Cross Cutting

Cross cutting means cutting across the grain.

The miter saw is usually the best option for crosscutting.

There are some situations when the table saw is suitable for crosscutting.

In those cases, several tools assist crosscutting on the table saw.

Step 1: Miter Gauge

1. Turn off main power switch.
2. Move the fence out of the way.
3. Remove the blade guard and install the riving knife.
4. Place the miter gauge in either miter slot.
5. Snug the material against the miter gauge fence.
6. Keep your hand on the handle to avoid contact with the blade.
7. Push the miter gauge and material through the blade.

Step 2: Cross Cut Sled

1. Turn off main power switch.
2. Move the fence out of the way.
3. Remove the blade guard and install the riving knife.
4. Place the crosscut sled in both miter slots.
5. Snug the material against the cross cut sled fence.
6. Keep hands near the outside edges to avoid contact with the blade.
7. Push the sled through the blade so that the material and the entire sled move through the blade.

Short, wide pieces can become trapped between the fence and blade and be thrown towards the saw operator at high speed.