ripping success

I'm pleased to report that I DID NOT go out and buy a Bosch 4000 table saw on impulse yesterday-- made a solid case for it but ended up going the simpler route.

After discussing my ripping notions with Michael I decided that I had nothing to lose by trying the jig method first. To that end I got an aluminum cutting guide. I had gone to Lowe's thinking I could find some sort of "channel" or "I" aluminum beam that would do the trick, little did I know they had productized exactly what I was looking to rig. You'll note from the picture it's pretty (BTW, if you haven't already guessed, love the packing graphics) simple.

I also got a two new saw blades a titanium 24 framing and a carbide 46 finish blade. To round out the weekly supplies trip I added a pair of those plastic saw horses that all the trades guys seem to be using these days. The saw that I'm using is a 7 1"4 Skil worm gear circular saw. Somewhat of a framing workhorse I am learning it can finesse a job as well.

This morning the job was to rip off 5 3/4" pieces of 3/4' ply to make the prototype shelving boxes. Opting for the finish blade over the framing, I set it all up in the snowy backyard and it worked fine... well I did put the saw blade on backwards right out of the gate (come on it's been a few years) but immediately realized it as soon as the turning blade approached the wood.

The conclusion: Actually not so bad. I cut four 8' x 5 3/4" pieces. The saw with the new blade slid like butter; held to the aluminum guide with ease. If Michael had been around to support the other end of the long strips it would have been a piece of cake, there was no jamming or kick-back-- just somewhat awkward.

Meaning: for now, I go sans table saw. Further, it was starting to encroach on the compound miter saw for the #1 spot on the wish list.

Comments

[charlie]

Dude! You totally did the right thing! Totally!

Without room for a shop, a table-saw is a tough sell for ply-wood (now, when you get to trimming out cabinets and book-cases, then it's more worth it.)

The other thing when it comes to book-cases and the like: They are ply-wood boxes, and you can get those naked furniture/cheapo cabinet shops to make them for you for just a little more than materials, and (often) for a lot less than the head-ache of making them yourself. You put them where you want them, and then trim out with moulding or what-ever.

Dover publications probably has a book showing how cabinets and book-shelves are just fancy plywood boxes.

I've known a few designers who go this route, trim them out nicely, and call them "Custom" (which they are, but still).

Compound miter saw, now you _need_ that. Seriously, splurge.

[douglas]

Ummmmmmmmmmmm, tools.