Featherboard Upgrade: Better Support for Tall Table Saw Cuts
Cutting bevels on a table saw can be challenging when the workpiece needs to stand on edge. A tall auxiliary fence provides support, but even then, a wide panel can tilt toward the blade as you feed it through the cut.
I ran into this problem while working on a project with a top that featured beveled edges. To keep the workpiece steady and get a consistent bevel, I came up with a simple solution: shop-made featherboard risers.
These plywood blocks raise standard featherboards to support taller workpieces, helping keep the material firmly against the auxiliary fence throughout the cut.
How the Featherboard Risers Work
The idea is simple. Instead of positioning featherboards directly on the table saw surface, I mount them on raised plywood blocks.
Each riser holds a featherboard at the top to press against the workpiece higher up. I also attach a second featherboard near the bottom of the riser positioned before the blade.
This provides support at different heights, helping prevent the panel from tipping away from the auxiliary fence during the cut.
One important detail: Don't install a lower featherboard after the blade. Pressure against the cutoff or waste piece can pinch it against the blade and increase the risk of kickback.
Build the Risers from 3/4" Plywood
These featherboard risers are easy to make using 3/4"-thick plywood.
Each riser consists of a top, base, and sides. Dadoes cut into the top and base capture the sides, creating a sturdy assembly that stays square.
Drill mounting holes in the top and base to match the spacing of your featherboards.
Threaded inserts installed in the upper mounting holes make it easy to attach and remove the featherboards using knobs or bolts.
The result is a rigid support that raises the featherboards to a more useful height when working with tall panels.
Secure the Risers in the Table Saw Miter Slot
To keep the risers from moving during a cut, I use mounting hardware that locks into the table saw's miter gauge slot.
Many commercial featherboards include this type of hardware, so you may already have everything you need.
Otherwise, compatible miter-slot hardware is available from woodworking suppliers.
Position the risers so the featherboards apply firm, even pressure against the workpiece without making it difficult to feed the material.
Before making the cut, verify that the risers are securely locked in place, the featherboards cannot contact the blade, and the workpiece moves smoothly against the auxiliary fence.
More Accurate Bevel Cuts on Tall Panels
With the risers in place, the featherboards help keep the workpiece upright and firmly against the tall auxiliary fence.
This additional support makes it easier to maintain a consistent position as the panel passes through the blade, improving the accuracy of the bevel.
It's a simple upgrade that makes standard featherboards more versatile, especially when cutting tall panels or working with parts that need extra support above the table saw surface.
And because the risers are made from plywood scraps and common hardware, they're an inexpensive addition to your collection of shop-made table saw accessories.
More Woodworking Tips & Techniques
A featherboard upgrade is just one way to work safely and improve accuracy in the shop. Looking for more ideas to make your woodworking easier?
Explore our Tips & Techniques collection, featuring some of the best reader-submitted woodworking tips. From clever joinery methods and handy shop-made jigs to sharpening tricks and finishing techniques, you'll find practical solutions to everyday woodworking challenges.
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