Cut Consistent Thin Strips with a Shop-Made Table Saw Jig
Ripping thin strips on the table saw can be challenging. Whether you're making edging, decorative accents, or parts for a woodworking project, getting strips that are smooth and consistent in thickness takes a little extra care.
The problem is that narrow pieces can be difficult to control as they pass the blade. And when you need several identical strips, repeatedly adjusting the rip fence can introduce small variations.
Fortunately, a few basic table saw techniques can improve your results. For shorter pieces, there's also a simple shop-made thin-strip ripping jig that makes repeat cuts easier.
This jig works like an oversized push block, helping you guide the workpiece through the cut while producing strips of consistent thickness.
Start with Proper Table Saw Setup
Before cutting thin strips, make sure your table saw is set up correctly.
Good workpiece support, proper blade height, and a steady feed rate all contribute to smoother, more accurate cuts.
Use an Outfeed Table
One of the most important accessories for ripping thin strips is an outfeed table.
Without adequate support, narrow strips can fall off the back of the saw as they leave the blade.
An outfeed table supports the material after the cut, eliminating the temptation to reach over the spinning blade to catch a falling strip.
Make sure the outfeed surface is properly aligned with the saw table and doesn't interfere with the workpiece.
Set the Blade Height
Next, adjust the saw blade to the appropriate height.
For this technique, I set the blade so the teeth just clear the top surface of the workpiece, following the saw and blade manufacturers' recommendations.
This limits the amount of blade exposed above the stock.
Use the blade guard and riving knife whenever the operation permits.
Maintain a Smooth Feed Rate
When ripping thin strips, feed the workpiece through the blade at a smooth, consistent rate.
Feeding too slowly can contribute to burning, especially in dense hardwoods.
An uneven feed rate may also leave visible tooth marks along the cut edge.
Don't force the material through the blade. Let a sharp, properly selected blade do the cutting.
A Simple Table Saw Jig for Cutting Thin Strips
For strips less than about 30" long, I use a shop-made jig that works like a large push block.
The jig rides against the rip fence and captures the workpiece beneath a wide base.
A replaceable hardboard stop catches the trailing end of the stock, allowing the jig to push the workpiece through the cut.
Once the rip fence is set, you can make repeated cuts without changing its position.
That helps produce strips with consistent thickness.
How the Thin-Strip Ripping Jig Works
The jig has three important features that make it useful for cutting narrow strips.
Wide Base for Better Workpiece Control
The wide base extends over the workpiece and helps keep it positioned during the cut.
As the jig moves forward, it rides against the rip fence, providing a consistent reference.
The broad surface also gives you a convenient place to apply controlled downward pressure.
Replaceable Hardboard Stop
A hardboard stop is attached to the back of the jig.
This stop hooks over the trailing end of the workpiece and pushes it forward as you make the cut.
Because the stop is replaceable, it can be changed when it becomes worn or damaged.
This is a useful feature for a shop-made jig that may see frequent use.
Spacers Keep the Jig Level
The underside of the jig includes a spacer that matches the thickness of the workpiece.
This prevents the wide base from rocking or tipping as it travels across the stock.
For added versatility, make several spacers to match the thicknesses of material you commonly use.
That way, you can adapt the jig for different projects without rebuilding it.
How to Use the Thin-Strip Ripping Jig
Once the jig is assembled, setting it up for a series of thin strips is straightforward.
Step 1: Install the Correct Spacer
Choose a spacer that matches the thickness of the workpiece.
The spacer should keep the jig level when it's resting over the stock.
Make sure it's securely attached before using the jig.
Step 2: Set the Rip Fence
Adjust the rip fence for the thickness of the strip you want to cut.
The jig rides along the fence, so you can leave the fence in the same position for repeated cuts.
Check that the jig, stop, and spacer will clear the blade and other saw components throughout the operation.
Step 3: Position the Workpiece
Place the stock beneath the wide base of the jig.
The hardboard stop should engage the trailing end of the workpiece.
Check that the stock is properly supported and that the jig moves smoothly without rocking.
Step 4: Make the Cut
With the workpiece properly positioned, use the jig to feed it through the blade at a steady rate.
Maintain control throughout the cut and keep your hands away from the blade.
Once the cut is complete, allow the strip to move onto the outfeed table.
Step 5: Repeat for Consistent Strips
For additional strips, return the jig to the starting position and set up the next cut.
Because the rip fence remains in the same position, you can produce multiple strips of consistent thickness.
This makes the jig especially useful when a project requires several matching pieces.
Shop Safety: A thin-strip ripping jig must provide secure control of the workpiece throughout the cut. Before using a shop-made design, verify that it is compatible with your saw's blade guard, riving knife, and fence arrangement. Keep the jig's components clear of the blade, and never assume a push block or jig eliminates the risk of kickback. Use an appropriate alternative cutting method if the workpiece cannot be controlled safely.
Better Results When Ripping Thin Wood Strips
Cutting thin strips doesn't have to involve constant fence adjustments or inconsistent results.
Start with a properly set up table saw, adequate outfeed support, and a smooth feed rate.
For shorter workpieces, this simple shop-made jig adds a convenient way to guide the stock while maintaining a consistent cutting setup.
The wide base, replaceable hardboard stop, and interchangeable spacers make it a practical addition to your collection of table saw jigs.
Build a Table Saw Push Block with an Adjustable Heel
A good push block helps you maintain control of your workpiece while keeping your hands away from the blade. This shop-made design features a comfortable plywood handle and an adjustable, replaceable hardboard heel that makes it easy to keep the accessory in good working condition.
BUILD THE PUSH BLOCK → Better Control for Everyday Table Saw Cuts
