SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-featherboard-position

Where should a featherboard be placed on a table saw?

In front of the blade, not behind it.

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  1. Behind the blade
  2. In front of the blade ✔
  3. Directly over the blade

Why: A featherboard presses the wood against the fence. Woodcraft says it must be set up in front of the blade, not behind it, so it does not pinch the wood against the back of the blade.

Huh, didn't know that: Its main drawback is that it typically must be reset for every new cut.

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References

Answer: In front of the blade. A featherboard presses the wood against the fence. Woodcraft says it must be set up in front of the blade, not behind it, so it does not pinch the wood against the back of the blade.

  1. Woodcraft Preventing Tablesaw Kickback www.woodcraft.com/blogs/shop-knowledge-guides/preventingtablesaw-kickback-it-s-not-an-acceptable-risk
    A featherboard must be set up in front of the blade instead of behind it.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Rockler Table Saw Basics www.rockler.com/learn/table-saw-basics
    prevents workpieces from drifting off course or lifting up
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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