1.
Adjust the blade height so the bottom of the saw blade gullet is
even with the top of the wood you’re ripping.
Click image to enlarge.
2.
Hook your thumb behind the board and keep your little finger in
contact with the fence to rip boards 6 in. and wider. Concentrate on keeping
the edge of the board in full contact with the fence while you push it through
the blade at a slow, steady rate. Push the board completely past the blade and
kickback pawl. Then switch off the saw, being careful to stay out of the path
of the blade in case the ripped board or cutoff piece catches in the blade and
kicks back.
Click image to enlarge.
3. Rip boards narrower than 6 in. Using the same
technique as for wider boards. When your right hand reaches the edge of the saw
table, pick up the push shoe and hook it over the back edge of the board. Stand
to the side of and not directly behind the blade as you’re ripping. Use a table
or other outfeed support to hold the board as it leaves the
saw.
4. Complete a narrow rip by pushing the board past
the blade and anti-kickback pawl with a push shoe or push stick. Switch off the
saw before retrieving the ripped board.
