how do you use your byrnes table saw?

[Mikeyt]

I just got my new byrnes table saw and love it. I want to do segmenting and other fun projects. My question is for those who have a byrnes table saw what is the best way to rip pen blanks? I have the grr-ripper which seems better then a push stick. Are there other ways or ideas when cutting pen blanks and 3/4" inch stock.
I like my fingers and don't want to lose any.

 

[TonyL]

I don't have a Byrnes, but I use the GRRipper or my TS sled.

 

[leehljp]

EVERYONE is warned when they come here that pen turning is a deeeeeep hole. That said, now that you have a byrnes TS, you need a thickness sander! :biggrin: :biggrin:

I am sure since you have a gripper, you know to adjust the height of the blade only to about 1/16 to 1/8" above the height of the blank being cut. Some TS users like using a full blade so that the blade is aiming downward, reducing kickback, but that also runs a higher risk of getting severe cuts.

When you can, cut longer 3/4 cuts such as 12" or 18" or 24 inch long pieces then cut them to length. Longer rip pieces, versus short rips are safer, IMO.

 

[mark james]

I agree with Hank on the thickness sander - I use it all the time for my segmenting.

I use a cheap small file that I ground the tip to a pin point, and use it to very slightly push the piece through, but more importantly to pull the piece to the right as soon as it clears the blade.

I have also made a few guides and fence attachments.

I also have a GRRipper for thicker stock.

 

[jdmyers4]

I bought my Byrnes table saw a number of years ago, and it's mostly been sitting aside since I haven't done any pens for a number of years. I've bought a cabinet saw with sliding table since then. I've started making boxes now and use my big saw most of the time. HOWEVER, I'm glad I have my Byrnes TS because it has come in very handy for cutting small strips for inlay for my boxes - something that would not be safe to do with my big saw. The small kerf on the Byrnes blades also cuts down on waste.

 

[greenacres2]

EVERYONE is warned when they come here that pen turning is a deeeeeep hole. That said, now that you have a byrnes TS, you need a thickness sander! :biggrin: :biggrin:

I am sure since you have a gripper, you know to adjust the height of the blade only to about 1/16 to 1/8" above the height of the blank being cut. Some TS users like using a full blade so that the blade is aiming downward, reducing kickback, but that also runs a higher risk of getting severe cuts.

When you can, cut longer 3/4 cuts such as 12" or 18" or 24 inch long pieces then cut them to length. Longer rip pieces, versus short rips are safer, IMO.

Beyond longer rips being safer, I get more mileage out of my wood that way. I turn a lot of single barrel pens, so if I only need 2" for a bolt action, or 3" for Le Roi Elegant--cutting it from an 18" stick gives me more opportunity to make use of a higher percentage of wood. I hate having a 1/2" piece of spalted maple left.
earl