Table saw burning or binding the wood

What you see

1. The board pinches or drags as you feed it through the cut.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

Likely causes

Most-agreed first: the more makers name a cause, the higher it sits.

1. The rip fence is not parallel to the blade.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. A dull blade. Grizzly lists it as a cause of burning and binding; SawStop and DeWalt as a cause of rough, uneven cuts.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

3. The riving knife or splitter is out of line with the blade.

   Two sources: SawStop and DeWalt , sources [2, 3]

4. Pitch or gum built up on the blade. SawStop and DeWalt list it as a cause of rough cuts.

   Two sources: SawStop and DeWalt , sources [2, 3]

5. The board itself is warped or bowed.

   Two sources: SawStop and DeWalt , sources [2, 3]

What to change

Change one thing at a time, so you know which change fixed it.

1. Set the rip fence parallel to the blade.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. Sharpen or replace a dull blade.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

3. Line the riving knife or splitter up with the blade.

   Two sources: SawStop and DeWalt , sources [2, 3]

4. Clean the pitch off the blade.

   Two sources: SawStop and DeWalt , sources [2, 3]

5. Use flat stock, or lay a bowed board flat and support it at the cut.

   Two sources: SawStop and DeWalt , sources [2, 3]