Reply by Dan Krager

+1 jumbojock.
It is also a good idea to secure the piece to be cut between the regular fence and a low fence, like a board laid flat and snugged up to the workpiece and clamped securely. Work your way into the depth of cut with multiple passes, taking maybe 1/8” per pass. You will find this safe, secure and predictable (with the holes at both ends, start and stop) and if you ruin a piece it will be because you fumbled it on the floor!
Best wishes.
DanK

-- Dan Krager, Olney IL http://www.kragerwoodworking.weebly.com