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What is the easiest way to cut scale lumber on a table saw?

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  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 4 posts
What is the easiest way to cut scale lumber on a table saw?
Posted by billfinck on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 12:49 AM

What is the easiest and safest way to cut 1:20.3 or larger scale lumber stock  on a table saw?

I have a couple of ideas but I would enjoy some other suggestions or coments.

I have been cutting some stock on the table saw "very carefully, with a push stick" and then cutting it to size on a Proxxon Miter saw. Some friend asked if there was an easier way and safer way, and so I am asking a few expert railroaders for some new and safe advice.

thank you,

Bill 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: S.Easton , Mass.
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Posted by smcgill on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 4:25 AM

Check out the do-hicky called   ZERO-CLEARANCE insert.

http://www.leecraftzeroclearance.com/

Made for most saws.

Push sticks are the way to go also.

Sean

Mischief

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 4 posts
Posted by billfinck on Thursday, March 18, 2010 1:00 AM

Thanks Sean.

 I have been using a Zero Clearance Insert for some time and it works great.

I am just looking for more ideas to back up the few skills that I have.

Some wood workers cut their stock on the left side of the blade, but I love the right side of the blade and next to the fence. Some times I get some blade burn marks but I can always cut them out.

I might try the new Trim stock Jig, but I am afraid that the thickness accuracy may go away.

Thanks again,

billfinck

Thanks again,

Billfinck 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: pittsburgh pa.
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Posted by chad tm5000/trainstation on Sunday, March 21, 2010 11:23 PM

my easiest way is to go to a rail yard or a place where they are putting in new rail ties they are called pegs that fill in the old ties where the spike are this is a idea ive done it and it works with g gauge and it looks like the the plastic ties that are on the g gauge track that is the safe way of doing it and while doing that maybe catch a train rollin thrue for some ideas hope this helps.

 chad from pittsburgh pa.

  • Member since
    February 2009
  • 2 posts
Posted by chscenic on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 10:12 AM

Besides a zero clearance insert and a push stick what I have found works great is a Freud 7 1/4" thin kerf saw blade for use on a circular saw. I think they come in 25, 40 and 60 tooth models. They are under $20 and work great if you make a zero clearance insert for them. They make nice clean cuts in cedar or redwood, make much less waste, and are much quieter that 10" blades. I have cut 1/16 x 1/16 inch pieces on my large Cabinet saw. I have adjusted my rip fence so it is barely off the table, too. You might consider a good quality miter gauge as the stock model is pretty crude for close cuts although you could add a wooden fence onto it. Just a note, it is quite easy to make your own blade inserts. I have them for each type of blade. One word of caution, don't adjust the angle of a blade with the zero clearance insert in place. I bent one by doing so. You can crank the blade all the way down, put in the insert, turn on the saw, and slowly raise the blade. Dave Cozzens

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