Rip thin stock safely with a zero-clearance tabletop

You'll cut thin stock with less tear-out on a saw with a zero-clearance insert. But there's an easier way to get the same results while raising the workpiece enough to keep it from sliding under the fence. This tip also works great for cutting thin sheet brass.

First, cut a piece of ¹⁄₄ " medium-density fiberboard or hardboard large enough to cover the saw table from front to back and wide enough to support your workpiece. Position the fence for the cut, and lower the blade be-neath the tabletop. Then double-face-tape the hardboard to the saw table with one edge against the fence.

Start the saw and gradually raise the blade through the zero-clearance top to the correct height. Always use pushsticks to control stock narrower than 2".
—from the WOOD® shop