5 Table Saw Cheat Codes to Unlock Precision Cuts and Upgrades

Your table saw is probably doing about thirty percent of what it is truly capable of doing. If you want to stop fighting with your tools and start making better projects, you are in the right place. In this post, I am going to show you five cheat codes that will turn your standard table saw into a precision crosscutting station, a router table, and even an edge jointer without buying all of those other expensive tools.

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If you just scanned the code from my YouTube video and want to get straight to the gear, I have got you covered! Here are all the table saw upgrades and tool reviews mentioned in this post:

Now, let us dive right into these beginner woodworking upgrades that will totally transform your woodworking shop.

Cheat Code 1: The TSO Fence Upgrade

This first cheat code is the one that separates the people who actually enjoy using their table saws from the ones who fight with every single cut. The TSO fence upgrade is hands down one of the best budget upgrades you can make to your table saw.

It is incredibly versatile because it fits a variety of saws. It fits my favorite saw under five hundred dollars, the Skil ten inch, along with DeWalt and Milwaukee models. Installation is dead simple. You just pop off the two end caps from your stock fence and put the new TSO fence right on.

Why you need it:

It gives you two different T tracks to add accessories on the top and the face
You can easily slide in Bow featherboards to get vertical pressure down on your boards. This keeps the wood pressed firmly to the table and helps prevent dangerous kickback.
It allows you to mount a sacrificial fence right up next to your dado stack so you can cut rabbets easily.

Cheat Code 2: Ditch the Factory Miter Gauge

Let me be completely honest with you all. Factory miter gauges are typically an afterthought. Even my high end cabinet saw came with one that they just threw in the box because you technically need one. If you are doing real woodworking and want precision crosscuts, you need a better miter gauge because those factory ones are just junk.

I absolutely put my Outlaw stamp of approval on the Powertec Miter Gauge. I recommend getting the version with the fence to give you extra options, but the WEN Miter Gauge is also a fantastic budget pick.

What makes the Powertec great:

You can adjust the miter bar to remove all the wiggle from your specific miter slot. You want it snug without being too hard to push.
It uses a gear driven system that lets you lock in basically any degree perfectly. I tested the ninety degree and forty five degree settings and got dead accurate results.
The extruded aluminum fence is incredibly well made and beefy, meaning it will not bend or twist. Plus, it features a handy flip down stop block for repeatable cuts.

Cheat Code 2B: The Crosscut Sled

If you want to take your cuts to the absolute next level, you need a crosscut sled. The Rockler Table Saw Sled is one of the best I have ever used. Because it is made from a solid composite material instead of wood, it will never warp or bend like plywood or MDF. It provides zero clearance to your table saw and features a micro adjustable dial so you can dial in the perfect cut every single time.

Cheat Code 3: JessEm Stock Guides

Table saw safety should always be a priority. You can attach JessEm stock guides directly to your factory fence if you do not want to buy an entirely new fence system.

These guides have tilted wheels that only roll one way. This brilliant design pushes your stock down and toward the fence while physically preventing the wood from kicking back at you. If you are cutting a lot of large plywood sheets, this upgrade helps you manage those bigger pieces safely and accurately.

Cheat Code 4: Stop Using Dangerous Push Sticks

Every table saw comes with a plastic push stick. The huge problem with these is that the plastic can get very brittle when exposed to heat and cold in your shop. If that brittle plastic hits your saw blade, it can shatter and throw sharp shards right back at you causing serious injuries. It is very dangerous and I do not use them.

Instead, you need ultimate control. The MicroJig GRR Ripper is a fantastic product I have loved for years because of its adjustable middle foot that keeps your hands safe while controlling the stock.

However, the brand new Bow Push Stick is taking things to a whole new level.

It expands to give you options to get over the blade while controlling both the offcut piece and the piece you want to keep.
It has an awesome ergonomic design that mimics the forward leaning shape of old school wooden push sticks.
It features three bottom cleats that drop down to grab the back of your stock, pushing it cleanly through the cut.
Unlike traditional sticks, it lays flat when you set it down.

Cheat Code 5: Turn Your Saw Into a Multi Function Machine

This is where we unlock the ultimate cheat code and turn your table saw into a machine that does the job of a router table and an edge jointer.

The Bow Xtender Fence clamps to basically any fence, from job site saws all the way up to cabinet saws. It gives you that much needed infeed and outfeed support so longer boards do not fall off the back of your saw.

But the real magic happens when you add the Bow L Fence. The way they implemented this is absolute genius.

What the L Fence unlocks:

Template Cutting: You can use double stick tape to attach a template to your wood and use the clear L fence as a guide, completely replacing the need for a router table. You can replicate parts over and over.
Tapering: Make perfect tapers easily just by setting your template against the fence.
Rabbet Cuts: Cut perfect notches along the edge of your board for picture frames or joinery without needing a sacrificial wooden fence.
Edge Jointing: Jointers are expensive. If you have a live edge piece of wood, just tape a straight reference piece of plywood to it, run it against the L fence, and you instantly have a perfectly jointed straight edge.

The Ultimate Cut

I call these cheat codes because when you stack them together, you get the ultimate cut. Combining the Bow push stick with the extender fence and featherboards gives you the safest and most precise cuts possible on a table saw.

If you want to build a better shop and a better business, make sure you join my woodworking coaching community over on Skool where we talk about turning sawdust into serious profit. Also, do not forget to sign up for my daily tool deal email list so you never miss out on huge savings for your shop! I do not hide deals, I want to make sure you get the best tools for your hard earned money.

Grab these upgrades while you can, work safe, and check out the other blog posts linked below for more honest tool reviews. Get you a big old virtual fist bump!

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