Sanding small parts to square?

[Woodchipper]

I have a box full of cutoffs that vary in sized from 1/2 inch to one inch in length. All are from 3/4x3/4 blanks. Problem is they are not square when cut on the bandsaw. I have a combo belt sander and disk sander. Wondering how to hold the small parts to square them for gluing on tubes or other blanks. TIA.

 

[GaryMGg]

Use a small wood screw clamp (hand screw).
I have some 4" hand screws which are a good size for what you're looking to do.
I like using them with the TS, router or chop saw.
Another option is to build a sled wherein you can clamp the small pieces keeping your hands safely away from cutting tools.

 

[duncsuss]

I would drill them first then square them using Rick Herrell's offset sanding jig. That way the end will be square to the drilled hole ready to stack and glue on a tube.

 

[jcm71]

Try this.

Making a Random, Irregularly Segmented Blank

If you are like me, you have "tons" of blank cut-offs that you just can't bring yourself to throw away. Here are some of mine. If you are adverse (like me) to using small pieces close to motorized saw blades, here is one way to get around that...

www.penturners.org

 

[Woodchipper]

Thanks, John. There is a gap between the miter and the sanding disk. Measured with I got the unit and it's a true 90 degrees. Make an extension of some kind to allow sanding closer to the disk. Just what I need...something else on the to-do list.

 

[leehljp]

I am for the TableSaw with sled. For me, it took some time and was a project of its own. BUT, once done and squared, perfect cuts over and over. I made "adjustments" a part of the sled and if I take an hour or so when I haven't used it in a year or two, I have been able to get everything back into alignment and square.

Blank construction

30 Pieces of Silver blank construction layout pict

www.penturners.org

Dozens and dozens of perfect thicknesses done from a sled.

 

[Woodchipper]

Thanks, Lee.