What’s A Featherboard?
Featherboards can be an essential tool for woodworkers. They prevent wood dust flying during cutting operations.
Featherboards are available in many sizes and shapes. Most common are square- or rectangular-shaped. They typically measure between 4 to 1.8m in length and 5 cm in width.
Featherboards protect workers from injury. Featherboards are usually made of metal or plastic and should not be placed closer than 0.9m from the blade.
Featherboards can be flat pieces of plywood, MDF (medium density fiberboard), or attached to the front end of a table saw blade. Featherboards are used to redirect the cuttings away form the operator and into a collection zone.
Anyone who uses a tablesaw will need a featherboard. They not only keep the operator safe but also reduce dust production. Before you buy a featherboard, you need to consider these important aspects.
Making A Featherboard For Your Table Saw
-
The 3mm plywood should be cut into two pieces, one lengthwise. Cut one piece into three equal pieces along its length.
-
The 14 pinewood should be cut into four equal pieces along its width. Each piece should then be divided into two equal parts, along with its thickness.
-
Use a router bit to create a groove on top of the middle section of 3mm plywood.
-
Glue together the top surfaces of both the 14 pine boards.
-
Place the glue parts of the 16 pine boards on the middle of the plywood.
-
Drill holes in the middle of the 16 boards as well as the middle of the Plyw.
-
Sand the edges of your featherboard.
-
Attach the base edge of the featherboard using the nail gun
-
To finish the body of your featherboards, attach the other side.
-
Attach the blade guard on the feather board.
-
You can use the featherboard however you like.
-
Take the featherboard off the table saw.
-
Get rid of all the dirt.
-
Enjoy your new featherboard.
The Runner For The Miter Slots
My miter slot is just 3/10 cm in width and 3/20 cm deep on my table saw. I had to trim the piece of oak that I took from the scrapboard I had made of old furniture because it was too big to fit into the slot.
It measures 46 cm in length, but will be trimmed to 30 cm after the holes have been drilled and the slots are cut. It is easier to work with if you leave it longer, especially when cutting down the slots in the middle.
Materials Required For Making Runners:
- Drill
- Hole Saws
- Screwdriver
- Tape Measure
Steps To Make A Runner:
- The distance between the miter slots’ center and the edge at the extremities of the miter slots is measured. This measurement will determine how much material must be removed.
- The distance between the slot’s outer edge and the place you want to end the runner is measured. This is the length the runner.
- These measurements should be marked on the oak. A pencil is possible, but I prefer to use a pen. It’s more precise.
- Use a handsaw or power jigsaw to remove any excess material. You don’t have to make it perfect but you should avoid leaving any sharp edges.
- Once you’re done, flip the piece so that the marks are facing up.
- Use a drill press to drill holes in the designated locations.
- Each hole should be threaded with a small screw.
- Fix the runner in place.
- Continue repeating steps 4-8 until you have completed the length of the runner.
- Reduce the length of the runners to a straight line.
- To tighten the screws, use the screwdriver
Assemble And Begin Ripping
- First, insert the taper heads screws into the countersunk hole of the runner. Then, slide it into the mitered slot.
- Next, slide the plywood underneath the runner and align it with the edge in the miter box.
- Next, use the clamps to secure the runner to your table saw.
- Set the fence at 15 cm. Adjust the fence’s height to get the desired height.
- Slowly lower the fence towards your bed while the blade is raised.
- Stop lowering the fence when the blade touches the wood’s surface.
- After the blade has been fully embedded into the wood, lift the table saw bench vise handle.
- Slowly lower your fence until it is fully in the wood.
- Slowly raise the fence until it is flush with top of the wood.
- Turn the blade around, then repeat the process the other way.
- Simply attach the guide plate to your runner’s underside, as shown in the image below.
- There you go! You are now ready to use your new featherboard.
FAQs
How To Use A Featherboard With A Table Saw?
The featherboard is an accessory that allows one to use the table saw from a seated position. Although people may love it or hate it, most people end up liking it once they have tried it for themselves.
Featherboards: Is MDF Or Plywood Okay To Use For Making One?
MDF and plywood can be used, but the thickness of your plywood will affect how much deflection. A plywood thickness of 1/10cm won’t provide the same deflection as MDF 3/10cm thick.
Is It Possible To Put A Featherboard On My Planer?
Yes, you can. Follow the above instructions, but instead attach the runner to your table, attach it directly to the planer.
What’s The Difference Between A Featherboard And A Dado Stack, You Ask?
A feather board is essentially a piece or metal that attaches directly to the blade’s front. A dado stack can be used to attach to the blade’s throat. You can use both devices to make rabbets (grooves), and other cuts. Both devices do the same thing: divert the waste material away. A dado stack, however, is not like a feather board. The user must remove the entire blade from the machine.
Why Would Anyone Choose A Feather Board Over A Dado Stack.
There are many reasons. A feather board allows you to continue cutting even after the blade is removed from your table saw. A feather board is also less expensive. A feather board is also easier to set up and take down. A feather board does not require additional tools. A feather board is ideal for woodworking projects as it allows you to easily cut larger projects with the blade.
Is A Birdboard Safe To Use?
Absolutely! Many people actually prefer them to a dado stack. If a dado stack falls on the user, it can cause serious injury. A featherboard was designed to protect the user.
Is A Featherboard A Risky Way To Increase Kickback?
It actually reduces kickback. Because the featherboard increases the blade’s weight. The blade will move slightly forward as the featherboard adds weight. This prevents the blade’s return to the user.
Do I Need To Use A Featherboard With Every Table Saw,
No. No. If your table saw has one, you should consider purchasing one.
Conclusion
I am very happy with the way this turned out. It took me around an hour to complete the project, which included measuring, marking and drilling as well as assembling it. The results were well worth it.
You can use plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF) for this project. You can always buy them if you don’t have the materials.
