Setting up a Table Saw for Cutting

Table saws are one of the most versatile tool in the shop. They are used for cutting wood, but also for making custom or scrap piece such as shelves and boxes.

A table saw can cuts 90 degrees angles; however, if you want to make some precision angles cuts, then setting it up incorrectly can cause problems. 

The biggest problem people run into is that their table saw isn’t set up correctly. 

To set up a table saw for cutting target angle, you can adjust the irregular tool by loosening the knob on the front of the saw’s base, and then tilt the saw blade to a proper angle.

You can set up a table saw to cut by using a tape measure to mark the length of the cut you want to make, clamping a straightedge to the wood chips.

And then inserting the blade of the saw into the material at a right basic angle to the surface.

This article will show you what I mean when talking about proper steps to cut a 60 degree bevel using table saw.

So let’s get started.

Steps to Cut a 60-Degree Angle on a Table Saw

1. Adjust the blade position table saw for bevel angles.

First thing we need to do is loosen the knobs next to the fence or guide rail. This allows us to move the blade away from the fence.

After doing this, turn off your power source so that no sparks fly while adjusting the blade position.

2. Mark the length you want to make use of the tape measure.

Next, place the edge of the ruler against the side of the work piece. You should have enough room between the line drawn with the ruler and the square edge of the entire board.

Then draw another parallel line across the width of the piece. If you’re working with 1/4 inch thick lumber, you’d be drawing a 3 foot long line.

3. Insert the blade into the material at a 60-degree angle for cutting.

Now turn on your power supply again and align the blade along with the first measurement mark you made earlier. Then insert the blade down through the middle of the board.

Make sure there’s plenty of space between the bottom of the blade and the top of the workbench or wherever you plan to place the piece of wood stock after completing the cut.

Once the blade has been inserted all the way, tighten the screws holding the blade guard down.

4. Measure the distance left to go.

Use the second marked line as a reference point. Look back towards where the blade was placed.

Once you see how far away from the original placement spot, the new location is, count backwards until you reach zero.

That would represent the amount of inches remaining to complete the cut.

5. Make the final adjustments.

It may take several tries before getting everything aligned perfectly. But once you’ve settled on the correct settings, lock them in place with the locking mechanism on the rear of the machine.

When Using your Table Saw for Angled Cuts

1. Always wear safety glasses or goggles while working with your angle on table saw. If there is dust inside your eyes, they could become irritated and painful.

In addition, keep all sharp objects away from where you work. You don’t want any accidents happening during this process.

2. Follow these basic tips to ensure safe use of the power tools.

• Set the fence so that it is adjusted high enough to allow for easy access to the piece being worked upon.
• Adjust the depth stop so that it stops just before hitting the bottom piece of wood that being cut.
• Raise the mitre gauge until its top touches the guide bar at the maximum height desired.
• Lower the mitre gauge back down to 0″.
• Turn off the motor power switch.
• Also, avoid placing excess weight on the stock. Doing so can cause damage to the machine itself.

3. Use only the supplied blade. It should be made specifically for your model of table saw. The blades available from the manufacturer may not fit perfectly.

And, depending on your specific needs, some have more teeth than others, which strengthens them and better suited to certain tasks.

4. Be careful not to push too hard against the stock. Too much pressure causes splintering, cracking or breaking of the stock.

5. Start slowly pushing forward on the cross-cutting sled. Do not force the stock through the blade yet. Instead, focus on getting the bit aligned along the bevelled edges of the stock first.

Then feed the stock towards the blade little by little. Once again, do not press against the stock.

6. When doing long, straight cuts, consider adding a rip fence. By raising the platform that supports the material being fed past the blade.

You’ll create a smoother surface for finishing and minimise tear out caused by the feed dogs pulling the material.

Remember, always test out your equipment prior to beginning any project.

Final Thoughts

The way you cut kinds of angle soon your table saw is important.

Though the table saw is one of the most useful tools in your toolbox, it can also be dangerous if you don’t know how to use it properly.

When you are cutting wood fins with your table saw, you should always use a push stick because it will help keep your hands away from the blade when you are making a cut.

Also, you should always use a fence that is straight when making a cut to ensure that your cut is straight.

That completes our step-by-step tutorial on how to cut a 60 angle cut on a table saw. We hope you found these instructions helpful.