What is Rip Cut?

A rip cut runs parallel to the wood grain to change a board's width. Where a crosscut severs fibers, a rip cut separates them along their length, which is why the blade needs a different tooth geometry.

Blade specs. Rip blades have fewer, larger teeth, typically 24-30 on a 10-inch blade, with a flat-top grind (FTG). The large gullets between teeth clear sawdust quickly because this type of cut produces more waste per tooth. The flat-top profile acts like a chisel, scooping material along the grain.

Primary tool. The table saw with a rip fence is the standard setup. The fence provides a straight, parallel guide at a locked width. For sheet goods, a circular saw with a straightedge or track saw works well for breaking down full 4x8 panels before making precision cuts.

Safety. Rip cuts on a table saw carry more kickback risk than crosscuts. If the offcut between the blade and fence pinches the blade, it can launch backward. Always use a riving knife and stand to the side of the blade, not directly behind it.

In the cut list workflow, rip cuts come first. You rip stock to width, then crosscut to length. This order produces less waste and makes boards easier to handle. SmartCutList accounts for rip cuts in your cutting diagrams, ensuring the fence setting matches the planned dimension minus kerf.