Thread: Pinning

It just occured to me as an option that I might be able to cut scale stock on my electric mitre/chop saw, the cut would be faster so less chance of messing it up and I could get the stock just right before I actually chop. I would use a piece of wood against the fence and a square to put the scale stock against to make sure I get a perfect cut along a pencil line.

That might be easier than a full size table saw and less chance of me ending up crying again at the hospital

Table saws are probably the most dangerous tool in a woodworking shop. I'll never forget the demonstrations my shop teacher gave. He would demonstrate with a pencil or sometimes with a dowel with a fingernail drawn on it what it will do to a finger. Then he would have us stand on the catch side and he would push a block into the blade to demonstrate kick back. It would shoot the block across the room into the wall.
Even though I am experienced with it they still scare me to death. It happens so fast and the saw doesn't give any warning, ask your permission or shed a tear afterward.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Table saws are probably the most dangerous tool in a woodworking shop. I'll never forget the demonstrations my shop teacher gave. He would demonstrate with a pencil or sometimes with a dowel with a fingernail drawn on it what it will do to a finger. Then he would have us stand on the catch side and he would push a block into the blade to demonstrate kick back. It would shoot the block across the room into the wall.
Even though I am experienced with it they still scare me to death. It happens so fast and the saw doesn't give any warning, ask your permission or shed a tear afterward.

I remember well, I was pretty suprised when I touched mine, the flesh was soft and the damage was immediate. We're both singing from the same hymn sheet Paul

My 8th grade shop teacher lost a testicle, teaching us about kick back.

I can still see his face of pain, and feel where my ribs were broken, from laughing so hard.

I've never trusted a table saw, since.

So we're on the same page, heres my mitre/chop saw that i think I can make work for cutting scale stock and my table saw that I can make work too but I think will be more difficult for small stuff.

I strongly suggest a band saw.

I see bad things using a table saw or a miter saw.

Originally Posted by rolodave

I strongly suggest a band saw.

I see bad things using a table saw or a miter saw.

I know that my mitre saw isn't ideal but I did look at band saws and scroll saws too.

They are both at least a few hundred dollars each and they're both on my wishlist but I have to make do for the first couple of tries at least to be sure that pinning and scaling is something that I want to pursue before I invest serious money into tools that would serve no purpose for me except cutting scale stock.

Band saw is the way to go!
But
I have cut over 250 wood scale blanks on a table saw!
I had one of our fine members send me blocks of wood that he was able to get for less than cost at a lumber yard. A large priority box full. When I was done I was able to keep 1/3 of what I cut up as our deal. A lot of wood was lost in kerf and I was able to ship his part back in a medium priority box. but it was stuffed full. Cutting to 1/8" thick can be done. Use your head and think about it. Make guages and ways to do it safely. My table saw is not top of the line. Bought it at a big box store and I know its made in China somewhere but it works for me.

If you are looking to make do, a jewellers saw and some good files are probably the best answer. I have a full woodworking shop. My first tenish sets of scales were all done by hand. I had thought that I was only going to make a few sets and then I would be done. Then I had to experiment with different materials, then make more elaborate sets of scales, it can be a real rabbit hole.

I've used a table saw to cut scales too. It depends on the material a lot also. That old southern live oak is so hard it was bogging down and smoking. Scary stuff. I won't cut that with the table saw again. The other nice thing about a band saw is that the blade is so thin you lose less wood (or whatever material you're using) and the dust is fine and can be saved for use patching paste.