Safest way to make 1/4" square strips

Push sticks and feather boards! Also, do a search here for thin rip jigs. These jigs will help you get consistant results.

If waste is not an issue, I would plane the stock to 1/4”, then cut the strips with a thin strip jig.

cut the strips close to the size you need, plane them down to 1/4” then rotate them 90 degrees and run threw the planner again. Perfectly sqaure 1/4” square. Just did this with some walnut to make 3/8” inch sticks.

-- I can fix ANYTHING!.... Wheres the duct tape?

I would cut your material to 1/4” then rip the stock in 1/4 strips make sure you have the small strip fall off not between the blade and the fence. You might do a search here on Ljs for thin strip jigs they are easy to make and make the operation quick and accurate

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I agree with Jim. It’s the safe way

-- Gary, DeKalb Texas

I have been using the Micro jig push “stick” for a couple of months and like the fact that it provides a cover over the blade and very secure holding of the piece.I use the micro splitter as well and this holds the cutoff piece secure as well.

-- With each new day, celebrate life. Love God with all of your heart. Share Jesus with those around you and make a positive impact on those you meet. Bob

Please have a look on my reply here
http://lumberjocks.com/topics/11083#reply-115892

niki

Thanks so much for all your comments – it sounds like making a “thin strips jig” is the best way to go!

Mike

I often make small parts using extra long stock. I make the cut without pushing all the way through the blade, then cut the part off.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

i end up with a bunch of these every time i make a 3/8 rabbit for picture frames. set your fence 1/4” from blade 3/8” high for first cut, run all four sides if your stock is thick enough then reset height to 1/4” and width to size of stock less 3/8”, this lets the strip fall away from the fence, run all four sides, resquare stock and go again
as said use feather boards and push stick
the jigs are great too, this is just another idea

-- Ron, Missouri