How To Extend The Rip Capacity of Table Saw?

Want to cut large pieces of stock in table saws? Or are you looking for some quick ways to extend the rip capacity? 

Congrats! You’re in the right place. In this article, we are discussing some quick & effective ways to extend the rip capacity of table saws.

As rip capacity matters a lot in cutting large workpieces, you can use a larger table or saw fence extension kits to get the exact capacity. Some saws that come with adjustable rails make the extending of rip capacity quite simple for you.

Still, confused about how to extend the rip capacity of the table saw? Scroll through our detailed guide to get a quick clarification and cut large pieces of stock in seconds!

What Is Rip Capacity On a Table Saw?

It is actually the distance between the table saw fence edge and the blade edge. 

Most of the saws come with 28-32 inch rip capacity which is quite good for accomplishing rip cuts. It matters a lot while cutting large pieces of stocks like a door or window frames.

Rip Capacity (inches)	Uses
24.5	Ideal for woodworking, especially ripping large sheets of plywood or MDF.
30	Great for cutting large sheet goods, as well as ripping and crosscutting hardwoods.
36	Suitable for cutting large panels and ripping thick hardwoods.
29.5	Ideal for heavy-duty work such as cutting thick hardwoods, making cabinet doors, and resawing lumber.
29.5	Great for both ripping and crosscutting large boards and sheets of plywood or MDF.

How To Extend The Rip Capacity of Table Saw

There are multiple ways to extend the rip capacity of the table saw including adding a larger table, adjusting the fence-sliding rails, or using a saw fence extension kit. Let’s dig into these ways in detail. 

1. Adding a Larger Table

It is the simplest way as you can do it with some old stuff. First, find a table that has exactly the same height as your table saw. Then, clamps the table with the table saw to extend the distance between the table saw fence edge and the blade edge. Some woodworkers sell extension tables that are specifically built for a particular table saw. 

2. Adjusting The Fence-Sliding Rails

Most of the table saws come with adjustable rails. Now, the adjusting process is quite simple. Just move the rails to the next bolt or two bolts down. It will extend the rails out wider than the factory width.

3. Fence Extension Kit

It is an alternative to the extension table. These kits matched with a particular table saw brand. Hence, pick one after reading the compatibility and then set the kit to extend the rip capacity of the table saw.

How To Rip 2×4 With a Table Saw

First, measure the required width of the rip cut. To measure the depth, use a ruler and tape. Then, adjust the rip fence and lock it properly. Once you’re done with the settings, place the workpiece and apply pressure against the rip fence and downwards. It will help to keep the wood flat to get a perfect 2×4 cut.

13 Amp Vs 15 Amp Table Saw

Between the 13 amp and 15 amp table saw, the 15 amp one includes integrated foldable legs whereas the 13 amp one comes with a tabletop design. 

Now, the foldable saw offers easy portability as the design is ideal to fit in little spaces. On the other hand, the tabletop design is convenient for storing but not good for heavy cutting. Let’s dig into a 13 amp & 15 amp saw in detail.

Best 13 Amp Table Saw: RYOBI RTS08 13 Amp 8-1/4 In Table Saw

First of all, we have a 13 Amp 8-1/4 In Table saw which is manufactured by the well-known RYOBI family. As this saw comes with anti-kickback pawls, it can prevent the kickback and keep you safe from accidental hitting. Let’s look at the specs of the saw that may help to make a quicker decision. 

Specifications

• 13-amp motor offer up to 5,000 RPM
• Riving knife with a blade guard
• Comes with a standard rip fence
• Includes a dust chute to eliminate the dust
• Anti-kickback pawls to prevent the kickback.

Let’s talk about the design of the table saw. As this RYOBI RTS08 table saw comes with a tabletop design, it is convenient in storing. Besides, the 13-amp motor offers up to 5,000 RPM, enough for handling most of your cutting needs.

On top of that, this saw includes a standard rip fence. Now, as the quality fencing is easy to adjust and operate, it helps to get accurate rip cuts. Besides, the riving knife sits behind the blade which prevents the wood from closing.

Moreover, this 13 amp table saw comes with a blade guard that protects from any type of cuts to keep you safe. Further, this saw includes a dust chute. As the table saw can eliminate the dust to keep the desk clean till you finish.

Best 15 Amp Table Saw: SKIL 15 Amp 10 Inch Table Saw

On the other hand,  we have a powerful 15 Amp 10 Inch Skil Table Saw that comes with integrated foldable legs. Due to such design, it offers easy portability and is ideal to fit in little spaces. To know what this saw brings with it, let’s look at its best specs.

Specifications

• Integrated folding stand
• Parallel blade alignment
• Includes 24-tooth carbide blade
• Dust port elbow for quick cleanup
• Comes with rack & pinion fence rails.

This 15 amp table saw includes premium-grade rack & pinion fence rails. As the fence email is fast, smooth, and accurate to adjust, it makes your cutting job quite simple. Besides, this table saw comes with a 0-45° bevel capacity that helps to get bevel cuts in seconds.

In addition, this Skil saw is equipped with a 24-tooth carbide blade. With such material build-up, this saw blade can stay sharper for a longer time. Also, the availability of micro-adjustment in this blade keeps it parallel to the rip fence. As a result,  this table saw can offer precise & accurate cuts all the time.

However, this 10-inch table saw comes with a dust chute that can redirect dust to a container. Hence, it can keep cuts clean, prevent dusty mess and ensure safety from any health issues

How Do You Use a Router With a Table Saw?

Set up the router kit on the table saw first. For a quick setting, check the insert plate placement. Then, identify the mounting holes and, keep sure they line up with the securing points on the base. 

Once you’re done with the insert plate, place the router kit & use screws to set the kit. After that, use the cam lock system for easy depth adjustments of the cuts you want. Finally, go through the materials and get precise cuts.

Collected from: woodworkersjournal.com

Best For Setup: Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit

To introduce a router kit, we have a 1-1/4 HP compact router kit manufactured by the Makita family. As the router kit includes a variable speed control dial with a wide range of 10000 – 30000 RPM, it can easily match the speed of any saw. Let’s have a look at the specs of the saw.

Specifications

• Variable speed control dial
• Slim and ergonomically designed body
• It comes with an electronic speed control
• Includes a quick-release cam lock system
• High visibility base design for better performance.

When it comes to depth adjustments or base installation, most router kits require hours of time. But, this Makita RT0701CX3 comes with a quick-release cam lock system. Hence, it becomes easy to adjust the depth and remove or install the base.

On top of that, this router kit comes with a slim and ergonomically designed body. Due to such build-up, it can increase comfort and control while cutting. Besides, the heavy-duty aluminum motor increased durability to ensure years of service.

Further, this Makita includes a rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system. As this system is extremely accurate even for fine depth, this router kit is ideal for precise settings. Also, the non-marring base increases the workpiece protection to ensure durability.

What Are The Pros and Cons of a Bandsaw Versus a Table Saw?

Let’s dig into some pros & cons of a bandsaw-

Pros:

1. Easy to get the curve cut
2. Ensure more safety compared to a table saw
3. Bandsaws offer a quieter operation than the table saw
4. More versatile as it can go through wood, MDF, plastic, metal, and meat.

Cons

1. Bandsaws are not as powerful as table saws
2. It is a little tricky to get bevel cuts on a bandsaw.

Can a Bandsaw Replace a Table Saw?

No, bandsaws are comparatively a low-powered tool and not ideal for making bevels and grooves. So, it is not wise to replace a table saw with a bandsaw.

Why Does My Table Saw Blade Wobble?

Most of the time, table saw blades wobble due to a bent arbor or bearing problems. Using a bent blade with loose nuts, the table saw blade can make sounds. Sometimes, debris in the washer and arbor can cause wobbling. To get rid of such issues, wash the debris between the washer and the arbor.

How To Adjust a Craftsman Table Saw Fence

First of all, take a 9/16 wrench to loosen the bolts of the saw fence. Don’t make them super loose but lose them enough so that you can move the fence easily. Next, measure the difference to calculate the fence distance.

Once you’re done with the calculation, it is time to take the c-clamp. Then, adjust the distance of the fence. After that, tighten the bolts and install the clamp. That’s how you can adjust the saw fence perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Finally, we are at the end of our detailed guide. As we tried to cover all the necessary information about how to extend the rip capacity of a table saw, we hope this guide will help you a lot. Besides, we have added some best table saws with adjustable rip capacity. 

Now, the rip capacity of a table saw helps a lot while cutting large pieces of stocks like door or window frames. So, use our guide to extend the rip capacity and cut large workpieces in seconds!