Rip or Plane?

[OverRide]

Hello,

I have 1.5"x2" boards I want to rip down 1"x1". The boards will be used for bracing inside a cabinet.

The boards are in various lengths, some as big as 52" and as small as 7".

I have attempted to rip them with the table saw, and it works pretty well with the longer boards, but it is hard to keep a good straight cut (end up with some spots less or greater than 1"). Trying to keep the boards flush along the fence while feeding it through is difficult without getting my hands to close to the blade (at least for my liking).

I have never used a planer before, but am thinking this is the right way to achieve what I want? I was going to pick up a decent used electric hand planer, but wanted to make sure it will do the job. Will it easily take down an 1" or is it more of a finishing tool to shave off thin layers?

Any other suggestion? Is there a way to use my table saw and keep my hands safe while keeping the work in place?

Thank you,

Aaron.
 

[RoyalScam]

Take a look here;



I use shop built feather boards, but those magnetic ones look great.

[drventure]

You might also look up plans for a tablesaw sled.

My dad built one and just about won't use a tablesaw without it. Way safer than even a pushstick (and you definitely want to use a feather board and pushstick in any case).

A radial arm saw is also very handy for ripping long stock, but that's if you have a radial arm saw (and not a lot of people do anymore).

[OverRide]

Thanks for the help!

I will be picking up a feather board along with a better pushstick (the one I have is to short and unsafe).

[EvilNuff]

I highly recommend the Grrrriper push block.  It is pretty fantastic and well worth it.  Also you want to make sure your table saw fence is parallel to the blade, if not that can cause cut problems as well.