Table Saw Cove Cutting Calculator Woodworking Insights, February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 Want to create beautiful concave moldings with your table saw? This Table Saw Cove Cutting Calculator helps you achieve precise cove cuts by determining the exact fence angle you need. Table Saw Cove Cutting Calculator Desired Cove Depth (inches): Please enter a valid depth greater than 0 Desired Cove Width (inches): Please enter a valid width greater than 0 Calculate Angle Results: Fence Angle: 0° Note: This angle is measured from the saw blade to the fence. Ensure your workpiece is properly supported and use appropriate safety measures. Cove cutting on a table saw is a specialized technique that allows woodworkers to create concave moldings using their table saw. While traditionally made with specialized molding planes or router bits, cove cuts can be achieved on a table saw by passing the workpiece at an angle across the blade. Our Table Saw Cove Cutting Calculator helps determine the exact angle needed to achieve your desired cove dimensions. What is Cove Cutting? Cove cutting is the process of creating a concave, quarter-round hollow in a piece of wood. When performed on a table saw: The workpiece is passed over the blade at an angle Multiple shallow passes gradually create the curved profile The angle of the fence relative to the blade determines the cove's width and depth The blade height determines the depth of each pass Understanding the Table Saw Cove Cutting Calculator The calculator requires two inputs: Desired Cove Depth: The maximum depth of the concave cut (measured from the surface to the deepest point) Desired Cove Width: The total width of the cove from edge to edge The calculator then provides: Fence Angle: The angle at which to set your fence relative to the blade How the Calculation Works? The calculator uses trigonometry to determine the required angle: The relationship between width and depth forms a right triangle The angle is calculated using the arcsin function The formula used is: Angle = arcsin((2 × depth) ÷ width) ÷ 2 FAQ Q: How deep can I make a cove cut? A: Maximum depth should typically not exceed 1/2 the blade diameter. For a 10" blade, stay under 5" depth for safety and stability. Q: What blade is best for cove cutting? A: A general-purpose 40-50 tooth combination blade works well. Avoid thin-kerf blades for deep coves. Q: How many passes should I make? A: Rule of thumb: remove no more than 1/8" per pass. For a 1" deep cove, plan on at least 8-10 passes. Q: Can I cove cut any width board? A: While technically possible, boards wider than 12" become difficult to control. Minimum width should be 4" for safety. Q: Why is my cove not smooth? A: Common causes include: Too aggressive depth per pass Inconsistent feed rate Dull blade Wrong blade choice Improper fence angle Q: Do I need special jigs? A: While not required, these can help: Featherboards Push blocks Auxiliary fence faces Hold-downs Q: Can I use this technique on plywood? A: Not recommended due to: Tear-out risk Inconsistent material density Lamination separation risk Q: How do I clean up the cove after cutting? A: Options include: Scraping with a curved scraper Sanding with a dowel-wrapped sandpaper Light passes with progressively finer grits Final buffing if needed Enjoyed this Table Saw Cove Cutting Calculator? Then be sure to check out our other woodworking guides. Best Bandsaws for Woodworking Best Drill Press for Woodworking Best Woodworking Table Saws Best CNC Machines for Woodworking Best Table Saws for Beginners Woodworking Guides and Tips woodworking