Idea Shop 6, Paycheck 11: Through Thick and Thin

If your saw struggles to cut thick or dense wood, invest in a thin-kerf blade (about $30). Because the thinner blade removes less wood, it requires less power to make a cut. Although only ¹⁄₃₂ " thinner than a regular blade, that's about 25% less surface area to move through the wood. Even if your saw runs fine with a standard blade, you might consider a thin-kerf blade because it wastes less material. For example, if you were ripping ¹⁄₄ "-wide strips from a 6"-wide board a standard blade would yield 16 strips. A thin-kerf blade would net 17 strips. The downside to a thin-kerf blade is that it is more prone to fluttering when cutting dense woods, or if your saw isn't well tuned.

With a well-tuned tablesaw, the number of projects you can build expands greatly. Here are some plans that make use of the tools and equipment you already have.

This wall-hung cabinet can house either a TV or a dartboard (both are shown in the photo below) and the plan is FREE!

Hang this handsome mirror near a doorway so you can check your look before heading out. The handy shelf and drawers collect your keys, phone and other items.

Build this easy and elegant hall table using fuss-free joinery and easy-to-find materials.

Next, continue to accessorize your tablesaw with Idea Shop 6 - Paycheck 12.