: Hello All,
: I am in the same situation as Scott. I am going to buy my first table saw
: this weekend and I will be a newbie with this tool also.
: Are featherboards a likely solution to the variance problem Scott had?

: Thanks, Kurt

Hi Kurt.

If you can mooch a table saw from a friend or neighbor, then do it. Unless, of course, you have legitimate need & plans for using the saw besides to rip kayak strips. Besides, when you mooch you get automatic help! That second (and third) person do come in handy, especially with the longer strips. Also, don't forget that the table saw is one half of the equation -- don't be ashamed to splurge on a high-quality, thin-kerf blade for your new baby. The results are worth it.

Note also that I did get some variance, but it seemed to perhaps be associated with the type/grain of wood being ripped. My WRC strips came out dandy, but I had some Alaskan Yellow Cedar that ended up with a bit more variance, especially on the ends. We ripped 'em all the same way, on the same day(s).

Rick Brannan
rick@supakoo.com