Cutting small pieces to size

[Oldmansbike]

I am making this clock and I’m having trouble cutting the small pieces to size before I cut the scroll work. I have been using my miter saw but I’m afraid I’m going to lose a finger doing it with the miter saw. How do you guys cut really small pieces? I’m talking an inch wide by two inches long and some are smaller than that. Thanks

[OCtoolguy]

2 minutes ago, Oldmansbike said:

I am making this clock and I’m having trouble cutting the small pieces to size before I cut the scroll work. I have been using my miter saw but I’m afraid I’m going to lose a finger doing it with the miter saw. How do you guys cut really small pieces? I’m talking an inch wide by two inches long and some are smaller than that. Thanks

Sometimes, since I have to set up my table saw each time, I opt for a quick cut on my bandsaw or just rough it out on the scroll saw. I guess it depends on what it is. The other day, I wanted a small piece of walnut that I had a 1x 2 of. Rather than get out my table saw, I just took it to the bandsaw. I agree with you on using the miter saw for tiny things. Dangerous.

[Oldmansbike]

Thanks for the reply Ray. I thought about the bandsaw but didn’t know if I could get them cut square. I guess I’ll try it because I have a lot more to cut to finish the clock.

[James E. Welch]

Even the Tablesaw could be dangerous when cutting small pieces if not careful, but you're right the miter saw is not a great option for small pieces. I'd go with the bandsaw or Scrollsaw with a bigger blade. I keep an old cheap pin style Scrollsaw for this kind of thing or use my bandsaw. Sometimes I'll use the Tablesaw but usually with a sled 

[Dan]

Rockler makes a small parts jig for the table saw. It worked pretty good for me. It's basically a small sled and is pretty safe. I still have all 11 fingers. Wait, no, just 10. 

Edited June 26, 2023 by Dan

[Tom-in-Ashland]

What about something like this.   https://www.homedepot.com/p/MicroLux-Mini-Tilt-Arbor-Table-Saw-for-Benchtop-Hobby-Use-80463/312434052?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D25T-025_009_PORT_POWER-NA-Multi-NA-SMART-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PortPower&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D25T-025_009_PORT_POWER-NA-Multi-NA-SMART-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PortPower-71700000106625794-58700008274559054-92700076261262900&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7uSkBhDGARIsAMCZNJtJh4oNmZBAOBf4xbzNPsgQ6bVuwHkXx_9cLuxPE0H4U42IC_r_mfUaArx1EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

or.  https://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-Mini-Tilt-Arbor-Table-Saw-for-Benchtop-Hobby-Use_2?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7uSkBhDGARIsAMCZNJsy4T2kV-oTNtqbFFeGY215lfIZauJEp-S6Zu3uMIDW6jG9HgiSVNIaAnLnEALw_wcB

[CharleyL]

I use one of these to hold the piece while cutting it on my table saw, band saw, or router table, or even a scroll saw, but I added strips of sticky backed 80 grit sandpaper to the surfaces that grip the part for a better and safer grip. Actually, this isn't exactly the one that I have. Mine is yellow and has an aluminum guard along one side that can be angled to ride against a fence. I can cut very small pieces with this, without putting my fingers in harms way.

https://www.amazon.com/Holder-Router-Tables-Safely-Smaller/dp/B06ZYNNFVW/ref=sr_1_42?crid=1KYUUUBKM7X9Q&keywords=small+part+cutting+jig&qid=1687835367&sprefix=small+part+cutting+jig%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-42

Sorry, I can't remember where I bought the yellow one, but if it comes to me I'll update this post. I think the yellow one is the original, but now even Rockler is making one, but of course it's Blue and more expensive.

 

Found It !! -  This is the one that I have.

https://www.infinitytools.com/router-table-saw-small-workpiece-holder

 

Charley

Edited June 27, 2023 by CharleyL

[BadBob]

I routinely cut small pieces on a 12-inch miter saw. If you clamp it correctly, it isn't difficult or dangerous. If you want to know how, watch this.
 

 

[Oldmansbike]

1 hour ago, BadBob said:

I routinely cut small pieces on a 12-inch miter saw. If you clamp it correctly, it isn't difficult or dangerous. If you want to know how, watch this.
 

 

Thanks Bob I think that’s what I need to try

[CharleyL]

This is what I use. Having one near the miter saw, table saw, scroll saw, etc. and getting comfortable with it will save you from a lot of accidents and near misses.

Charley

 

https://www.amazon.com/FastCap-10-Million-Dollar-Stick/dp/B0728GYJ5G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25MK5SP54JZP1&keywords=10+million+dollar+stick+for+miter+saw&qid=1688086100&sprefix=10+million+dollar+stick%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1

[Roberta Moreton]

Never raise the blade while it is spinning!