This video was created by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a deep dive into how two common shop tools—the table saw and router table—can be used together to improve accuracy, finish quality, and safety in woodworking projects.
Rather than focusing on just one technique, Jodee explores how understanding the strengths and limitations of each tool can help woodworkers make smarter decisions at every step. His hands-on demo and real-world advice offer a practical look at using these tools in tandem.
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Comparing Two Shop Staples
Both the table saw and router table are staples in any well-equipped woodshop. The table saw handles large stock efficiently, offering straight cuts and solid repeatability. The router table, on the other hand, is often used for detail work—flush trimming, shaping edges, and fine-tuning complex profiles.
In this video, Jodee compares both tools using the same scenario: cutting a consistent shape using a template. The setup involves making identical live edge shelves—a task that demands both precision and repeatability.
Template Use and a Viewer’s Question
Jodee starts with the table saw and a template to guide the cuts. By using the template as a physical guide, he ensures uniform results from one piece to the next.
But a viewer raised a great question: why not do the same thing with the router table? Wouldn’t that produce an even cleaner result? This sparked an important conversation about tool choice, material behavior, and safety considerations.
Offcuts and Fragile Stock
To dig deeper, Jodee examines some offcuts from previous projects. These scraps showed significant checking and fragility—especially near the live edge grain. He explains that using a router table in these situations could easily lead to blowout or even kickback if the bit grabs the wood improperly.
In contrast, the table saw allows you to remove larger sections of material more safely. It provides a stable surface and consistent pressure, making it a better choice for cutting brittle or irregular pieces.
Fine-Tuning with Flush Cuts
A major takeaway from the video is the benefit of combining both tools strategically. Instead of trying to make a final flush cut in one pass at the router table, Jodee suggests leaving the workpiece slightly oversized after the initial table saw cut.
This allows you to bring the piece to the router table for final cleanup using light passes. The result is a cleaner edge with reduced tear-out and a much safer routing process. Less material removed at once means less stress on the bit—and on the user.
The Role of Grain Direction
Jodee takes time to explain the impact of grain direction on cutting quality. When using a straight bit in the router table, going against the grain can cause splintering and ragged edges. This is especially noticeable on hardwoods or highly figured grain.
He recommends paying close attention to grain orientation and adjusting your feed direction accordingly. When needed, spiral bits can be used to reduce tear-out, as they slice the fibers more cleanly than straight bits.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
The comparison isn’t about one tool being better than the other—it’s about knowing when to use which. The table saw excels at rough shaping, straight cuts, and bulk removal. The router table is best for refining curves, flushing up edges, and shaping profiles.
When used together, these tools complement each other perfectly. Start with the table saw for safe, controlled stock removal. Then move to the router table for detailed refinement and surface finish.
Safety First
Throughout the video, Jodee emphasizes safety above all else. He explains that router tables, while generally safe, can become dangerous if too much material is removed in a single pass. The bit can catch the wood and launch it—or worse, pull your hands in.
Using lighter passes and understanding material behavior helps prevent these risks. The table saw, while more aggressive, offers a predictable cut path and is often safer for the first stages of shaping larger pieces.
Final Thoughts: The 1-2 Punch
This isn’t a contest between tools—it’s a lesson in workflow. Jodee’s approach encourages woodworkers to see these machines as a team rather than competitors. One sets the stage, the other delivers the fine-tuned finish.
By combining the precision of the table saw with the finesse of the router table, your projects can reach a new level of consistency and craftsmanship. It’s about working smarter, not harder—and Jodee’s methods show how that’s possible in any size shop.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.