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Ripping Defined
Ripping is changing the width of a workpiece
by cutting along its length. The workpiece is
fed into the blade, which rotates in a fixed
position, parallel to the fence and a set dis-
tance from the fence. A solid fence (no kerfs)
serves as a guide for the workpiece. Place
the fence in the front position for narrower
workpieces, or in the rear position for wider
ones.
In-Rip and Out-Rip Positions
In-rip and out-rip refer to blade position.
In-rip: the blade is toward the column, and
the motor is toward the table front. In-rip is
recommended because this position allows
better visibility of the workpiece and your
hands. Use in-rip when you set the blade 1/2
to 16" from the fence.
Out-rip: the blade is toward the table front,
and the motor is toward the column. Use
out-rip only when you set the blade 16" or
more from the fence.
Infeed and Outfeed Directions
Infeed and outfeed refer to sides of the
blade.
Infeed: the side of the blade where the
guard hold down is. Always start a rip cut
at the infeed side and push the workpiece
through to the outfeed side.
Outfeed: the side of the blade where the
pawls and riving knife are. Never start a rip
cut at the outfeed side. This is wrong way
feed. Never put hands on the outfeed side
of the blade when ripping because they
can be pulled back into the spinning
blade.
Front Fence
Position
Rear Fence
Position
-OR-
Outfeed
Side
Infeed
Side
In-Rip Position
Outfeed Side
Pawls/Riving
Knife
Infeed
Side
Out-Rip Position
Ripping