Defeat end-grain tear-out with backer boards

Machining cross-grain joints on a tablesaw results in tear-out when the blade exits the wood, as shown, unless you take some precautions. Install a wood extension to the miter gauge to back up the cut or hold a back-up piece between the workpiece and miter gauge. We cut these ³⁄₄ " dadoes in red oak with a scrap board to back up the cut on (left) and then without on (right). The backer board eliminates tear-out.