Ok, at our local HS, we have an open woodshopclass - tho no instruction is ever given unlessasked for.I need to rip some boards down to 2" and othersto 3". Each set of boards will vary in lengthfrom 24 - 60" inches.The school shop has an old Delta TS. Lastweek and and other student checked thesplitter. The thing was NOT centered onthe blade and was leaning intowards thefence. We somehow got it aligned by workingit up and down. But I still didn't trustit that night.I was wondering if there was a good wayI could safely rip my boards on this sawif the splitter is still "out of whack".We do have some hold downs and featherboards.I could see fashioning a hold down that wouldkeep the boards down on the table. Then pushing(with push sticks) the stock thru the cut.Also, I could also see just ripping on thebandsaw as well.Anyother good ideas? I searched my booksand without a doubt a splitter is the wayto go and would be if the machine is mine butI'm looking for an equally safe alternative.MJ Wallace

Are you a student in this class I gather?If so, I would suggest it's time to ask for some help--first to get themachine set up properly and second to get some (hopefully) competentinstruction/demonstration on the use of the saw itself.2" is really not that bad a width for ripping w/ a push stick and 5' orless is short enough that it can be handled reasonably well although anoutfeed support would be useful.I would use the saw with the splitter until the splitter is setproperly and is not loose where it could be moved manually. I'd ratherrip w/o it than in that condition.

Would you make the cut?

Oct 12, 2005 23 Replies

Rate this thread:

bridger 20 years ago

a cup.

Vote

Lee Michaels 20 years ago

Maybe a modern day version of a suit of armor will do.

formatting link

Vote

Edwin Pawlowski 20 years ago

That is my point. The op is wondering how to best make a cut on a saw that is way out of tune. Answer: You don't make the cut, you fix the saw first.

Vote

marks542004 20 years ago

Bring it to the attention of the shop teacher. It should be an easy matter to align it properly.

I would not rip timber without a splitter. Having a cut close up on the back of the blade can make for an exciting time.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required