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Sawing Small Pieces
Issue: Issue 242
Posted Date: 2/9/2010
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I
am building dollhouses and gas stations in the 1:12 scale size. I
will be working with 1/8" x 1/8" and up to 1/8" x 3/8"
strips. What is the best table saw jig to use for this project? I
have an old Sears contractor's table saw that is modified a little. - Bill
Finck
Tim
Inman: Little
pieces in big machines equal trouble! Be very, very careful, wear eye
protection and follow all the safety rules. You'll hear the "Ping!"
right after you feel the numb sting on your skin if you get a
kickback, says the voice of experience. Use a zero-clearance insert
and a fine tooth sharp blade, for sure. That said, I'd make a sled.
This is a great way to handle little pieces and cut them as precisely
as you want them, with the least risk.
Rob
Johnstone:
Such small stock on the table saw raises a red flag for me. If you
must use a table saw, build or buy a sled that has surrounds (the
deck runs on both sides of the saw blade) the saw blade. Do not raise
the saw blade any higher than you absolutely need to. I would
recommend a band saw or even a scroll saw for this job over the table
saw. They would be much safer options, in my opinion.
Chris
Marshall: I
agree with Tim and Rob on this one. Use a sled and a fine-toothed
blade if you end up using your table saw for these tiny cuts. You
might also appreciate knowing that Proxxon sells a tiny table saw
designed for just the sort of miniature work you're doing. It comes
with a blade that's only 2 9/32" diameter with 80 teeth — so
extremely fine! It might be worth the investment and the added degree
of safety if you plan to build lots of wooden miniatures.