Thread: Information on sawing a plank

Originally Posted by AIRDRIED

I have a plank of Qld Maple that is too thick and would like to have it sawn in two.

Plank measures 10" x 1 3/4" x 6' and I would like to get it cut into two boards of around 1/2" to 5/8" thickness.

Can anyone suggest a sawmill in the Brisbane/Gold Coast area that would have a bandsaw capable of doing the job?

thanks in advance...

Airdried

G'day Airdried,

If you are just splitting it in two then you have plenty of room to play with and you have a few options available. Square off the two edges and plunge cut from both sides with a circular saw and guide then finish cut with a handsaw. Alternatively do a 20mm score around all four sides with circular saw and finish with a handsaw. It is not as hard as you might think with one of those $10 handsaws from the hardware (or better if you have it). The scores act as guides for the handsaw cut to keep it straight and true.

Regards, Timboz

Timboz.....

Thanks for the reply. Don't see why I couldn't do that myself.

A bit more work but at least I don't have to traipse around town going to a sawmill of which there does not seem to be as many in Bris these days.

Airdried

I am sure that you could find a Men's Shed nearby that could help out.

Thanks Avery,

I know a chap who is currently involved in setting up a Mens Shed. He may know someone with a decent size saw.

Airdried.

Airdried

Probably a bandsaw is the easiest way to go as suggested by Avery.

However I would try Timboz's suggestion except that I would clamp some wide timber to the sides of your maple board to give a little more "base" for the circular saw to sit on. It is easy for the saw to rock on a relatively narrow surface and slightly off and the cut is magnified at the deepest part of the cut.

You should only have to handsaw through about 2 1/2 inches if you use a 9" circular saw.

Regards
Paul

Paul...

Now that's a clever idea. Amazing what you learn when you ask knowlegable people!

thanks..

Airdried