How To Attach Featherboard To Tablesaw? 5 Easy Steps

Safety and precision are essential when it comes to table saw woodworking. A feather board can be a handy tool for woodworkers.

A feather board applies pressure to the workpiece to prevent it from rising and causing kickbacks that can be dangerous during cutting. This blog will show you how to attach a positive feather board to your table saw and give some tips for using it.

How to attach a feather board to a table saw

You need to follow the steps to attach a feather board to a table saw:

1. Plywood Fingers and Plywood Cut

Cut the plywood to your desired size. The size will depend on your table saw’s capacity and the type of work you plan to do.

Cut the fingers out of the 1/4″ thick wood. The fingers’ length should be the same as the thickness of your workpiece.

2. The Fingers to the Plywood

Attach the fingers using wood glue to the plywood. To apply constant pressure on the workpiece, ensure that the fingers are evenly spaced along the length.

3. Let the glue dry

Allow enough time for the glue once you’ve glued the fingers to the plywood. The manufacturer will have recommended a drying time.

4. Drill Holes For Screws

Drill a hole in the plywood at the ends of the feather board once it has dried. These holes attach your feather board to the table saw fence.

5. Attach the Featherboard Fence to the Table Saw

Attach the feather board to the fence of the table saw using screws. Position the feather board so that its fingers are facing the workpiece and ready to apply pressure when cutting.

Use a feather board with Your Table Saw.

Let’s look at some tips on how to use the feather board effectively now that you’ve successfully attached it to your table saw:

1. Featherboard Positioning

Place the feather board on the workpiece just in front of the blade. The blade’s pressure will hold the workpiece firmly against the feather board and minimize the risk of kickback.

2. Ideal Featherboard Situations

Use a feather board when ripping thin wood pieces to avoid the material getting caught on the blade, which could cause a dangerous kickback.

3. Check Feather boards Regularly

Check your feather board before each use to ensure it’s in good shape. Check that the feather board’s fingers are in good condition. Damage or wear can compromise its effectiveness.

4. Adjust the Featherboard position

Adjust the feather board to be as close as possible to the workpiece without interfering with the blade. The tight fit will ensure optimal pressure and safe cutting.

5. Avoid Excessive Pressure

The feather board is designed to apply pressure on the workpiece. However, it’s important not to use excessive force as this could cause damage to the material or prevent smooth cutting.

Conclusion:

You have made a significant step in achieving safer and more accurate woodworking by attaching and using the feather board to your table saw.

Follow the instructions in this post to ensure a proper installation, and remember the tips that will make it easier for you to use. After some practice, feather boards will be second nature to you, and you’ll confidently create beautiful projects.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)