Thread: How to efficiently cut slabs for scales?

This is one I've been trying to work out for a while without buying yet another piece of machinery. I'll buy more equipment if it'll solve this, but before I do I thought I'd run it by the forum since most of you have probably already solved the issue.

I have a few boxes of exotic hardwood pieces that are all in various shapes - from 3/4" thick up to 8" and larger - as well as some thick pieces of other materials. I'll sometimes just use my compound saw to cut a few slabs for scales but the kerf of those blades are almost as thick as what the final scale will be - and that just seems like a terrible waste of wood. Tried using the scroll saw but that gets uneven slabs since I can't figure out how to make a good ripping guide for it. That results in almost as much waste as a result of sanding to get the slabs flat. Hand sawing using a very thin blade works, but again, uneven slabs.

So, does anyone have an approach that results in 1/8 to 3/16 thick wood slabs that doesn't involve a kerf that's just as thick? Couldn't find a thread on this at first look but there may be one in here that I can't see. Seems like a little table saw that uses a really thin blade would work but I can't find one online and Woodcraft doesn't seem to have what I need.

On a side note, I've had RAD and HAD for years, but this may simply be a symptom of some "restoration equipment acquisition syndrome" as well as signs of "scales material acquisition syndrome" as well.

Mike

I use a band saw with a rip blade. Ripping thin stock with a compound miter saw is an accident waiting to happen - can't recommend that to anyone. Not a good idea on a table saw either. If you are serious about this, get a band saw. Used ones are available at reasonable prices. Good luck. I share your TAD.

You can buy thin kerf blades that will greatly reduce your waste.

You can buy zero curf blades,but be carefull,they can bite you
as above a bandsaw is is the best tool for slabbing.You can find a used rockwell delta (american made) for cheap and rebuild it for less than 50 bux.Than you need a good fence.
Sadley my fence cost more than my bandsaw

My fence is a piece of 1x2 and 2 C clamps.

I agree with Pix, I use a mag base that I can move and lock down on the table so I can slice some slightly bent stock and blocks. Horn slabs are often bent a bit~

~Richard

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Originally Posted by skipnord

My fence is a piece of 1x2 and 2 C clamps.

That works to a point,Great idea Richard

I like Geezer's method. Mine is actually a piece of 1x2 with a rounded end. That way, there is a single point of contact, which adjusts for the fact that the blade doesn't always cut perfectly parallel to the blade itself.
Geezer - where do you get an on/off magnet like that? My TAD is kicking in.

Harbor Frieght,dial indicator base.

Yes bandsaw. I got a jet (horizontal) from Amazon that shipped free, etc. It has a vertical mode and I clamp a piece of stock to get the cutting depth you want as others have said.
I know it's another expense, but once you have that bandsaw you won't know how you did without it, especially if you are cutting metal stock.