How To Stop Burn Marks On The Table Saw

When I first saw scorch marks and smelled burning wood on my cuts, I knew something was wrong.

Table saw burning happens when friction builds up between the blade and the wood.

The main culprits are usually dull or dirty blades, the wrong feed rate, or misalignment.

Here’s how to spot the problem and fix it.

Common Reasons for Burn Marks

A dull blade tears through fibers instead of slicing, while pitch and resin buildup increase friction. Both create heat that leaves burn marks.

Fix: Clean blades regularly and sharpen or replace them when cuts feel rough or slow.

Pushing wood too slowly lets the blade grind in one spot, while pushing too fast strains the motor and leaves rough edges.

Fix: Keep a steady, smooth pace. Use push sticks for control and adjust speed for the type of wood you’re cutting.

If the fence isn’t parallel to the blade, the wood can pinch and bind, generating heat and scorch marks.

Fix: Check alignment with a square or gauge. Adjust the fence and blade until they’re perfectly parallel.

Match the blade type to the cut—rip blades for ripping, crosscut blades for crosscuts.
Keep the table surface smooth and clean so wood feeds easily.
Wax the tabletop to reduce drag.
Support long boards with outfeed tables to prevent binding.

A sharp, clean blade is the #1 defense against burns.
Feed wood at a steady pace—too slow causes scorching, too fast leaves rough cuts.
Always double-check fence and blade alignment before ripping hardwoods.
Clean resin buildup often, especially when cutting pine or cherry.
Use the right blade for the job—don’t rip with a crosscut blade.

Once I started paying closer attention to blade sharpness, feed rate, and alignment, my cuts became smooth and burn-free.

With just a little maintenance and technique, you can keep your table saw working clean and safe.