Thread: Looking for someone with a tablesaw

I have 5 or 6 avonite pieces I grabbed from our sample library at work that I'd like to use for scale spacers. They're just under 1/2" thick and I have no way to rip them down myself so I'm looking for someone who has a tablesaw to do it for me.

Avonite is a solid surface material similar to corian or swanstone. The samples are only about 2 1/4"x1 1/2" and each one could probably be cut into 3 slices a little less than 1/8" thick. They're too small for scales but I figure you can get a few decent spacers out of each piece.

I could pay a few bucks or you could keep some of the slices if you'd rather do that. They're translucent and look a little like beach glass. I can get some photos if anyone's interested.

Those are pretty small to be ripping on a table saw. If it glues well onto a pusher piece it may be possible. You also will lose an 1/8" to waste every time you make a cut. A band saw might be a better option.
If it is a brittle plastic, one might have to reverse the blade. This will cut slower and create heat as well. That leads to how easy does it melt.
I have a sled made for my saw to cut pieces at 1/8" consistently. I would attempt this for you, but definately could NOT (edit) guarantee the results. Rather than payment, if it cuts well, I would just accept a sliver or two in exchange.
I live in Ohio, you may want to check with someone more local. If not, P.M. me.

Jerry

I'd have to agree- you would probably want that done on a band saw. You'd lose too much on the table saw.

I can't help you with cutting down the samples, but if we have the color that you are using, I can possible get it milled to thickness. I was just getting some avonite CNC'd for use as scale blanks. We don't have much in the back but I would be happy to look.

kilowattkid - I have no problem with no guarantee. They were free samples that were probably going to get tossed out eventually anyway so if it doesn't work, I'm not out anything. They should be able to be cut with a standard carbide blade. I'll send you a pm.

sicboater - You have a CNC machine and access to large enough pieces that you can make scales? That's cool. What do you do for a living?

kwkid, I'd love to see a picture of your sled. I've been thinking about something like that.

I just use a fence and push block on the band saw but I precut/rip the boards down to scale blank lengths before I slice them to 1/8 thick blanks.

Originally Posted by cstewart

sicboater - You have a CNC machine and access to large enough pieces that you can make scales? That's cool. What do you do for a living?

I work Here. We are an industrial design firm and production house that designs and builds many different things. Mostly we do tradeshow booths, Bars and restaurants, Product Displays, and Corporate interiors.

Kind of like architects, part engineer, part artist. Just not for buildings, rather, everything else...

Originally Posted by sicboater

I work Here. We are an industrial design firm and production house that designs and builds many different things. Mostly we do tradeshow booths, Bars and restaurants, Product Displays, and Corporate interiors.

Kind of like architects, part engineer, part artist. Just not for buildings, rather, everything else...

Wow. Very cool website -- and business, I hope. You must get to play with a lot of fun toys. I've always loved graphic design.

Originally Posted by sicboater

I work Here. We are an industrial design firm and production house that designs and builds many different things. Mostly we do tradeshow booths, Bars and restaurants, Product Displays, and Corporate interiors.

Kind of like architects, part engineer, part artist. Just not for buildings, rather, everything else...

Looks like the local dude might start to get requests for some special scales soon. Can I be first in line? No, wait. I've got to get a blade in need of scales first.

Still, I'm just down the road. I may contanct you with some ideas once I get some free time.

- Mark (S-4-C)