How to efficiently cut slabs for scales?

**DoughBoy68** · 10-11-2013, 04:24 PM

A little tid bit of info to share that might help when using a bandsaw. I tried it with regular wood blades in a couple different teeth per inch sizes and they always seemed to cut crooked even with the guide down as close to the wood (whatever material) as possible. To solve the problem I switched to a metal cutting blade, fed the stock slowly and got great results. You might cut it a little thicker than desired to leave room for sanding saw marks which are considerably smaller with the metal cutting blade.

I tried using the wood cutting blades for cutting acrylic and some times it wood crack/shatter the acrylic. The metal cutting blade seemed to work better plus you don't have to change the blade when you want to cut metal.

**miha** · 10-12-2013, 12:25 PM

Huh I have the same problem with cutting straight slabs(with the additional problem of not having a place I could call a workshop). Sometimes I tr to compensate with a hand "angle guided" saw, but when possible get them sawn by some who has a eg band saw. Do any of you have an idea of somesort hobby saw that might do the job? I know that this is miles away from what sou are talking about here, but in my case this kind of saw is not an option (kitchen table during the night). Maybe sth like this Name: moto_saw-1a-1280x1024.jpg
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Name: moto_saw-1a-1280x1024.jpg
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Size: 26.7 KB

?

**pixelfixed** · 10-12-2013, 01:01 PM

Bandsaw will always be the best option,You can actually do very precision work with a properly set up saw.
What most people do not realize is that bandsaws have quite a few critical adjustments and all have to work in consort.
Here isa very usefull Vid on the subject.Band Saw Clinic with Alex Snodgrass - YouTube

**Qatsats** · 10-12-2013, 01:15 PM

Most of us suffer from "restoration equipment acquisition syndrome" and I commend your struggle against this and all tool acquisition addictions. There's a lot of great advice her, but I didn't find this one: ask a friend for help. You may not have the tool but he/she may have. Ask. It's a friendly thing to do.

**10Pups** · 10-12-2013, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by miha

Huh I have the same problem with cutting straight slabs(with the additional problem of not having a place I could call a workshop). Sometimes I tr to compensate with a hand "angle guided" saw, but when possible get them sawn by some who has a eg band saw. Do any of you have an idea of somesort hobby saw that might do the job? I know that this is miles away from what sou are talking about here, but in my case this kind of saw is not an option (kitchen table during the night).

You may be able to cut scales with that but you are not going to have much success cutting slabs. You have a pile of nice scrap to cut down ? Find a friend or make one :<0)

**Geezer** · 10-12-2013, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by 10Pups

You may be able to cut scales with that but you are not going to have much success cutting slabs. You have a pile of nice scrap to cut down ? Find a friend or make one :<0)

Also, check with your local VoTech ( Vocational Technology School)! They often have very cheap evening woodworking classes that will allow you to enjoy good tools without owning them. Some High Schools do also. I did that for years when i was often re-located around the country.
In service? go to the base hobby shops!
~Richard
A well adjusted table top hobby type 8" bandsaw will work well also. There are two and three wheel machines available and always at local online auctions for $40 or less.They cut to about 4" of thickness. Just feed the stock slowly. A good idea is to use a thin wedge in the saw kerf behind the blade to keep the material from binding the blade. Make it out of a craft stick or similar and just make a long taper on the flat to a edge.

**RezDog** · 10-12-2013, 04:21 PM

I also use a bandsaw. Mine was designed for resaw work. If you didn't have the intention of opening a cabinet shop I can't see laying out the cash. In my case, previously had a cabinet shop. I'm sure ask a friend for help is the best advice here.

**Atchbo** · 10-12-2013, 10:15 PM

Had anyone ever used a Japanese hand saw for this? They are thin and sharp, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to rip a flat, thin strip for scales.

**RezDog** · 10-12-2013, 10:20 PM

I am absolutely certain that in the right hands a quality japanese rip saw would do a miraculous job, just not my hands. It takes a little practice to be good at such things.

**Geezer** · 10-12-2013, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by Atchbo

Had anyone ever used a Japanese hand saw for this? They are thin and sharp, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to rip a flat, thin strip for scales.

I remember a post where someone did use that handsaw with a simple guide to saw off slabs.
~Richard

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