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

Garden Railroading
1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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.

5

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