This woodworking tip was shared by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It tackles a common and often misunderstood safety topic—whether or not it’s safe to use the miter gauge and rip fence at the same time on a table saw.
This combination sparks a lot of debate in the woodworking community. Some call it dangerous no matter what, while others argue there are safe, specific applications. Jodee walks through both sides of the issue, offering examples and safety practices that help clarify when it’s acceptable and when it’s not.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jodee’s channel:
Why the Topic Matters
At first glance, using the rip fence and miter gauge simultaneously seems like a bad idea. The risk of kickback is real, and most woodworking books, forums, and instructors warn against it—especially for beginners.
But there’s a catch. Not all cuts are created equal, and not all uses of these tools pose the same risk. Understanding the difference between through cuts and non-through cuts is key to making safer decisions at the table saw.
The Real Risk: Through Cuts
Through cuts are operations where the blade completely severs the workpiece. When a board is pushed between the miter gauge and the fence, any small shift can cause the off-cut to get pinched and thrown back toward the operator.
This is where most of the danger lies. If the workpiece gets trapped between the blade and the fence during a through cut, it can kick back violently—something no woodworker wants to experience.
For this reason, it’s generally not safe to use the miter gauge and rip fence together for through cuts unless special precautions are taken.
Non-Through Cuts Are a Different Story
Non-through cuts, like dados, grooves, and tenons, don’t separate the material into two pieces. Because the off-cut remains attached to the main workpiece, the chances of kickback are significantly reduced.
This is where Jodee highlights that using the miter gauge and rip fence together can not only be safe—but also beneficial. These types of cuts allow the rip fence to act as a repeatable stop while the miter gauge guides the material through the blade.
Examples Where It’s Safe (and Useful)
1. Cutting Tenons
When cutting tenons, the rip fence can serve as a stop to control the length of the tenon shoulders. The miter gauge keeps the piece square and steady as it’s passed over the blade.
This setup results in accurate and repeatable cuts on both ends of the workpiece. As long as the cut isn’t through the entire board and the fence is positioned properly, this approach is both safe and efficient.
2. Milling Dados and Grooves
For operations like milling dados, the workpiece often remains whole. The rip fence can be used to control the placement of the groove, while the miter gauge provides straight, stable movement through the blade.
Jodee notes that this is one of the best times to use the two tools together—especially when combined with a flat-bottom blade for clean results.
3. Cutting Rabbets
Rabbets can also be safely cut with this setup. Using a sacrificial fence and controlling depth and alignment with the miter gauge, the cut can be dialed in precisely.
As always, it’s essential that the fence be adjusted properly and that the cut remains a non-through operation.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions Jodee addresses is the blanket rule that the rip fence and miter gauge should never be used together. While this rule is rooted in safety, it doesn’t apply in all situations.
The truth is more nuanced. With experience and an understanding of the mechanics behind kickback, woodworkers can make informed decisions about when and how to combine these tools safely.
Best Practices for Safer Table Saw Use
Jodee offers several safety tips to keep in mind whenever you’re using the miter gauge and rip fence on the same cut:
- Use a stop block or slide the fence back to avoid trapping the workpiece
- Stick to non-through cuts if you’re using both tools together
- Make sure the piece is always free to move after the cut
- Keep your hands well clear of the blade and use push sticks when necessary
- Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable—trust your instincts
Trust Your Comfort and Experience
Perhaps the most important advice from Jodee is to listen to your gut. If something feels off or unsafe, don’t do it. There are almost always alternative ways to make the cut that might take longer but offer peace of mind.
He emphasizes that confidence at the table saw comes from both knowledge and comfort. When either is lacking, slow down and reassess.
The Bottom Line
Using the miter gauge and rip fence together isn’t always wrong—it just depends on how and when you do it. With the right setup and an understanding of cut types, you can use both tools in a safe, controlled manner to get cleaner and more accurate results.
It’s another reminder that good woodworking is as much about decision-making as it is about technique. And when it comes to safety, experience and judgment are your best tools.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.