Jig idea needed .....

[tdibiasio]

Well I am at a loss with trying to figure out a good jig solution. I have several round acrylic blanks that I would like to use for segmenting. I am wanting to figure out a safe and accurate way to cut down the center of the round blank so I can segment pieces together length wise. I have most of the major powertools - cabnet saw, byrnes mini saw, bandsaw, micro handsaw with a miterbox......

Any ideas would be appreciated. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out an accurate jig set up.

 

[THarvey]

Make a V-block using a section of a 2x4. Cut part way through the V with you saw, then clamp in place. Use the V as your guide and slide the blanks through the saw using a push block.

You will need to use a push block that allows you to put downward pressure as you push forward.

Here is a link that may help explain it better. http://benchnotes.com/Vee Block/vee_block.htm

Be careful. Cuts like this can kick back easily.

 

[stolicky]

Yep, I think Tim said it all. A V-block would be the way to go.

 

[randyrls]

I am wanting to figure out a safe and accurate way to cut down the center of the round blank so I can segment pieces together length wise. I have most of the major powertools - cabnet saw, byrnes mini saw, bandsaw, micro handsaw with a miterbox......

Any ideas would be appreciated. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out an accurate jig set up.

Tom; This is just off the top of my head; Drill a hole the size of the blank in a square block of wood, clamp in front of the band saw blade and push the blank thru the hole. You may want to partly cut a slot in the guide for the saw blade to ride in. You may need a push stick to finish the cut.

2nd idea; Clamp the ends of the blank in some kind of adjustable jig for pushing thru on the table saw. I sometimes use a narrow 7-1/4" circular saw blade on my table saw.

Protect yourself in case the saw blade grabs and launches pieces.

Using square blanks would make the process simpler.

 

[VisExp]

I cast the round blank in PR or Alumitilte. Then I have a square blank to work with. It is an extra step but probably no more trouble than having to devise and use a jig to allow you to cut the blank safely.

The inlays for this pen were cut on the scrollsaw in a round alternate ivory blank that had been cast square in alumilite.

 

[rherrell]

Make a couple of featherboards. Clamp one to the saw table to keep the blank pushed in towards the fence and clamp one to the fence to keep the blank pushed down on the table. Raise the blade so it JUST clears the blank and push it through with a stick.:wink:

 

[AceMrFixIt]

I cut this with a V block on a band saw. Just make sure the blank dosen't twist as you cut. Almost forgot, I glued a square block of wood to the back end to ride in the V, works like a charm.