I'm almost embarrased to ask this question! :)

[Stryker223]

What side of the blade do you folks cut from on your table saw and does it matter?
I'm talking about square cuts, not cuts where the blade is set at a bevel.
I've always cut on the right side but in most videos and pictures I see people cutting on the left side. The saw I have now has a router insert on the right side so it offers extra support for larger stock.
Does it really matter what side you cut from or is it just a matter of preference?
Thanks for reading my post and any responses you care to leave!!
Michael

[Tom W]

I cut on the right side of the blade because I have a left tilt saw - 3650.

Welcome to the forum.


Tom

[BadgerDave]

Mostly when making 90° cuts I crosscut on the LH side of the blade and rip on the RH side.

[BHD]

I found that cutting with the front of the blade works best for me,

it is preference and ease, and some what if your right or left handed, I put the fence on the right side of the blade unless there is some thing special I am doing, and usually use the miter gage on the left side of the blade, but at times I use the right slot, all depends on the process and the length of lumber and what I am wanting to do. but I do think it does cut best from the front of the blade, :)

[papadan]

I found that cutting with the front of the blade works best for me,

it is preference and ease, and some what if your right or left handed, I put the fence on the right side of the blade unless there is some thing special I am doing, and usually use the miter gage on the left side of the blade, but at times I use the right slot, all depends on the process and the length of lumber and what I am wanting to do. but I do think it does cut best from the front of the blade, :)
One in every crowd, thanks for the laugh!

[billie_bob]

I prefer to cut 90 degree cuts from left side of the blade only because I am right eye dominant. I find it is easier for me to line up my cut with my dominant ojo.

tgomez

[Wood_Junkie]

Mostly when making 90° cuts I crosscut on the LH side of the blade and rip on the RH side.

Same here. The rip fence pretty much lives on the right side of the blade. Miter gauge/cross-cut sled lives on the left side.

[Roadster280]

Since the rip capacity is far greater on the right, it makes sense to use the right side for the majority of rip cuts. No problem if you need 12 1/2 inches, it's there.

For cross cuts, I find it easier with the miter gauge on the left, but that's because I am a novice with this big scary machine, and I am right handed/eyed.

One thing that's occurred to me though is that when building the saw, there was an option to fit the switch on either the left or the right. I can't imagine making a crosscut, holding the workpiece against the gauge on the left, and being entirely comfortable turning the saw off on the right (being right handed).

[MarkSJohnson]

I also rip to the right, and crosscut to the left.

The switch on my Craftsman was on the right, so I don't think I would have been uncomfortable with it there as I'd be somewhat used to it, but on my new 3660 I mounted it to the left....pretty much as far as it will go.

[mike gager]

fence is on right hand side, miter gauge is on left hand slot

[VASandy]

I think this is one of the best questions I've yet seen asked! It's a real insight for a newbie like me to see how you all setup for your cuts.

Thank you for asking! :)

[papadan]

I think this is one of the best questions I've yet seen asked! It's a real insight for a newbie like me to see how you all setup for your cuts.

Thank you for asking! :) NEWBIE? Come on Sandy, you aint no newbie no more. LOL;)

[VASandy]

Thanks, PapaDan, but I still feel like a newbie compared to you all!! I'm always learning something and I really thank you all for your help in improving how I do things. :)

[papadan]

We all learn something every day, unless we forgot to get out of bed that day!:D

[carbonBased]

I think this is one of the best questions I've yet seen asked! It's a real insight for a newbie like me to see how you all setup for your cuts.

Thank you for asking! :)

Yeah, that leads me to wonder where everyone has mounted their power switch, and why?

I'm still trying to find the optimal location. I've got mine on the right, because I *thought* it would be easiest to reach, etc, but I find I often can't see it because the fence blocks my view, and fidget around before I find it... possibly moving it to the left might be a better choice? I'm right hander, for reference.

--Jeff

[cpw]

I've got mine on the left. I usually work on the left side of the saw (my fence on the longer side), and want it close to me.

For rabbets I usually work on the right side. Not quite sure why, maybe the table seems psycologicaly bigger that way, because I've got the fence rails?

[Gofor]

Ditto what BHD said, and as for the switch, I now have it mounted on the left. I originally mounted it on the right, but found that when I ran into problems (i. e. binding on the blade, wood closing up onto the splitter, etc, I was invariably ripping a long thick board, and had to get down and reach under the wood to shut down the saw before I corrected the problem. Not good in an emergency. With shorter pieces, it also meant I usually had to move across the kick-back zone to reach the switch.

I have found the switch on the left easier and more convenient to use, especially because I can hit it quickly without removing my dominant hand from the wood or pushblock. It took a little getting used to at first, though.

Go

[sdiverdan]

It's a good question. I'm in agreement with everyone else, I find that I rip with the fence on the right and use the miter on the left.

What was not mentioned, and I would like to add is what side of the blade a sled is used on. Be it a cross cut jig or panel sled the side of the blade is dependent on the tilt. On the rigid TS3650 my sleds and specific table saw jigs are on the left side of the saw. The reason for this is due to the arbor of the saw. With a left tilt blade the saw blades are added and secured with a nut on the right side of the arbor. This means with different blade thicknesses and even using dado blades the sled cut side is dead on the left side of the blade. Hope this helps.:)