Thread: cutting slabs with table saw

That depends what you mean !
I have used my table saw to break down small logs for re-sawing, The size depends on the size of your blade.
I made a slide that runs against the fence and holds the logs to stop them twisting during the cut.
Most saw mills basically use a VERY big table saw to break down the logs,
I have found its a lot easier and less waste to use a bandsaw.
Andrew

thanks for that andrew

Short answer is no.

Rgds

Ross

Originally Posted by Matt Thomas

g'day,
i was wondering if a table saw could cut logs into slabs, any help help would be much appreciated.
cheers

define logs - 4" diam or 2 foot??

Check this out!

I have a 12" TS and break up small (8" or less in diam) logs with my rig- you have to flip the log when the depth of cut is greater than 4". I have also tackled bigger (12" diam) by firstly ripping them in half with a Chain saw. Getting the cuts to line up ain't easy. A band saw is a much better and safer tool to do this with but unfortunately I have no room left in my shed for one! If you want to cut awkward shaped bits of timber with a BS you also need some sort of a holding rig.

the logs would be no more than 5" in diameter and thnx for the help so far guys

Matt,
Yes you can - see here http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com....php?t=63190As long as your table saw max depth of cut is equal to or just a bit less than half the diameter of the log you can do it with a bit of care as I have done.

In fact if the depth of cut was just a bit less than half the diameter I think it would be a tad safer as you would not run the risk of the saw blade jamming because of your clamping . You could then finish the job with a hand saw.

The real trick is to get the two cuts to line up - or close to it

Regards

Ian

thanks ian for the forum you posted about how you milled up some with a table saw, the end result looked nice
yer, the trick would be to match up the cuts.

Well its probably possible with a bit of thought but I wouldn't really try it, much too dangerous! (and not really what its intended for kinda like making a cuppa with a blender)

JT What do you mean by "probably"? - I'm not that good with Photoshop mate!!

The question of how safe or otherwise it is is a different matter, and if you don't reckon it's safe then it probably isn't - for you.

I took it very slowly, recognised the risks, checked and re-checked clamps and settings and kept well out of the way and in any event it's not something I'd make a habit of doing.

The original post did not receive much feedback on whether it was unsafe or otherwise but some very experienced forum members seemed interested in the process.

Ian

Originally Posted by Ian Smith

JT What do you mean by "probably"? - I'm not that good with Photoshop mate!!

Well I'm pretty good with photoshop but I can assure you JT that I did not use it either in my shots. I agree with Ian, we're showing you ways of doing it as safely as we know how.

In my case the piece held in the sliding table is totally locked in the sliding dimension and is not going anywhere. The other piece is the one to keep an eye on. I use the TS resaw rig to make 2 roughly perpendicular faces (ie quarter the log) which I then joint and then take it back to the TS to rip cut the smaller slabs off with which is the same as general ripping.

Originally Posted by Matt Thomas

thanks ian for the forum you posted about how you milled up some with a table saw, the end result looked nice
yer, the trick would be to match up the cuts.

Hi Matt
I have done this. Cut the side a log with the table saw. This becomes the bottom. With the flat side on the bech push the log through just on the side. then push this flat side to the fence. I found that if you are cutting half the log push hard aginst the saw fence with the top of the log to the bench. This means that when you flip it over to cut the other half that it will have a flat part to the bench. This means that it won't jamb on the blade after pushing it through. Make sure you use a push stick and keep concertrating.
Hope this helps. As long as the blade goes through half of the log you can break down a log with a table saw.

JAMC