The Best Way to Cut 2 X 2s With a Table Saw

Unplug the table saw before adjusting it.

Adjust the height of the saw blade so that it rises 2 1/2-inches above the table. It is important to have the blade fully clear the wood but only by a fraction of an inch. A wheel below the saw’s table is turned to adjust the height of the saw blade.

Adjust the fence of the table saw. Loosen the fence by lifting up on the lever located at one end and move the fence to the desired distance from the saw blade. If you wish to rip the 2x2 directly down the middle, set the fence to one inch from the center of the blade. Lock the fence in place by pressing down on the lever.

Plug the saw in and put on safety goggles and ear protection. Turn the saw on.

Place the 2x2 on the table so that it is facing the side of the blade that is spinning downward. This way, the direction of the blade will pull the wood tight against the table as it cuts.

Hold the 2x2 tightly against the fence and slowly slide the wood’s end into the spinning blade. Keep the wood pressed against the fence and table and continue passing it across the table.

Push the last one or two feet of the wood through the blade with a pushing stick. Pushing sticks are available at hardware stores and are used to keep your hands away from the blade. If you don’t have a pushing stick, use a scrap piece of wood to push the remainder of the wood through the blade.

Recruit an assistant to guide the two pieces of the cut 2x2 off the table after it has passed through the saw blade. The assistant should not pull the wood through the blade, but simply allow it to come to them.

Turn off the table saw.