This is the primary milling step used to size rough lumber to its final width. The operation generates long, fibrous shavings and requires specialized saw blades designed to chisel out the wood rather than score it. Proper technique and tooling are critical, as the release of internal tension during the cut can cause the board to bow or pinch the blade.
Heard on the job
We spent the whole morning ripping rough maple for the tabletop glue-up.
Do not mix it up with
- Crosscut saw: Ripping cuts parallel to the grain, while crosscutting cuts perpendicular to the grain.