- A table saw is used to cut the width of your flooring.Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
A table saw is needed to cut your raw material into the proper widths. Strip flooring is usually 2 1/4 inches wide, and plank flooring is normally milled to widths of 3, 5, and 7 inches. This saw is also used to reduce the thickness of wood planks before they go into the planer. If using raw lumber, you can further use the table saw to straighten out crooked pieces so they can go flat against the fence for more precise cuts during the milling process. - A planer grinds wood down to the desired thickness. You should use the table saw to get your planks close to the thickness you want, 3/4 of an inch is standard, and then fine tune it with the planer. All of the wood should be milled to the exact same thickness, since this will create a smooth floor and simplify the sanding process required after installation.
- A table-mounted router is used to make the tongue and groove locking system found on all four sides of wood flooring. The wood can be sent through the router on its edge to cut out the groove. It will need to be placed on its flat surface and run through again. Finally, it should be flipped over so a final pass can be made on the opposing flat edge. This will cut out the top and bottom of the wood, leaving a tongue protruding. This tongue locks into the groove of the adjacent piece of wood during the installation.
- A radial arm saw is used to cut the finished flooring into the desired lengths, and the design of this saw allows it to accommodate any width of wood. They are typically mounted on tables with roller benches on both sides that help quickly slide the flooring through. After a piece is cut, it can be slid away and a new piece moved into position. Cutting the lengths is the final step of the flooring manufacturing process.
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