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Here is a Jig I made to cut some thin strips using my table saw. Danged if just after I ordered the bearings from online if Rockler came out with one on sale! Well, it feels better using a jig you made, not some factory!

The first pic shows the jig on my table saw being measured for the cut. The second shows a test strip being cut. And picture 3 shows that the strip got cut to 1/8"! SUCCESS! Now when I need to cut my 1/16" accent trip I can do it safely.

Here are the parts laid out:



The base is made of 3/4" ply, 3×5. The top is 3×7 ply before it was shaped. (Hint: Cut dadoes in the ply to accept the 1/4" x 1/2" hardwood runner before cutting them to size! I also sanded the top runners, then applied a paste wax.)



The bearing I ordered was way to big for the inside diameter, too, so I had to use different spacers and a 3/8" bolt. It works fine, but has close clearance on bottom of jig.



Use is siomple. Just measure the doistance between blade and bearing,


then slide jig back to behind the blade and run wood through, as in picture 2 above.

One note though… Make sure you install a splitter and ZCI FIRST! This wil help prevent any nasty kickback! I used a MJ Splitter, but a piece of wood the width of your kerf positioned directly behind your blade will work, too.



You can see in picture 3, above, that it worked fine on my test strip. I hope this helps you build one for yourself!

God Bless,
Hawg

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
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690 Posts
Hawg,

These jigs work great, don't they? I made one too, and am glad I did.
 

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Great looking Jig. Nice Job. Thanks for posting the clever idea.
 

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I nipped the end of my thumb off a couple years ago trying to do this by setting the fence 1/8" from the blade. This is a MUCH safer way to do it : )
Thanks and good job
 

· In Loving Memory
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I got lazy and bought the Rockler one. Yours is good though.
 

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Yes, Gary, if I would have seen the Rockler one before I ordered the bearings (I live in a semi-rural town that does not have a bearing shop). I would have ordered the one from Rockler.

I am sad to hear that you nipped your finger, Dayton. I almost took my finger off this last summer, so TS safety is tops on my list now. I used the Grripper to cut the 1/4" strip, but I need to cut 1/16" accent strips fofr a project and did not feel safe using it for that application.

If you want to order the bearing, I would suggest using one with 1 3/8" OD and 1/4" ID, or one that allows a 1/4-20 bolt instead of the big one I had to use.

It can even be used on the bandsaw!

Photobucket

God Bless,
Hawg
 

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By gosh, Marc, that's a good one. I need to build one of these when I get back to the wood shop. Thanks for the post.
 

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These jigs are great..this is one of the nicer versions I have seen on here. Its just an incredible waste of material to rip thin strips on a full size saw…even with a thin kerf blade your still operating at around a 50% material loss. But as I found out trying to locate thin pieces of cedar, and cedar dowels…....sometimes you just gota make it yourself! I cobbled one of these together quickly to rip my cedar strips, but I think I will buy the Rockler jig.
 

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That will go on the to do list for sure..Smart idea !
 

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Thanks for posting - this is a must have accessory for the TS.
 

· In Loving Memory
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Thats a great jig Hawg. I will put that one on my to do list. Thanks for sharing.
 

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Thanks for the post. It is much better than the jig I am now using. I will have to put this on my to do list.
 

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Hawg,
This design made me think about something that may help even more. There is a thing called a Sprag bearing (Some call it a Sprague bearing or a one-way bearing) Basically it rolls like a normal bearing in one direction but will not rotate in the opposite direction at all. The radio controlled car/helicopter industry uses them for the engine pull starters. Here is a source: Boca Bearings

You would use the same concept as your design but maybe the addition of a lobster claw rubber band for traction. So the part moves forward toward the blade like normal but you would have the benefit of the anti-kickback features of a featherboard

Prototype it and sell the design back to Rockler :)

Tim
 

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Very nice jig; I've considered making one myself. I think I cut a picture out of a magazine but have yet to get around to making it.
 

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Hi, for your bearing needs you can also find them at VXB.com, they have a great assorment and their price is affordable and they also sell on Ebay
 

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Thanks for the post. I think I will be making one of these pretty soon.
 

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Wasn't this design featured in a woodworking magazine and shouldn't they be mentioned in your post ?
If you are the original inventor , it is a great idea ! Either way , thank you for posting your project. : )
 

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Thanks for the post!! I just finished a similar one yesterday. My advice on the slots is to cut them after the board is cut to finished width and before it is cut into 2 pieces to length.
 

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this is a lot neater than the one i made,,,i just put a screw in the end where you put the bearing and i adjust the width of slat by turning the screw--i need to replace mine with your model--thanks
 
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