How To Extend The Rip Capacity Of A Table Saw?

When ripping wood, the rip capacity of your saw is one of the most important factors to consider. When you think about it, increasing your table saw’s ripping capacity may seem out of the question.

There are times when a woodworker would do anything to increase the rip capacity of a table saw. There are a lot of ways you can increase the cut capacity on your table saw.

In this article, I will be sharing some of the methods I’ve found to be helpful when it comes to extending the rip capacity.

First of all, let me get over the basics of a table saw and understand the rip capacity.

That is because this capacity is fixed to a certain point. It will also determine how much the table saw will cost. That being said, you can increase this capacity in a couple of ways.

I know what you are thinking. Is it really possible to increase the cut capacity?

The short answer is yes. Some methods require you to buy certain accessories, while others require a more DIY approach.

Increasing The Rip Capacity Of A Table Saw

To prove that you can increase the cut capacity, I will be going over three methods that should help you increase the rip capacity of your table saw. 

1. Buying A Table Extension For Your Table Saw

Let’s start off with the easiest method in the book. If you don’t want to mess around with your table saw surface, this is the safest method out there. 

Find out the exact model of table saw that you have and look online for table extensions for that particular model. What you are looking for is a table saw stand. 

If you are using a large table saw, or a portable contractor saw, having an extension is always recommended. However, you won’t find that many table extensions on the market, and only a handful of units will be compatible with your brand of table saws. 

Although these are expensive, they are worth buying. A table saw extension would give your table saw a larger rip capacity and also work as a table extension. There are pros and cons to it. Let’s go over the advantages first.

Advantages 

Right of the bat, you will notice that using a table extension is very easy since you won’t have to make any modifications to your table saw. It’s easy to set up and will also increase the overall table size because it’s essentially a stand. 

Disadvantages 

Now that brings me to another important point. You won’t get a massive increase in rip capacity. Also, finding the correct model might be time-consuming, and most manufacturers don’t even have the option. 

2. Making An Extension Table

The idea is pretty simple. Instead of buying a table extension, you will be making your own custom table saw extension. It’s an easy way to increase the rip capacity of your table saw. This separate table will go to the side of your table saw.

If you have the proper table saw that allows the use of an extension and make the extension right, you will be able to make the table surface larger and also use the fence as well. 

First, let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of making your own extension table.

Advantages 

Since you are making this table, you have the freedom to make it as large as possible. You can also customize it the way you want and add more functionalities to it. In addition, you are also getting a large work area. 

Disadvantages 

All the advantages come at a price. First of all, you will need all the necessary tools to make a functional table extension. Also, you will need to know what you are doing. You need to be confident enough to make all the necessary modifications to your table saw.

All of it will take some time, but if you can pull it off, you will save a lot of money and also greatly increase the rip capacity of your table saw. 

3. Using Fence Systems

There is the clamping fence system, and there is the reck and pinion fence system. You can find plenty of tutorials online related to this topic. 

If you want to learn more about table saw customizations, check out SawRush’s blog posts. There you can find a lot of helpful posts related to table saw customizations. 

Final Thoughts

If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to make modifications to your table saw, I would suggest you take a look at the Rousseau 2790 Table Saw Stand or other similar products like these. You can also find more helpful tools like these at your local hardware store. 

Post Source