Save Those Scraps

[Vector01]

Normally when I cut a piece I throw away the cutouts right away (saves clean up later). Today I decided to just toss them on the kitchen table. While cutting my last two pieces I ran into a problem. Because of the amount of material I was removing from the piece some areas became weak.

 

There is normally some chatter or lifting of the wood during cutting, especially with reverse blades. Because of the lack of material in these areas this problem was greatly amplified. In these particular areas I had to apply so much pressure on the piece that it made it diffilcult to manuver the wood to cut. At this point I was worried that some of the finer cuts would snap from the vibration.

 

I stopped and pondered the problem. My first thought was to apply some clear packing tape to the back of the piece for additional support. Then I happened to look on the table and checked out the pieces I removed. Ahaa...Why not put the cut outs back in. I replaced the pieces around the weak areas where I had some additional cutting to do. This helped in supporting those surrounding areas and I was able to finish the piece with no problems.

[amazingkevin]

Hello Art, that's a good trick,a stich in time saves nine.I'm sure you aliveiated a big problem putting the cut piece back in.Sometimes the pieces are so small you can't put them back.i've held the piece with my finger so it did'nt vibrate as i cut many times but cringed doing so.Good point to pass on to us.Thanks.

[woodworker13403A]

I have used the cut piece trick too and it also works for when you are trying to do a light sanding. When the piece is too small, instead of fingers, I use the eraser end of a pencil. Saves wear and tear of the fingers!

Rick

[wombatie]

I have also used that trick on a number of occasions. I put the piece back in and hold it there with masking tape. I did it resently with the miniture horse that I did thats in my gallery and when I had finished the cutting I left them in turned it over and sanded it, it worked a treat. And I didn't break a single piece off. It's a lot of little things like this that help make us all good at out craft.

 

Marg