Splitting thick material into two for scales.

AVigil

AVigil

Adam Vigil working the grind
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Feb 17, 2009
Messages
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It has always been a challenge to split a thick material to get thin for slipjoint scales. A table saw blade removes to much material and can be scary cutting in half. A bandsaw is a struggle to keep the cut straight. A hand saw takes forever and is a lot of work on hard materials like ebony or desert iron wood.

In searching for a solution I was finally successful.

I decided to try a multi tool to cut the material in half and it worked great.

Lowes has on sale until the 31st the 20V XR Dewalt multi tool, charger, battery, bag and two blades for $100. That is half price on sale.

I was able in a few minutes to cut a piece of ebony into two, for scales, with a nice straight cut all the way through.

So if you struggle in cutting to get thin scales give this a try.

This Dewalt 20v Multi tool is a beast and will get a lot of use.
 
I was doing great on light woods with a Japanese pull saw. Very thin, little waste, and a precise cut. Then I ruined it on a piece of g10, teeth were popping off. Luckily it was a cheap one from Lowes.
 
AVigil said:
It has always been a challenge to split a thick material to get thin for slipjoint scales. A table saw blade removes to much material and can be scary cutting in half. A bandsaw is a struggle to keep the cut straight. A hand saw takes forever and is a lot of work on hard materials like ebony or desert iron wood.

In searching for a solution I was finally successful.

I decided to try a multi tool to cut the material in half and it worked great.

Lowes has on sale until the 31st the 20V XR Dewalt multi tool, charger, battery, bag and two blades for $100. That is half price on sale.

I was able in a few minutes to cut a piece of ebony into two, for scales, with a nice straight cut all the way through.

So if you struggle in cutting to get thin scales give this a try.

This Dewalt 20v Multi tool is a beast and will get a lot of use.
Click to expand...
Is it a spinning tool or vibratory?

*Im having all the same troubles as you were
 
guys
a well dialed in bandsaw can easily cut into paper thin pieces (and straight)
the biggest issue is getting it setup correctly....not too little tension,,,blade guides set correctly etc
if you try cutting both the top/bottom separately first ... say by a hand saw
then getting both to come together becomes much easier...
sometimes i do this when getting the wood saw table cleared off is a pain.......looking forward to a bigger shop in some months
 
Pinoy Knife said:
guys
a well dialed in bandsaw can easily cut into paper thin pieces (and straight)
the biggest issue is getting it setup correctly....not too little tension,,,blade guides set correctly etc
if you try cutting both the top/bottom separately first ... say by a hand saw
then getting both to come together becomes much easier...
sometimes i do this when getting the wood saw table cleared off is a pain.......looking forward to a bigger shop in some months
Click to expand...
Yeah, that was a crap shoot for me, sometimes it works and other times the cut drifted. This method is so much easier.
 
Here is how to get perfect cuts on a table saw or band saw -
Attach the block to a larger piece of wood or metal with double sided tape. Use the kind sold by places like Woodcraft for the folks who do turning.
Make sure the block you use is square. A 1-2-3 block will work, a piece of 2X4" aluminum bar or rectangular channel, or a well sanded and squared piece of 2X4 hardwood. IT can be wider if you wish 2X6 or 2X8 ... doesn't matter, as long as the side is square,

Now you have something that you can run through the saw against the fence safely. It works best with a pusher fence/sled that is squared to the blade at 90°.
This technique is also good for cutting multiple scales from a thicker block.
 
I use a jewelerssaw but the right blades make all the difference.
I use Hercules nr2 for metal but they take forever on handle material. I have some unknown "wood blades" that work perfectly on handle material. I loose app 1/16 after cutting and flattening.
It doesn't go fast thouh
 
AVigil said:
For all those who have tried the other methods, which I have, and still have trouble, try the multi tool method.
Click to expand...
can you show a picture of the blade/attachment?

I have one of those buzzer do Hickies, but never thought they were good? My inlaws got it for us one Christmas
 
Like Crag I'm a bit lost as to what tool you're talking about. Is it this Amazon item # B07TYGKHHS what you're talking about?

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Oscillating Tool, Cordless, Oscillating, Tool only (DCS354B)​

Ooops, you just posted the photo - I guess it's it.

OK, the item I referenced above is tool only with no battery. Anybody have any idea of a B&D or Porter Cable battery will fit? I've mod'd the B&D and Porter Cable so they're interchangeable. Just wondering about the DeWalt battery. Looks close to the same.
 
If you go to Lowes.com it is on sale until the 6/31.
Look for "

DEWALT XR 20-volt Max Cordless Brushless 3-speed 6-Piece Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit with Soft Case (1-Battery Included)"​


Its $99 for tool, battery, charger, blades and bag.
 
I have a bunch of sumac that I want to block up from small logs, into blocks for stabilizing... I might try this?
I just am a little skeptical
 
Crag the Brewer said:
I have a bunch of sumac that I want to block up from small logs, into blocks for stabilizing... I might try this?
I just am a little skeptical
Click to expand...
Not what to use if cutting down logs. This is for small work
 
we call em nibblers up here
 
im amazed you can get a nice straight cut with it btw. dont get me wrong but is im cutting scales that is not the go to tool for me. maybe its cause my scales are normaly 2x6x wht ever thickness im looking for. i have a cheap delta bandsaw but have it tuned like the video shows and a narrow kerf blade in it. about the only issue i have is if he table gets knocked or if i try to force the wood into th e blade to fast causing the blade to ride the guides one way or the other causing a poor cut. all of witch i take care of with the fly cutter
 
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