Do I really need a featherboard?
A featherboard actually serves two purposes. As mentioned, it helps hold the stock up tight against the surface of tool or fence while you run it through. In most cases, a featherboard is able to do a better job than a human operator of keeping the stock on track. Using a featherboard also offers safety benefits.
When should you use a feather board with the table saw?
Tip 1: Use featherboards for an extra set of hands The fingers are slightly flexible and cut at an angle, so they allow you to push the wood through while maintaining firm, even pressure. They also dig in and hold wood in place if it starts to kick back. They’re a great “third hand” when you want the perfect rip.
Where do you place a featherboard on a table saw?
Position the featherboard slightly ahead of the blade, and tightly enough against the stock that the fingers flex as the stock passes.
What is the purpose of a feather board?
A featherboard is a safety device used when working with stationary routers or power saws such as table saws or bandsaws. The purpose of a featherboard is to apply pressure against a workpiece, keeping it flat against a machine table or fence.
What kind of wood is used for featherboard?
Featherboards can be made in all kinds of sizes, but these dimensions seemed most logical for my needs. Real wood will work just fine as well; just make sure the grain runs directionally along the length of the board when you lay everything out (the grain needs to run in-line with the fingers to give them strength).
Do you need a feather board on a table saw?
Setting up a featherboard on the table saw can help you get smoother, more accurate cuts. The most common use for a featherboard is to hold the workpiece firmly against the fence during a ripping operation like you see here.
How to make a feather board for a table saw?
Make A Featherboard For Your Table Saw or Router Table 1 Making the body. Most featherboards I see utilize only one end of the board and leave the other end square. 2 Make the runner for the miter slot. The miter slot on my table saw is 3/4″ wide by just over 3/8″ deep. 3 Assemble and start ripping.
What can a feather board be used for?
It is particularly useful when ripping narrow or short stock. Featherboards can also be used to keep your stock planted to the table surface by attaching one to the rip fence. This helps reduce the chance of kickback significantly.
What kind of Screws do you need for a feather board?
The hardware consists of two 1/4″ x 20 x 2″ tapered head machine screws (stovebolts), two 1/4″ fender washers, and two 1/4″ x 20 hold down knobs with metal inserts. Place the featherboard over the runner with the screws through the slots in the board.
How big is the miter slot on a table saw?
We’ll do this by making a hardwood runner that will slide in the miter slot of your saw and allow the featherboard to be positioned where it is most useful. The miter slot on my table saw is 3/4″ wide by just over 3/8″ deep.