. Adjust the rip fence so that it is very close to 4" from the point of a tooth bent toward the fence.

5. Lock the fence firmly in place.

6. Using the quill feed, move the blade so it is exactly 4" form the fence and lock the blade securely.

Fig. 4 Click image for larger view.

7. Start the saw, set the speed dial for sawing and make short trial cut on scrap stock. You need only “nick” the end sufficiently to permit measurement. Turn off machine and let it come to a complete stop and then measure cut.

8. If not correct, readjust blade to exact width.

9. Select the edge of the board that is straight. Note: A crooked edge may cause binding. Also, do not use a board that is warped or has a wind (twist) in it for this first operation.

10. Start saw.

Fig. 5 Click image for larger view.

11. Place edge of board against rip fence standing to left of the line of saw cut.

12. Push forward at uniform spped until the end of the stock you are holding reaches the saw table.

13. Now, place thumb of right hand back of stock with the first and second finger pressing stock down on saw table and the other fingers over the top of the rip fence. The left hand presses stock against fence.

Fig. 6 Click image for larger view.

14. When cut reaches 4" from end, remove left hand and finish cut with right hand alone.

15. Allow the cutoff piece to drop off the saw table or onto a support stand or rear table.

16. Stop saw and let it come to a complete stop before removing scrap piece.

17. In ripping short pieces (nothing less than 10" in this first operation) or narrow cuts, the same method is used only it is advisable to use a push stick instead of the right hand to feed the board through and a feather board instead of left hand to hold stock against fence.

18. In ripping long stock, some support should be used to hold the stock the height of the saw table.

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