What’s the Difference Between Cutting and Ripping Wood?

If you’re someone who works in construction or fabrication, it’s important to know the different ways to separate wood pieces. Not only does each method require a different blade, but they are fundamentally different tasks. Learn the difference between cutting and ripping wood.

What Is Cutting Wood?

This may seem like a basic question, but wood cutting is a more specific action than most people realize. If you’re cutting wood, then what you’re really doing is cross-cutting it, which means cutting against the wood grain. Since wood is a plant-based material, it has natural fibers that run in a certain direction. Cutting across that grain creates specific patterns and textures.

What Is Ripping Wood?

Wood ripping is the opposite of cutting—it means separating wood along the grain lines. When people split wood with an axe, what they’re doing is ripping wood. Since you’re cutting with the grain, it’s much easier to do and the wood will start to separate on its own after you start ripping.

It’s also important to note that the natural features of wood can keep pieces from ripping nicely. Knots make wood much harder to rip, which is one reason you’ll want to use a saw for the job.

Which Tools Should You Use?

If you’re just trying to split logs, you’re welcome to use an axe. However, an axe won’t give you the precision cuts that most people need when they’re working in construction or wood fabrication. Instead, you’ll want a saw.

Use a Bandsaw To Rip Wood

Many people like to use a bandsaw to rip wood. This machine has a long, thin blade that allows you to be very precise when cutting. For the straightest cuts, we recommend using the widest blade you can. First, measure the cut you want to make (we also recommend measuring twice), using a writing instrument to mark your guidelines.

Use a Circular Saw To Cut Wood

For cutting (or crosscutting) wood, it’s a good idea to use a circular saw and a square. A square is a common fabrication measuring tool that looks like a right triangle. It has a lip on the edge so that you can hook it over the end of your workpiece. Once you’ve done this, you can just saw alongside the square to get a straight line.

Using the Right Blades

While you can cut and rip wood with many of the same types of saws, keep in mind that you may need to switch out blades between both tasks. In a circular table saw, cross-cutting blades have more teeth to help cut through the wood grain smoothly. A rip blade will not have as many teeth and probably won’t be as efficient.

The difference between cutting and ripping wood may be subtle, but it matters when it comes to the kind of tools you use. Knowing which saw blade to use can help you save time and avoid damaging your equipment.
Image Credit: carpenter works with manual and electric equipment By Broadway FILE #: 192802439