For an example...if your material is 6" wide set your fence to 5 13/16" so that your finished strip is on the outside of the blade away from the fence. Done the opposite way the material can bind and kick back on you as well getting friction burns on your finished strips. If you dont have one you can make yourself a push block with a 2x6. Cut it 12" long and notch out the bottom about a half inch for 9" so that when you stand it up there's a heel to place against the material your pushing on. This allows your hands to be well above the blade. You shouldn't set your blade any higher then an eighth inch above your material. BE CAREFUL...table saws are unforgiving (so are bandsaws ask ADB). I am by no means an expert but have made these observations watching my father work. If im at all steering this gentleman in the wrong direction somebody speak up!! Good luck!