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Posted

I know it depends a lot on the setup, tools, situation, etc, but in general is it better to use the table saw for ripping and use the miter saw for cross cutting?

I know we all cross cut on the table saw, but my guess in this logic comes from all the errors in getting square at the table saw that can add up from adjusting the miter gauge bar to the slop in the miter gauge track in the table top.  

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Posted
On 11/3/2024 at 7:50 AM, Woodworking_Hobby said:

I know it depends a lot on the setup, tools, situation, etc, but in general is it better to use the table saw for ripping and use the miter saw for cross cutting?

I know we all cross cut on the table saw, but my guess in this logic comes from all the errors in getting square at the table saw that can add up from adjusting the miter gauge bar to the slop in the miter gauge track in the table top.  

is it better to use the table saw for ripping and use the miter saw for cross cutting?”

 

yes…

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Posted

To be far this would be for solids, but I rip and cross cut all sheet goods on the table saw.

 

Some are getting rid of the miter saw and only using the table saw. If you are small, there’s no reason you can’t. 

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Posted

I think if you want to seriously cross-cut on a table saw, it's worth investing in building a decent sled and getting it tuned to 90.

And as others have said, it's a lot easier to cross cut on a table saw than rip on a miter saw, so if I had to choose one it would be the table saw.

 

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Posted

Ripping and cross-cutting sheet goods on a table saw isn’t for everyone., I had to do it , but for many you should do it the safest way you are comfortable doing..

 

I have so called experienced guys telling me to use a track saw to square up parts. Your sheets would have to be way out of square to need to do this..

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Posted

I have a 12" delta radial. For critical cuts that are long, 8 or more feet I will use the radial. The radial is used a lot for crosscutting rough boards. I have an incra 5000 sled for my table saw. This is how I cut larger and wider pieces. very accurate and reliable. The tool that makes the most sawdust for me is my 10" delta.

PS I forgot to mention my delta 8" jointer. makes a lot of shavings. It would be a big challange for me to process rough sawn material without a jointer.

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  • 2 months later...
Posted

Yes, in general, using the table saw for ripping and the miter saw for cross-cutting is a good practice. Each tool is optimized for these respective tasks:

 The table saw excels at making long, straight rip cuts because the fence provides consistent support and guidance. This is crucial for cutting boards to width accurately.

 A miter saw is typically more precise for crosscuts because the blade moves in a controlled arc, and the fence provides good support for keeping the workpiece square. This reduces the errors that can come from a table saw’s miter gauge slop or misalignment.

However, as you mentioned, crosscutting on a table saw is still common, particularly when using a sled. A crosscut sled is a great way to improve accuracy because it eliminates miter gauge slop and provides better workpiece support, reducing tear-out and improving squareness.

In short:

Best for ripping: Table saw with a rip fence.
Best for crosscutting: Miter saw or table saw with a well-built crosscut sled.

 

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