How to Make Shiplap Boards with a Table Saw? [The Easiest Way]

How to Make Shiplap Boards with a Table Saw

Shiplap boards are one of those DIY projects that can be done quickly and easily with just a table saw and some wood. So, whether you’re looking to add a splash of color or are just looking for an easy way to improve the look of your home, shiplap boards are the perfect solution!

I have done these types of projects many times. That is why you can rely on me without any doubt. However, in this article, I will show you how to make shiplap boards most easily by using a table saw. So, get ready with your table saw to make some beautiful shiplap boards with me.

4 Easy Steps To Make Shiplap Boards With A Table Saw:

The following instructions will show you how to make a shiplap board with a table saw. You can also use this method with any bit that produces the desired cut (circle, square, etc.). 

Step-1: Gather Some Essential Tools

You won’t need many things to make shiplap boards with a table saw. It is a very handy and easy project. You have to gather only three tools for this project. 

Step-2: Cutting

Cut the top and bottom of the board using a jigsaw or circular saw. Be sure to use a guide so that your panels are perfectly symmetrical. If you cut non-symmetrically, it would be very difficult for you to make the shiplap good-looking. While using a saw, be careful and don’t forget to wear safety equipment.  

Step-3: Removing Waste

Remove waste from either side of each line with a regular saw, chisel, or sanding drum (or, whatever else you have on hand). As you shave off wood, make sure not to go too deep. You have to just take away enough material so that the board’s edges are smooth.

Once the sides are clean, use an edge guide and a ruler to create a straight bottom and top on your board.

Step-4: Gluing The Shiplap

Glue or screw the top and bottom together using wood screws or construction adhesive (depending on the type of wood you’re using), then sand down any seams until they’re flush. Finish your board by painting, staining, or varnishing it however you like.

4 Benefits Of Making Shiplap Boards With A Table Saw:

There are many benefits to making shiplap boards at home using a table saw. Not only is it less time-consuming, but you can also customize the shape and design of your boards to fit your specific needs. Here are some of the benefits of making shiplap boards with a table saw:

  1. You can create precise, accurate shiplap edges that are virtually impossible to achieve with other methods.
  2. You can easily customize the shape and design of your boards. Whether you want Rectangle or V-shaped boards, you can do it with a table saw.
  3. Making shiplap boards with a table saw is much more accurate than trying to do it with an edger or router. So, you can avoid mistakes and problems. 
  4. You can save a lot of money by making your shiplap boards instead of buying them premade.

4 Tips That Will Help You When Making A Shiplap Board With A Table Saw

Here are my personal 4 tips that I always follow while making shiplap boards with a table saw:

Tip-1: Always use a straight edge when cutting the boards– this will ensure that your shiplap edges are properly formed.

Tip-2: Make sure to sand both the top and bottom of each board until they’re flat- this will help reduce errors during assembly.

Tip-3: Use an edge guide and ruler to create even, straight lines on both surfaces before starting to router- mistakes here can be difficult to fix later on! 

Tip-4: Apply a finish of choice before installing your shiplap board- this will give it that final look and feel.

Bonus: Be patient- shiplap boards can take a bit of time to create correctly, but the result is well worth it!

Related Questions:

How Do You Cut A Shiplap On A Table Saw?

Take off the table saw blade guard abductor, and detach it from its moorings on either side of the blade using a pair of pliers. Rest the edge of one plank on the lower rail and line up the blade to cut into both planks at once.

Push down on one end of the plank until you hear or feel a click, then release to cut through both boards simultaneously. Repeat with the other plank.

How Long Does It Take To Make Shiplap Boards With A Table Saw?

It depends on how detailed you want your cuts to be. If they’re very even and you don’t make any mistakes, it could take an hour. If you’re more prone to making mistakes, however, the process can take considerably longer- up to two hours or more. Again, patience is key!

How Much Does It Cost To Make Shiplap Boards With A Table Saw?

That depends on the quality of the shiplap boards and the room size that you want to decorate. On average, high-quality shiplap boards will cost around $300-$500 to cover a 100 square meter room, while more elaborate boards can run up to $500+.

What To About When Making Shiplap Boards With A Table Saw?

There are a few things that you should avoid when making shiplap boards with a table saw, as they can lead to uneven and unsightly cuts. Specifically, don’t try to miter your boards too closely– the resulting edges will be jagged and rough. 

Finally, make sure that you stay focused and don’t get distracted by the beauty of your handiwork. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up cutting too much off your boards, which will make them look uneven and unfinished.

Drawbacks Of Making Shiplap Boards With A Table Saw

Making shiplap boards with a table saw is a great idea. Although table saws are highly accurate, they can still produce minor imperfections in your boards if misused. As shiplap boards are essentially very thin pieces of wood, they can be easily damaged if not handled with care.

2 Alternative Methods To Make Shiplap Board

If you don’t have a router, a table saw is the best option to make a shiplap board. But if you have a router, then you should use them to make shiplap boards. You will get a great output by using this method also.

There are a few ways to make shiplap boards with routers. Two of them are given below.

1. Make Shiplap Boards With A Router

If you want to make a shiplap board with a router, first cut the boards using your router. Make sure that each board is perfectly symmetrical and clean up any cuts with a chisel or sanding drum.

Next, use an edge guide and ruler to create straight, even bottoms and tops on both boards. Now if you want to attach the top and bottom with wood screws or construction adhesive, do so. Otherwise, sand down the seams until they are flush.

Now you’re ready to finish your boards however you like!

2. Make Shiplap Boards With A Table Router

Making shiplap boards with a table router is similar to making them with an edger. First, cut the two boards using your jigsaw or circular saw

Then prep one of the sides of each board for shaving it down and remove any excess material by sanding until flat. Additionally, if you want, use an edge guide and ruler to make lines for starting straight edges on both layers of wood. Do that when you are attaching the top or bottom. 

For the final step, use a straight bit or curves on your router to create shiplap edges. You can also trim off any excess material if needed and then apply the finish of choice – varnish, stain, or lacquer, for example.

Conclusion

Shiplap boards are a great way to get that rustic look in your woodworking projects. They can be made with a simple table saw, and there is no need for any special tools or techniques. With a little bit of careful planning and a table saw, you can easily make your shiplap boards.

I’ve shown you how to make shiplap boards with a table saw in this blog. It’s a simple process that anyone can do with some woodworking experience. 

Md Meraj

This is Meraj. I’m the main publisher of this blog. Wood Working Advisor is a blog where I share wood working tips and tricks, reviews, and guides. Stay tuned to get more helpful articles!

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